'Way Down Film Fest' to Debut at Springer Oct. 21-22

This October, the inaugural Way Down Film Festival (WDFF) kicks off on the main stage of the Springer Opera House. Founders Stacy Cunningham, Jacy Jenkins, and Cora King are striving to infuse Columbus’ thriving art scene with an exciting new venture aimed at bringing a community together through the art of film.

Ticket prices start at $75 for the VIP pass for all events and screenings, $45 for access to all the screenings and some events, and $10 per event or screening entry. Students receive 50% off admission. The festival will be held October 21 and October 22.

The WDFF boasts a lineup of short films of many different genres, and will include Q&A sessions with the filmmakers at the conclusion of each viewing. Audiences will have the chance to learn more about the people and ideas behind the film, as well as the effort involved in crafting it.

The founders also want to showcase the work of student filmmakers and provide them with an avenue to share their work with the general community. They hope to eventually partner with Columbus State University and get students involved.

The founders of the Way Down Film Festival have envisioned a new way for the Columbus community to draw in talent from the city’s surrounding areas. “My parents live in Columbus so I knew that I wanted to be here in the hotspot of filmmaking,” said Stacy Cunningham. “I was able to connect with Cora and Jacy after doing some research of who here had the pulse on culture and art, so after I met them we realized one thing that was lacking here in Columbus was a really cool film festival.” Cunningham has extensive experience in the entertainment industry with a history in film, television, and theater.

Jacy Jenkins and Cora King run the website Electric City Life, which serves as a doorway into culture and will feature updates about the upcoming film festival. They are active members in the community with an interest in adding to the city’s downtown charm.

“The film academy just came here to Columbus. The Springer and CSU decided to join forces,” said King. “What better way to form an event to celebrate our budding filmmakers and our film enthusiasts and really get the community on board with just celebrating filmmakers and what it takes to create a film.”

In addition to screenings, events will include: a VIP sunset champagne reception, morning filmmaker coffee hour, network after parties, and a closing night awards ceremony gala. The festival will award one grand prize of $2500 for best overall film and six $250 prizes to best directing, best cinematography, an audience award, and other categories. For additional information about the Way Down Film Festival, visit waydownfilm.com.

If you would like to volunteer to support Columbus’s first film festival, email contact@waydownfilm.com.