Salem Film Fest 2024: A Celebration of Documentary Cinema

The Salem Film Fest (SFF), renowned as Massachusetts’s largest documentary film festival, is excited to announce that tickets for its much-anticipated 2024 festival program are now available. Set to unfold from March 21-24, this event promises a riveting selection of documentary films across various venues in Salem, including the prestigious Peabody Essex Museum, Cinema Salem, and the National Park Service Visitor Center.

Engage Directly with Independent Filmmakers

Joe Ferrari, the Director of SFF, highlights a unique feature of the festival, “The live in-person events at the Fest offer a unique opportunity for attendees to directly engage and connect with visiting independent filmmakers.” This direct interaction enriches the viewing experience, providing deeper insights into the filmmaking process and the stories behind the documentaries.

A Diverse and Impactful Selection

The 17th edition of the Salem Film Fest is set to screen 23 feature films, many of which will premiere in Massachusetts for the first time. Notable screenings include the world premiere of The Nita & Zita Project by Marci Darling, which narrates the incredible journey of two Jewish immigrant sisters to international burlesque fame. Other highlights include the East Coast premieres of All We Carry, depicting a couple’s daunting escape from Honduras, and Bring Them Home / Aiskótáhkapííyaya, a powerful narrative on the establishment of a wild buffalo herd on ancestral territory. The festival will kick off with Lois Lipman’s First We Bombed New Mexico, a provocative exploration of a story not told by Oppenheimer.

Emily Abi-Kheirs, Program Director, expresses her enthusiasm, “This year’s festival program is a testament to the creativity and innovative spirit of independent filmmakers. We are thrilled to unveil this slate of powerful and diverse films that delve into a spectrum of timely and important narratives.”

More Than Just Film Screenings

In addition to the feature films, SFF 2024 will showcase 14 short nonfiction films and host filmmaker Q&As, student film competitions, panel discussions, and parties where audience members can mingle with attending filmmakers.

Recognizing Excellence

The festival will also present seven awards to filmmakers, including the Special Jury Award and The Michael Sullivan Award for Documentary Journalism, each with a $1,000 cash prize. Other awards include The American Cinematographer Magazine Award, the Cultrera Cuts Edit Award, and the Audience Award, which reflects the preferences of festival attendees.

Ticket Information

Admission to film screenings is priced at $14 for individual tickets, with discounted ticket packs available at Salem Film Fest Films 2024.

About Salem Film Fest

Since its inception in 2007, the Salem Film Fest has become a vital platform for independent documentaries and their creators on Boston’s North Shore. Emphasizing a filmmaker-friendly approach, the festival shares ticket revenue with filmmakers and offers transportation assistance and accommodations. It operates without submission fees, all through the efforts of the Salem Community Arts Center, Inc., and its dedicated volunteers.

Stay Connected

For more details and updates, connect with Salem Film Fest: