This year ' s Poppy Jasper International Film Festival will run from Wednesday , April 6 thru Wednesday , April 13th and will be in-person with virtual screenings after the festival .
The complete PJIFF program includes 193 feature and short films from 30 countries including local films from Northern and Southern California . The festival will showcase a combination of documentary and narrative films including Australia ’ s Gravel Road that follows the life of Jay Minning , singer-songwriter of the band the Desert Starks , based in the remote area of Tjuntjuntjara , Australia ; Italy ’ s Il Grand Bolero that follows the story of a cynical midaged pipe organ cleaner struggling to control her attraction to her new 20-year-old assistant during Rome ’ s COVID-19 lockdown ; and Juliet Landau ’ s feature film debut A Place Among the Dead among others .
The festival will also feature panel discussions with industry leaders to discuss an array of subjects including women in film , the film industry , and visual effects .
Adhering to PJIFF ’ s mission of supporting independent filmmakers and its local community , the festival will also include a Youth and Student Festival Day showcasing student films from across the world on April 6 , Mexico Day , featuring films from the country as well as panel discussions on the industry and Latino representation in the industry on April 11 , LGBTQ + Day highlighting the work of LGBTQ + filmmakers and stories on April 12 , and Iran Day , spotlighting some of the best films from the country including PJIFF alumni Javad Daraei ’ s Metamorphosis in the Slaughterhouse on April 13 .
“ We are excited to bring these compelling and inspiring stories to our community , celebrating the beauty and power of film and welcome back audiences for PJIFF 2022 ,” said Festival Director Mattie Scariot .
On Friday April 8th the festival will host a special celebration , the “ Poppy Bash !”, to premiere the song “ Believe ” inspired by the festival and its mission . The night will include a special live performance of the song by its composers , GRAMMY Award winner Randy Spendlove , President of Worldwide Publishing and Music at Paramount , along with multi-platinum artist Polo Jones and other local musicians . The event will be co-hosted by Jayson Stebbins and Drag Queen Alina Malletti Galore .
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