Saratoga Springs, NY – The inaugural Saratoga Film Showcase (SFS) will light up the screen January 17-18, 2025, across several venues in Saratoga Springs. This exciting weekend-long event will celebrate regional cinema, emerging filmmakers, and the production value found within Saratoga’s community.

 

The event, presented with support from a multitude of local organizations and businesses such as Saratoga Arts, Discover Saratoga, Saratoga Living, Scene One Entertainment, Putnam Place, Skidmore MDOCS, 518 Film Network, and many more, promises a dynamic schedule of film screenings, insightful panel discussions, and memorable gatherings. The endeavor is nonprofit, and all proceeds from the event will fund scholarships for teens to attend ArtsFest at Camp Stomping Ground, a nonprofit organization that fosters creativity and confidence in youth.

 

The weekend’s headliner will be the screening of the feature film Paint, directed by Brit McAdams and starring Owen Wilson. Filmed in Saratoga Springs, Paint captures the city’s charm with scenes shot at beloved local landmarks such as the Lincoln Bathhouse, Olde Bryan Inn, Desperate Annie’s, and more. McAdams, the guest of honor at the event, will join the audience for a special Q&A session following the screening.

 

Event Schedule

Friday, January 17

  • 7:00 PM: Shorts After Dark – A showcase of bold and inventive short films.
  • 9:00 PM: Welcome Party – Network with the filmmakers, sponsors, and film enthusiasts.

 

Saturday, January 18

  • 9:30 AM: Local Locations Shorts – Films that feature prominent Capital Region settings.
  • 11:30 AM: Panel – Shooting Upstate.
  • 2:00 PM: Dance Shorts – A mesmerizing collection of dance-themed short films.
  • 4:00 PM: Panel – Choreography in Film.
  • 7:00 PM: Feature Presentation – Paint with Brit McAdams and post-film Q&A.
  • 9:30 PM: Closing Night Party – Celebrate the success of the first-ever SFS with live performers.

 

The Headlining Feature is hosted by Scene One Wilton Mall Cinema; all other programming is hosted by Putnam Place.

Tickets

Thanks to the outpouring of support from our community sponsors, SFS is able to offer passes by donation (suggested $50), granting access to all screenings, panels, and parties. All profits will be donated to Camp Stomping Ground as scholarships for teens to attend ArtsFest this summer. To purchase tickets or learn more about the event, visit the event page at https://www.saratoga-arts.org/event-5978760.

 

Sponsorships

Sponsorships are tax-deductible, currently available at a variety of levels, and gratefully accepted. For more information, please contact Spencer Sherry at ssherry@saratoga-arts.org to support this one-of-a-kind weekend.

 

Quotes

Spencer Sherry - Showcase Director:
"A mini-festival of this kind has been in the back of my mind for a while, and after Brit told me he’d be interested in coming back to town with Paint, I saw an opportunity to have it shine a spotlight on our local independent scene as well. I believe that the art being made in the Capital Region is tremendous, and our community has such overwhelming potential to produce greatness. I want SFS to connect this medium to its local audience, and give our artists a better chance of finding success here - particularly the next generation."

MacKenzie Zarzycki - Saratoga County Film Commissioner:
"The Saratoga Film Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the art of filmmaking while showcasing Saratoga County as a vibrant destination for creativity and culture. This event will bring together talented storytellers and local artists, to foster connections and inspiration through the power of film."

Laura Kriegel - Camp Stomping Ground Founder:
"We’re incredibly grateful to The Saratoga Film Showcase for their generous support of youth arts. It’s inspiring to be a part of a community that truly values the power of arts programming to connect young people to a life of unbound creativity and limitless potential. Even more inspiring is the opportunity to make these transformative experiences accessible to all youth, regardless of financial barriers."

Amy Bloom - Saratoga Arts Executive Director:
"Saratoga Arts is thrilled to be a lead sponsor of the Saratoga Film Showcase. Sponsoring innovative programming in our region is exactly what Saratoga Arts' mission is all about.  This is an exciting opportunity to partner with other community and arts organizations to bring film-making to the forefront of the arts scene in our region.”

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About Discover Saratoga:
Discover Saratoga, also known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, serves as the official Tourism Promotion Agency for Saratoga County and is a key economic development engine for the region. Its mission is to contribute a positive impact on the local economy by promoting and marketing Saratoga County as a world-class destination for leisure travel, meetings, and events. For more information about Discover Saratoga, please visit www.DiscoverSaratoga.org.