Reel Stuff Film Festival - Because Airplanes And Popcorn Go Together

Reel Stuff Film Fest - March 12-15, 2009 in Dayton, Ohio 

Matthias Schweighöfer as Manfred von Richthofen in "Der Rote Baron"

Der Rote Baron (The Red Baron - 2008) showing Sunday, March 15, 2009

 The Reel Stuff Film Festival is only in its second year, but it seems to be getting some serious traction.  The event will take place Thursday, March 12 thru Sunday, March 15, in the birthplace of aviation: Dayton, Ohio.

 It's a pretty cool idea really... to take some of the best films that feature aviation from the past and then mix them up with new (and new-ish) projects that really capture the spirit of flight.  Then, gather together to watch them, talk about them, and celebrate a little. And, maybe most important, to inspire pilots and filmmakers to push harder to make more great aviation films in the future.

 I like this idea so much that I've just decided that I need to make the three hour trip (each way) to Dayton on Sunday to go watch the US premier of "Der Rote Baron", the 2008 film about WWI ace Manfred von Richthofen: The Red Baron.  Some of the reviews I've read say the story is a little flat, but after seeing the trailer, it looks stunning.  I'm willing to risk it.

 There will be 13 films in all shown over the four days, and admission is just $10 for each showing. There's also an all-shows pass for $95, but I'm not sure if it's available at-the-door. The screenings include an up front presentation as well as Q & A right after with those who are presenting the films.  Go to the website for all the details.

 I highly encourage you to become aware of this unique film fest, and I'm trying to knock you off the fence and get you involved.  If you can get there, do it!  And if it's simply not possible this time, stay connected to it so maybe next year you can be right there in the thick of it all.

 In many ways, aviation is in peril, and I think film is going to be one of the most powerful ways we're gonna get people into the sky in the future. We really need to support projects in the works like Wilco Films "A Pilot's Story" (see trailer) and events like the Reel Stuff Film Fest.  Everyone comes out ahead when we do.