October 10 – 13 – First Annual Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival, venues include the historic Tarrytown Music Hall, 13 Main Street, and the Warner Library, 121 North Broadway, Tarrytown, NY. 2019 marks the 200th anniversary of Washington Irving’s classic tale, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” an iconic American original of immortal wonders that have firmly gripped the very psyche of our culture. This special place, this remarkable hollow of the indescribable, bewitched not only Irving, but also artists of every creative pursuit for the next two centuries—including masters of the cinematic arts. Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival (SHIFF) celebrates this legacy of artistic inspiration and achievement. In addition to the bicentennial of his story—and an uncanny happenstance worthy of Irving himself—2019 is also the 70th anniversary of the beloved 1949 Walt Disney animated classic The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and the 20th anniversary of Tim Burton’s acclaimed 2009 feature film, Sleepy Hollow. The festival will commemorate both of these landmarks on the big screen. And just added to the roster of fun is a special celebration of Brian De Palma’s cult classic feature film Phantom of the Paradise, and a salute to the legendary TV and film franchise Dark Shadows (two feature films of which were shot in Sleepy Hollow and at Lyndhurst). But it is not enough to look back. Just as Irving used the Hudson Valley as a wellspring of extraordinary ideas to push his art forward, Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival strives to bring important works from current and future filmmakers into the world with exciting new films in competition and premiere screenings. Special lifetime and individual achievement honors will be bestowed upon artists whose influential work recalls the spirit of Irving’s creativity. For schedule and tickets: sleepyhollowfilmfest.com.
