BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The 9 to 5 grind is way overrated. Just ask actress Jane Fonda.
Fonda is among the A-list actors that appear in documentaries and shorts at the SouthSide Film Festival.
The festival returns for its 19th year and will feature 61 independent films ranging from comedy to horror at venues such as Lehigh Valley Charter Arts High School, the National Museum of Industrial History and Touchstone Theatre.
- The SouthSide Film Festival will feature 61 films that cover diverse topics such as gender equality and immigration
- Tickets start at $10
- The festival runs from Tuesday, June 13, to Saturday, June 17
Presented by the SouthSide Arts District, the festival runs from Tuesday, June 13, to Saturday, June 17.
The event is the longest-running film festival in Bethlehem and will present international films, Q&A with 16 filmmakers, juried selections and networking opportunities for film buffs and directors.
Karen Carpenter, Dolly Parton
Opening night kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday with a party at the National Museum of Industrial History, 602 E. 2nd St.
This year’s opening night screening starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, 321 E. 3rd St., and includes short film "Cat and Moth" and the feature film "Still Working 9 to 5."
The movie features interviews with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton, who were the stars of the 1980 classic film, "9 to 5."
In the film, the group shares their thoughts on why workplace inequality is still an issue some 40 years later.
$10 gets you access to the party and the subsequent opening night screening.
The festival concludes on Saturday with a 7:20 p.m. screening of "Karen Carpenter: Starving for Perfection" a new documentary that reveals new details into the singer's tragic death and her musical legacy.
The film features comments from singer and "Grease" star Olivia Newton-John, who died in 2022.
The screening will take place at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School of the Arts.
Patrons are invited to the closing night party starting at 9 p.m. at Color Me Mine, 25 E. Third St. Food and drinks included in party admission.
Tickets start at $10 or free with all access pass.
Celebrating Pride
A chunk of the independent films center on LGTBQ+ rights and issues just in time for Pride month.
"We have two blocks of films with a queer focus including two films with [gay] actor Colman Domingo," said Jennifer Cotto, director of the SouthSide Film Festival.
Domingo, a Philadelphia native, is best known for his roles in "Fear of the Walking Dead" and "Euphoria."
He stars in the anime "New Moon" and alongside Kevin Bacon in the short film "North Star," which will both screen at the festival on Friday.
There's also an interesting feature on Ruth Brinker, an AIDS activist who became a pioneer of HIV care in California in the 80s.
"She essentially started this Meals on Wheels type program for AIDS patients who were homebound and it has become a model for similar organizations nationwide," Cotter said.
The "queer block" of films is just one example of the diverse types of films found at the festival, organizers said.
"These are not films you are going to see at the multi-plex. It's bringing a different perspective to people who normally wouldn't see them."Jennifer Cotto, director SouthSide Film Festival
Along with drama and comedy, viewers will find films that touch on topics such as immigration and mental illness.
"My favorite thing about the festival, not only do I get to spent a week on the SouthSide enjoying these films and the atmosphere of the Southside but we get to bring these films to people who normally wouldn't have the chance to see them," Cotto said.
"These are not films you are going to see at the multiplex. It's bringing a different perspective to people who normally wouldn't see them."
Volunteers needed
On a budget?
Consider volunteering at the festival for a chance to watch movies for free — and network with fellow film buffs.
"We are always looking for volunteers. It's great for high school students that need to fulfill a requirement and for anyone that enjoys the movies," Cotto said. "Where else do you get to come and hang out and watch movies. We are also always looking for board members or jury members. Anyone that wants to get involved."
For information on volunteering and the line-up, click here.
