3rd Annual Albany Film Festival

The Albany FilmFest — a festival of short and really short films — returns for its third consecutive year on Saturday, March 2.

This national juried festival is a showcase for original creative work from emerging independent local and national filmmakers of all ages. It’s also a Bay Area bargain at $5 for adults and $1 for kids. The 12-1 p.m. time slot is specially programmed this year with a child- and adult-friendly group of films and animations, including works by youth directors. 

As always, the festival will be cozy and quirky. One of the organizers, Jack Kenny, says, “Last year’s filmgoers told us that they loved the amazing variety of films, the friendly ambiance — we have couches! — and the free popcorn that flows all day.”

This year’s special guest is local composer, musician, and writer Quique Cruz, who has won awards for his work on the PBS documentary Archeology of Memory. He and festival judge Rick Tejada-Flores plan to speak on the topic of creating music for films.

Tejada-Flores is an award-winning director and producer of cultural films. His many works have appeared on PBS, cable, and in the Smithsonian Institution. Other judges include Academy Award-nominated animator GeeFwee Boedoe, whose work can be seen in Pixar and Dreamworks films including Finding Nemo and Monsters, Inc.; and Stephanie Watenabe, film industry veteran, advisor, and mentor for filmmakers, musicians, and creative entrepreneurs.