A scene from last year’s New Cumberland Music + Film Festival
A local group is bringing a big city art fest feel to their community.
The New Cumberland Music + Film Festival will return for its third year, bringing indie movies and music to the neighborhood, with a goal to bring people together.
The festival, which runs from Sept. 5 to 7, is organized by the New Cumberland Collective and the West Shore Theatre.
“It brings something to New Cumberland that we didn’t see before,” said Pamela Cullen, vice president of the collective. “It gives us a lot of opportunities to showcase hyper-local talent, but also national talent.”
This year’s featured films all fit with a theme of small actions having the ability to make a big impact, a shared message that emerged while selecting the films, said Jonny Leahan, who co-organized the event with Cullen.
Kicking off the weekend is “Middletown,” a documentary in which a teacher inspires students to make a film, and they then uncover a conspiracy in their town. According to Leahan, the teacher from the film will be at the festival for a Q&A.
Other films will include “Obex” and “Speak,” as well as a selection of short films by Harrisburg-based Moviate. Several showings will include after-party receptions as well.
“We really wanted to bring brand new, interesting, award-winning films that would not play here otherwise,” Leahan said.
On the music side of the weekend, local bands Swoll and Hometime will play during Saturday’s Indie Music Night. Additionally, attendees can expect performances from DJ Raven de la Noir and Griefcat. And for those who’d rather stroll around town, buskers will play on downtown New Cumberland’s streets throughout the festival.
“It’s basically a three-day-long party,” Cullen said. “There’s something for everyone.”
While exploring and supporting the arts is a main priority of the festival, organizers also hope to draw neighbors downtown for fellowship.
“We’re just hoping people get out and realize there actually are some really cool cultural things happening here, and it’s a way to connect,” Leahan said.
To purchase tickets to New Cumberland Music + Film Festival events or for more information, visit their website.
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
