AT A GLANCE
Now in its seventh year, the Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival is proud to introduce the film industry to Eastern PA’s favorite Victorian destination town where once again, we’ll be rolling out the red carpet for four fabulous days and nights at the magnificent Mauch Chunk Opera House in the heart of Jim Thorpe’s historic district. In addition to groundbreaking films, parties and networking opportunities, guests will enjoy shopping, dining out, the scenic railroad, and all the romance and outdoor adventure that Jim Thorpe has to offer.
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Since its beginning, JTIFF has maintained its place on FilmFreeway’s prestigious “Top 100 Best Reviewed Film Festivals” out of more than 5,000 festivals throughout the world. And we are thrilled to continue our partnerships with PBS 39 and Philadelphia’s cutting-edge music collective GREAT CIRCLES, who will, once again, be presenting the freshest talent in our LIVE MUSIC program.
OUR MISSION
We continue to showcase talent on the rise while introducing the film industry to the communities of Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Valley, the Poconos and beyond. We endeavor to introduce elements of arts and culture to the area and the chance for residents to rub shoulders with artists and creators from around the world, as well as around the block.
Over the years we've been incredibly successful at attracting a younger audience by promoting national, international & local student film blocks, our outrageously fun midnight "GRINDHOUSE" screening, and cutting-edge music performances from our Philly partners, Great Circles.
AUDIENCE
Our audience is composed of educated men and women ages 18 to 65 including residents, students, industry professionals and visitors from New York, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Baltimore, DC, etc. They are plugged-in to pop culture and what’s trending, but also crave new, daring, cutting-edge entertainment that JTIFF is proud to deliver.
MOTIVATED
Our crew of passionate volunteers is determined to make JTIFF as successful as it can be. Our growing reputation as an important international film festival depends on our team’s commitment to evolve, involve and exceed all expectations. And our team has proven year after year that they are up to the task.
RELEVANT
We care deeply about diversity and strive to give the under-represented filmmaker a chance. So we continue to promote films by students, women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community – offering discounted submission fees to many of these artists.
COMMUNITY-MINDED
We incorporate local PA businesses into all aspects of our operations including graphic design, social media marketing, promotion, and printing.
FILMS
Each year, JTIFF receives over 800 film submissions of every description from at least 40 COUNTRIES around the globe. And from that lot, we select 90 of the strongest entries for our program. JTIFF has effectively grown from a small local film festival into a respected INTERNATIONAL event unlike anything else in the region.
• OVER 800 FILM SUBMISSIONS
• AT LEAST 40 COUNTRIES
• 90 ENTRIES
• 18 UNIQUE FILM BLOCKS
• GRINDHOUSE PROGRAM
• NATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL STUDENT PROGRAMS
4 ENGAGING DAYS & 4 NIGHTS
JTIFF applauds exceptional creativity with award-winning shorts, cutting-edge features, captivating seminars and lively parties. Attended by a community of industry professionals, amateur filmmakers, and movie buffs, the charming Victorian town of Jim Thorpe is the place to be this spring.
GET YOUR BRAND INVOLVED
JTIFF is looking to partner with a variety of businesses and individuals willing to help make our 7th year a stellar success. This is an opportunity for you to connect your brand to a landmark festival that’s destined to become the premiere cultural and entertainment event of Eastern PA and beyond.
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The Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival has expanded steadily over the past few years, helping an ever-growing number of independent films gain attention while providing our Eastern PA audience a marvelous opportunity to experience cutting edge films, both international and local, that they may not have been exposed to otherwise.
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As a general film festival, the wide range of film subjects and genres this festival offers means that a large number of filmmakers from diverse backgrounds can present their films in a supportive setting, ensuring inclusivity and an excellent opportunity for exposure.
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The overwhelmingly positive reviews that JTIFF has earned, along with the outstanding loyalty and support from our filmmakers, has seen the number of submissions more than double since the fest’s founding in 2017.
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Now is the chance to connect your brand with one of the most important cultural & entertainment events happening in Eastern Pennsylvania We look forward to partnering with you.
The JTIFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
