MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival announces a dynamic slate of female filmmakers at its third annual event. Opening night, Thursday, Aug. 24, starts with “Take My Nose… Please” from 89-year-old, first-time filmmaker Joan Kron. Other spotlights on female filmmakers include an onstage event with MNFF honorees Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg, the filmmaking duo behind “Marathon: The Patriots Day Bombing;” a screening of the groundbreaking documentary on Hollywood legend Hedy Lamarr from first time director Alexandra Dean and a return appearance by legendary documentary filmmaker Barbara Kopple.
“Hollywood can prove difficult for women filmmakers but many of indie filmmaking’s leading talents are women,” said MNFF Artistic Director Jay Craven.  “We’ve featured dozens of women filmmakers during our first two years — and we’ve got even more women filmmakers this year.”
“The buzz around this year’s lineup is already building,” noted Lloyd Komesar, MNFF producer.  “Our exceptional contributions from women filmmakers are clearly one of the main reasons that people are excited.” 
The festival will begin on Thursday, Aug. 24 at 10:30 a.m. with screenings at Town Hall Theater and the Marquis; a 1:30 p.m. showing will follow at the same venues. Look for a complete list of films showing at this year’s festival, information on happy hour receptions and talks on the MNFF website (middfilmfest.org) in early August.