The Saratoga Film Showcase is a weekend-long exhibition of the newest generation of filmmakers, and a celebration of their work in our region and beyond. Hosted by Putnam Place, SFS will offer audiences a comprehensive glimpse into locally produced cinema, as well as an opportunity to connect with the artists. The showcase will feature special guest Brit McAdams and his debut feature "Paint" starring Owen Wilson and shot right here in Saratoga Springs. Accompanying this exclusive offering will be several blocks of short films and panel discussions that explore the impact of filming on upstate communities, choreography in film, shooting upstate vs. New York City, boundary pushing narratives, and much more. SFS is a nonprofit endeavor, collaborated on by a multitude of local organizations such as Saratoga Arts, Discover Saratoga, Saratoga Living, 518 Film Network, and more. The event is volunteer-run, and all proceeds will be donated to a scholarship fund for teens to attend Art Week this summer at local nonprofit Camp Stomping Ground.
Headliner
Paint stars Owen Wilson as Carl Nargle, Vermont's #1 public television painter who is convinced he has it all: a signature perm, custom van, and fans hanging on his every stroke... until a younger, better artist steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves.
Shot predominately in and around Saratoga Springs, Paint is the perfect centerpiece for an event that aims to demonstrate the potential of filmmaking in our region. Writer/Director and special guest Brit McAdams used notable Saratoga locations such as the Lincoln Bathhouse, Olde Bryan Inn, and Desperate Annie's to truly capture the beauty and charm of our city. Join us in celebrating Saratoga's representation in Hollywood, and chatting with the man who brought it to town.
Short Films
Short films from the Capital Region and beyond are screened across three sessions throughout the weekend, each with its own unique theme. Want to explore films shot in recognizable local locations? What about projects that cleverly incorporate dance? Or stories that intentionally push narrative boundaries? We’ve got it all. Come meet the new era of filmmakers, and see what they’re ushering in.
Panels
Witness discussions that expand on the themes that inspired the programmed shorts. Explore dance’s role in film with local choreographers that have designed for both screen and stage. Hear location managers’ perspective on what makes the Capital Region such an enticing place to make movies in. There’s plenty to talk about; come be part of the conversation.
Schedule
Friday, January 17th
7:00pm - Shorts After Dark
9:00pm - Welcome Party
Saturday, January 18th
9:30am - Local Locations Shorts
11:30am - Shooting Upstate Panel
2:00pm - Dance Shorts
4:00pm - Choreography in Film Panel
7:00pm - Headliner Feature: Paint w/special guest Brit McAdams
9:30pm - Closing Night Party
All proceeds of this event will go towards scholarships to send kids to Arts Fest this summer at
Camp Stomping Ground
Arts Fest is a 2 week arts camp at Stomping Ground where young people from all backgrounds and income levels come together to create, imagine, and inspire a world where more is possible. This transformative program empowers teens to level up their creativity, confidence, and imaginations. Through hands-on projects and collaboration with visiting artists, participants discover new talents, practice valuable skills, and build connections in a welcoming, inclusive, and humbly curious environment.
The Saratoga Film Showcase aims to inspire the creation of more art in our community, and is proud to donate all profits to Camp Stomping Ground to continue making art more accessible to our youth.
More info about the camp can be found here: https://campstompingground.org
