The calendar has turned from 2010 to 2011 (and from January to
February, I just noticed. When the hell did that happen?). We here at
the Lancaster Area Film Festival are hard at work getting ready to
program the third edition of our fest celebrating independent film in
Lancaster.

I doubt you can call it work, however, as we are watching the films
submitted to the festival. This is by far our favorite part (after all,
how else can we get away with watching movies all day?). And this year
we have a lot of quality entries. There is true talent out there. It not
only entertains, but at least in my case, it inspires. After each
viewing session, I’ve immediately wanted to go out, pick up my camera
and start shooting. We are going to have a very hard time whittling down
the field this year. I wish we had the ability to show all of them.

In late January we got a nice surprise for the festival. I literally
jumped out of my recliner. I was so excited that I almost knocked my
poor 2-year-old daughter over. I think our festivalgoers and fellow
filmmakers will be delighted by it. The surprise is…

…On hold for a couple of weeks. But I guarantee you’ll like it.

Speaking of screening the films, we will once again hold the fest at
Penn Cinemas in Lititz. We had a great time and Penn, the owner, was as
enthusiastic about having us back as we are about coming back. There’s
nothing like seeing your films exhibited on the big screen in front of
an audience.

As the festival nears, check back with LAFF’s website often, as we
will have updates and other surprises. And as a reminder, the festival
will be held Saturday, April 9.