High Falls Film Festival: Celebrating Women in Film

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
High Falls Film Festival mission is to feature exceptional work of women in all areas of film, video and new media, highlighting Rochester, New York’s standing as the home of motion picture film (George Eastman) and the women’s rights movement (Susan B. Anthony).



ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
From Rochester, NY, the birthplace of motion picture film and the early women’s activist movement, High Falls Film Festival explores and celebrates artistry and innovation of the most imaginative female cinematic visionaries.

Since its inception in 2001, the High Falls Film Festival has screened more than 500 films, spotlighting the cinematic works of women and bringing the finest independent motion pictures and film artists to Rochester and Western New York audiences. The Festival includes features, documentaries, shorts, children’s and young adult programs. The Festival has also offered programs in film education as well as student filmmaking competitions.

In 2010 & 2011, the Festival changed course and adopted a new name and mission. Known as 360|365 George Eastman House Film Festival, the mission of the 360|365 Festival offered broader programming which was open to all independent filmmakers regardless of gender. During a hiatus in 2012, Festival management made the decision to return to its founding mission and name; celebrating women’s achievements under the founding name High Falls Film Festival.

Films from past Festivals have gone on to win Academy Awards®, Golden Globe Awards® and recognition at other festivals, from Sundance to Berlin. High Falls Film Festival includes panel discussions and master classes presented by prominent industry professionals who give our filmmaking audience unique access to advance their own talents in all aspects of filmmaking.

Our celebrity and film industry guests have included: Lynn Redgrave, Rita Moreno, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Christine Lahti, Bill Pullman, Angela Bassett, Robert Forster, Mira Nair, Jane Alexander, Candice Bergen, Joan Allen, Gordy Hoffman, Famke Janssen, Faith Hubley, Stuart Craig, Diane Ladd, John Curran, CCH Pounder, Leslie Stahl, Celeste Holm, Lainie Kazan, Sally Kellerman, voice-over actress Nancy “Bart Simpson” Cartwright, producer Lauren Shuler Donner, Richard Donner, Agnieszka Holland, and Shrek director Vicky Jenson.