MNFF to debut neo-noir film series with screening of ‘Chinatown’

The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival will try something new this winter and spring, with a Selects Series we’re calling “Lost Chances: Neo-Noir Here and Now.”

‘Jim Henson: Idea Man’ to play on Dec. 19

Film director Ron Howard’s five-time Emmy-winning documentary film, “Jim Henson: Idea Man” will screen at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 19, at the Town Hall Theater, as part of the Midddlebury New Filmmakers’ year-round Selects Series.

Movie review: Using film to ask the right questions

“The Teachers’ Lounge” was one of this year’s Best Foreign Film nominees — though its closely observed drama set inside a contemporary seventh-grade German classroom could have easily been American.  The film’s protagonist, idealistic young teacher Carla … (read more)

Jay Craven remembers Kristofferson fondly

‏Like many people, I was sad to learn the heartbreaking news that Kris Kristofferson passed away on Sept. 28. Kris was a rare figure in popular culture — supremely talented, successful, modest, and always generous and kind.

Jay Craven: My new film digs into Vermont’s origin story

I’ll play my new film, “Lost Nation,” this Saturday at Middlebury Town Hall Theater, as a part of the film’s Vermont 50 Town Tour. It will screen here again on Aug. 10. JAY CRAVEN The film is a Revolutionary War-era action drama set in the early upstart R … (read more)

Craven’s new film, ‘Lost Nation,’ to screen in Middlebury on Saturday

This Revolutionary War-era action drama is set in the early upstart Republic of Vermont with some notable historic characters fleshed out in an exciting story.

Where the Rivers Flow North: A reunion with an old friend

It’s been 30 years since Jay Craven was on the road touring his film “Where the Rivers Flow North.” Now he’s looking forward to a special screening this Saturday in Ferrisburgh.

Curtain to rise on MNFF8; film festival to offer thrills, stars & more

Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival 8 will screen more than 140 films on six screens in MIddlebury next week.

On making a film of Jack London’s ‘Martin Eden’

Jack London has always interested me, for his vivid writing, social engagement, complex humanism and the textured emotions of his characters.

‘Jack London’s Martin Eden’ to play in Middlebury

Set in 1909 and filmed on Nantucket, Jay Craven’s new independent film is based on Jack London’s autobiographical novel, “Martin Eden.”

Activists re-create iconic MLK speech

BARNET — On April 4, 1967, Martin Luther King Jr. stood in the pulpit of the Riverside Church in Manhattan’s Upper West Side and delivered one of the most important and powerful speeches of his life. Despite counsel from many of his allies, King condemned … (read more)

Watch winter movies from MNFF’s Split Screen series

Wanting to remain active and relevant during the still sprawling pandemic, Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival producer Lloyd Komesar and I went online with our August event, then came up with our Split Screen series, a monthly 10-day online mini-festival, … (read more)

Film festival starts today with special guests

MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival starts today (Aug. 22) and runs through Sunday, Aug. 25.  The festival features first- and second-time filmmakers. We show their work and host them on stage and at events where they mingle with audience … (read more)