ABOUT
PWFF-Philadelphia, is an off-shoot of the Playhouse West Film Festival in Los Angeles, established in 1997. In 2012, long-time Artistic Director/Instructor, and PWFF Director, Tony Savant, moved to Philadelphia and founded a branch of the world-renown school, Playhouse West-Philadelphia. The following year, in 2013, the school hosted it's first annual film festival in the City of Brotherly Love and plans to continue this event annually, just like it's been held on Los Angeles, where he was the director for 19 years.
The Playhouse West Film Festival screens films which involve their current or former members. All films must either have a Playhouse West member in a leading or primary supporting acting role, or as the director, writer or producer.
The Playhouse West Film Festival-Philadelphia is sponsored by the Playhouse West Arts Foundation, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization dedicated to the inspiration, education and development of motion picture and theater artists of independent vision, and to the exhibition of their work. By sponsoring programs such as the Playhouse West Film Festival, we can also educate the public about the art of filmmaking, and introduce them to the work of aspiring new film artists of the future.
The Playhouse West Film Festival is well-known as one of the most positive, filmmaker-friendly festivals in the country. Each year we hear more and more from filmmakers that our festival has been their favorite. From our well organized, run-on-time format, to our unique Q&A’s after each screening block, giving filmmakers a platform to discuss their films at length with our audience, we take great pride in making our festival a fantastic experience for filmmakers.
As an institution, Playhouse West leads the way in encouraging young filmmakers. Playhouse West members from Los Angeles, Philadelphia produce over 250 films per year, many which go one to be accepted and win awards at film festivals around the country and world.
LOCATION
PLAYHOUSE WEST - PHILADELPHIA THEATER
1218 Wallace Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
PARKING
Wallace Street has only 2 hour parking on weekdays until 6:30 p.m., but there is free parking on 12th & 13th Streets, also on Melon Street, Marvine Street, Fairmont Avenue and Brown Street. And a free lot on 12th & Melon, across from Spring Garden School.
The studio is also easily accessed by public transportation. We are a few blocks from the Broad Street line at either Spring Garden or Fairmont Ave.
BOTH
Offered admission to her dream school, far from her family, a half-Thai-half-American girl becomes caught in a cultural divide between a western “me” mentality and eastern “we” mentality.
Run Time
15:00 min
7 pm Shorts
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27th
DRINK IT
A man reminisces fondly of his sobriety until he is visited by a shadow… with a drink.
Run Time
3:25 min
A PAID CONNECTION
When Caroline’s therapist of 15 years, Judy, announces her retirement, Caroline refuses to let her go without a fight.
Run Time
8:58 min
9 am Shorts
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28th
DISSONANCE
A young woman drives her significant other and their son home when a text message causes her to end this ride short.
Run Time
4:47 min
10:30 Shorts
HOW TO SATISFY A WOMAN
A desperate couple work tirelessly to find their daughter's favorite nap toy.
Run Time
18:37 min
1 pm Shorts
2:30 pm Shorts
I'LL MEET YOU THERE
A man recounts a trip to his late to his late wife’s childhood home as they prepare for the future.
Run Time
14:46 min
3:30 pm Shorts
A FIRST
A young man attempts to keep his parents from leaving their house for fear of them being physically assaulted because of their race, as a friend attempts to comfort him with his experience in the matter.
Run Time
12:25 min
9 am Shorts
SUNDAY, AUGUST 29th
DESTINATION
After making a big life decision, a woman must convince best friend she is doing the right thing.
Run Time
8:18 min
10:30 Shorts
CALLED TO DUTY
A veteran's support group meeting goes wrong when Winston joins for the first time.
Run Time
5:35 min
NICE TO BE YOU
A high school student turned local celebrity makes his way to an unknown destination.
Run Time
6:10 min
1 pm Shorts
THE FISHING TRIP
A teen struggles with the death of his father and must find a way to achieve closure.
Run Time
10:33 min
2:30 pm Shorts
3:30 pm Shorts