Buffalo International Film Festival 2023

The Buffalo International Film Festival announces its full return to theatrical screenings October 5-9th at venues throughout the City of Buffalo. The festival’s programming will include 150 Western New York premiere films from 25 countries, many with visiting filmmakers in attendance to present their films and participate in live audience Q+As and panels. 

TRADITION, TRAUMA & TENDERNESS
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.

Screening with Filmaker Q&A
Alex Simmons + Valerie Walawender (Dirs), 90 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

Co-Directors Alex Simmons + Valerie Walawender, and documentary participants Audrey Hager + Peter Jones in attendance.

A meditation on the universal nature of trauma, and how traditions passed on in a tender, nurturing environment, can help heal and prevent trauma. The film presents the experiences of an individual, family, community, and diverse cultures from around the globe. Insights from psychological and neuroscience perspectives are interwoven into a series of stories that are both particular and intimate, while at the same time, reflect far-reaching issues and themes.

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AURORA'S SUNRISE
Friday, October 6, 2023 | 2:30 p.m.

Inna Sahakyan (Dir), 96 minutes, Armenia/Germany/Lithuania, Western New York Premiere

In Armenian, English, Turkish, Kurdish + German w/ English subtitles.

At only 14 years old, Aurora lost everything during the horror of the Armenian genocide. Two years later, through luck and extraordinary courage, she escaped to New York, where her story became a media sensation. Starring as herself in Auction of Souls, an early Hollywood blockbuster, Aurora became the face of one of the largest charity campaigns in American history. With a blend of vivid animation, interviews with Aurora herself, and 18 minutes of surviving footage from her lost silent epic, Aurora's Sunrise revives a forgotten story of survival. Armenia’s submission to the Academy Awards and winner of 6 audience awards.

A Venera Films release.

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^{Buffalo International Film Festival (est. 2006) is a nonprofit organization that champions regional, national, and international films that push the limits of independent cinema – presenting quality films from around the world to WNY residents and visitors. BIFF is committed to amplifying diverse voices and exhibiting cutting-edge programming in narrative, documentary and experimental film. A proud supporter of local filmmaking and the arts; BIFF also offers workshops, seminars, industry panel discussions, fiscal sponsorship and professional development opportunities, as well as an Offscreen series of art, music and performance.}

^{Seats can be reserved for free programming, and tickets and passes can be purchased at buffalofilm.org or at each venue's box office on the day of the screening. Tickets are $12 for all in person screenings, $7 for select matinees. BIFF also participates in Arts Services Inc’s Arts Access Program, which allows program participants to reserve free tickets to all festival events.  Select films are now on sale including BIFF’s opening and closing night selections. BIFF’s popular All-Access Bison Pass is also on sale for $55 and provides access to the festival’s 150+ film screenings, official events, and more.}

^{Visit https://www.buffalofilm.org/ for additional information}