Middleburg Film Fest: ‘Blitz’ to Open, ‘Nickel Boys’ to Close, ‘Sing Sing’ Stars Among Honorees

As a seasoned gamer who’s been through countless cinematic journeys, I must say the 2024 Middleburg Film Festival lineup is a dream come true! With Steve McQueen, RaMell Ross, Marielle Heller, and a host of other heavyweight talents gracing our screens, it’s like embarking on an epic quest in my favorite role-playing game, but with the added bonus of not having to deal with pesky dragons or trolls.


The 2024 Middleburg Film Festival in Virginia will kick off with Apple’s movie “Blitz,” directed by Steve McQueen, who will be there to accept the festival’s Visionary Director Award. The event will conclude with “Nickel Boys,” produced by Amazon/MGM, and its director, local native and Georgetown University alum RaMell Ross, will attend to receive the Special Achievement in Filmmaking Award. Additionally, Searchlight’s film “Nightbitch” will be highlighted on Saturday, and its director, Marielle Heller, will participate in a post-screening discussion. These details were revealed during a press announcement on Thursday.

The festival will also recognize and honor a number of distinguished performers who are nominated for awards. These include Danielle Deadwyler, supporting actress from “The Piano Lesson,” who wins the Breakthrough Actor Award; Ed Lachman, cinematographer for “Maria,” who receives the Lifetime Achievement Award for Cinematography; Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin, lead and supporting actors in “Sing Sing,” both receiving the Impact Award; Jharrel Jerome, the lead actor in “Unstoppable,” who wins the Rising Star Award; and Camille Dalmais and Clement Ducol, composers and songwriters for “Emilia Pérez,” who are given the Special Achievement in Music Award.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be part of an incredible event where the Distinguished Composer Award is being bestowed upon the talented Mychael Danna, known for his Oscar-winning work on “Life of Pi”. To top it off, there’s going to be a concert showcasing a variety of Danna’s scores, skillfully orchestrated and conducted by the renowned Kim Kluge, leading a 60-piece orchestra and choir. Can’t wait to witness this musical extravaganza!

As a gamer, I’m thrilled to give you a sneak peek at an array of amazing films and outstanding creators! I can’t wait to share with you the incredible skill, imagination, and passion that goes into every frame, all part of the magical world of filmmaking, as conveyed by MFF executive director, Susan Koch.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled to share that Sheila Johnson, the visionary founder and chair of MFF (Middleburg Film Festival), who also co-founded BET, has expressed her anticipation about inviting an array of talented filmmakers and artists to Middleburg for our 12th year. This gathering promises to be one of the most electrifying and ambitious events we’ve ever hosted!

MFF’s 12th edition will run Oct. 17-20.

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2024-09-26 21:25