Cammie Harris didn’t set out to work in the arts, but her previous careers in project management and the restaurant business allowed her to work with community arts events. She discovered a passion for working with community arts organizations and changed her career to pursue this passion.
How did you get involved with ReadingFilmFEST? When I moved to the area in 2015, I started working with the WCR Center for the Arts in Reading. I then began working with ReadingFilmFEST. I’ve been with ReadingFilmFest for four years now, and my goal is to grow film production in the city.
Why is Reading an attractive filming location? Since the COVID-19 pandemic, big cities that have traditionally supported independent (indie) filmmakers are facing production backlogs and limited resources, and priority is being given to big studios. Reading offers access to a variety of locations, a New-York based film studio, and a close community of business owners who can easily be reached and are eager to accommodate indie filmmakers.
ReadingFilmFEST is now in its eighth season. What can festival attendees look forward to this year? The festival is a four-day event. It will kick off Thursday, Oct. 27 with an international student film festival and a local student film screening. We will also host LUNAFEST, which features films made by and about women. On Friday, we have our opening gala at WCR and then film screenings at GoggleWorks and the Reading IMAX through Sunday. The event ends with our reception and awards ceremony on Sunday. Also, since the festival falls on Halloween weekend, we will have a live showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Finally, we’re partnering with local organizations to have smaller pop-up events.
How are films chosen for the festival? The process starts Feb. 1 when we begin accepting submissions from all over the world in a variety of film categories. Submissions close at the beginning of July. Each film is reviewed and rated by three community jurors who are local film lovers or community leaders. Films that are chosen for the festival are then reviewed for awards by a professional panel of judges. We also have a viewer’s choice award given to a film chosen by festival attendees.
What is your favorite part about ReadingFilmFEST? I love the films, the art of filmmaking, the local community coming together; I love everything about it. It allows us to showcase the best of Reading and our culture.
Why are independent film festivals like ReadingFilmFEST important? Indie filmmakers need an audience. In order to get their work out to audiences, they have to submit to film festivals. Film distributors attend festivals to offer filmmakers deals to distribute movies to larger audiences. ReadingFilmFEST has connections with film distributors.
How do you relax and have fun? Work and my children keep me busy, but I enjoy reading, going for walks and going to New Jersey to visit family and go to the shore.
Learn More
International talent. ReadingFilmFEST has featured filmmakers from all over the world, including Portugal, Great Britain, South America and Australia.
Films by women, for women. LUNAFEST premiered in 2001 as the world’s first all-women traveling film festival.
