It manages that rare feat of celebrating Jefferson’s heritage, while simultaneously tackling head on complicated questions of antisemitism, racism, and the enslaved laborers’ role in building and maintaining Monticello.”įrom five-time Academy Award®-nominated animation studio Cartoon Saloon ( The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers) and Academy Award-nominated director Nora Twomey ( The Breadwinner), My Father’s Dragon is an exquisite film inspired by the Newbery-honored children’s book from author Ruth Stiles Gannett. I am very pleased we are partnering with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to present this insightful and evocative documentary to our community. Until now, however, the story of the Levys-a Jewish family who owned and restored this American treasure over a period much longer than Jefferson inhabited it-has not had the spotlight it deserves. “The legacy of Thomas’ Jefferson’s historic home has received a lot of serious and worthy media treatment. “The Levys of Monticello is an incredibly timely, poignant, and educational film,” said VAFF Senior Programmer Ilya Tovbis. The remarkable story of the Levy family also intersects with the rise of antisemitism that runs throughout the course of American history. From Menemsha Films and director Steven Pressman, The Levys of Monticello is a documentary film that tells the little-known story of the Levy family, which owned and carefully preserved Monticello for nearly a century – far longer than Jefferson or his descendants. When Thomas Jefferson died in 1826, he left behind a mountain of personal debt, which forced his heirs to sell his beloved Monticello home and all its possessions. We cannot wait to bring that back to Charlottesville this year.” As anyone who has been to the Festival knows, there is an electricity created by our audience engagement that simply cannot be replicated anywhere else.
“While streaming has provided a level of convenience that seemed impossible just a few years ago, there remains no substitute for the communal experience watching a film and sharing your impressions with your fellow audience members. Kielbasa, now in his 14th year as VAFF director, shared his excitement about the milestone 35th anniversary, and amidst the changing industry landscape brought on by streaming opportunities, voiced the organization’s commitment to the core values and tenets that have made the VAFF one of the country’s premier regional festivals. In addition, the Festival announced that it will welcome acclaimed film critic Carlos Aguilar as its inaugural “Critic in Residence.” VAFF Director and UVA Vice Provost for the Arts Jody Kielbasa and VAFF Senior Programmer Ilya Tovbis announced that the Festival will partner with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to present the documentary The Levys of Monticello and will also be showing the highly anticipated NETFLIX animated family film My Father’s Dragon, which is produced by UVA alum and VAFF Advisory Board member Julie Lynn.
The 35th Annual Virginia Film Festival will take place from November 2-6 in Charlottesville. The Virginia Film Festival is a program of the University of Virginia and the Office of the Provost and Vice Provost for the Arts. VAFF to Partner with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello to Present The Levys Of Monticello and will Feature Upcoming Netflix Family Film My Father’s Dragon as Part of 2022 VAFFįestival Officials Also Announce Launch of “Critic in Residence” Program Welcoming Noted Film Critic Carlos Aguilarįull VAFF Program Announcement Scheduled for October 11ĬHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – AUG– The Virginia Film Festival officials offered audiences a small preview of what they can expect from the 2022 VAFF at a special Stakeholders Reception held this evening at The Bradbury on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall.
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