New Hope Film Festival: Record Filmmaker Turnout Expected

NEW HOPE, PA — Organizers are gearing up for the 10th Annual New Hope Film Festival, which runs July 19-28. Record filmmaker turnout is expected, according to organizers.

The Festival, touted as “this emerging ‘Sundance East’” in a June 2012 article in The Huffington Post, was founded by D. F. Whipple, an author, screenwriter, and New Hope area resident.

This year, red carpet actor and 2019 Academy Awards celebrity Thom Mulligan is the festival’s Director of Submissions. Mulligan, based in southern California, oversaw the selection of 116 official entries.

The entries include 89 films — include U.S. and world premieres. Submissions came from 17 countries. Additionally, 27 scripts were submitted.

Three countries are making their debut at the festival. For the first time ever, films from Ghana, Thailand and Argentina will be screened.

"Most of the world-class lineup is national and international, however a small group of fine local films from Bucks, Lehigh and Hunterdon Counties will also be screened," according to information from organizers.

The festival’s opening night will be held at the Phillips’ Mill Community Association’s theater just north of New Hope on Rt 32 (River Road). Films will be screened there through July 19-21.

On Tuesday, July 23, screenings will transition to New Hope Arts Center, 2 Stockton Avenue, New Hope. That's where the final awards gala will take place.

Filmmakers and screenwriters from around the country and abroad will attend the screenings and participate in Q&A sessions.

The official Program Guide and information about ticket sales can be found on the festival’s website, newhopefilmfestival.com.