Founded in 2001, the High Falls Film Festival is one of the few film festivals worldwide focused exclusively on showcasing movies made by or about women. A non-profit organization, the High Falls Film Festival has screened more than 500 films since its inception, spotlighting the cinematic works of women and bringing the finest independent motion pictures and film artists to Rochester and Western New York audiences. The Festival includes narrative features, documentaries, shorts, children’s and young adult programs. Our Mission
From Rochester New York, the birthplace of motion picture film and where Susan B. Anthony launched her fight for women's equality; the High Falls Film Festival celebrates the achievements of women in all aspects of film making through programs that recognize the best work of female cinematic artists. In 2010 & 2011, the Festival changed course and adopted a new name and mission. Known as 360|365 George Eastman House Film Festival, the mission offered broader programming which was open to all independent filmmakers regardless of gender. During a hiatus in 2012, Festival management made the decision to return to its founding mission and name; celebrating women’s achievements under the current name High Falls Film Festival. Films from past Festivals have gone on to win Academy Awards®, Golden Globe Awards® and recognition at other festivals, from Sundance to Berlin. High Falls Film Festival includes panel discussions and master classes presented by prominent industry professionals who give our filmmaking audience unique access to advance their own talents in all aspects of filmmaking. Our celebrity and film industry guests have included: Lynn Redgrave, Rita Moreno, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Christine Lahti, Bill Pullman, Angela Bassett, Robert Forster, Mira Nair, Jane Alexander, Candice Bergen, Joan Allen, Gordy Hoffman, Famke Janssen, Faith Hubley, Stuart Craig, Diane Ladd, John Curran, CCH Pounder, Leslie Stahl, Celeste Holm, Lainie Kazan, Sally Kellerman, voice-over actress Nancy “Bart Simpson” Cartwright, producer Lauren Shuler Donner, Richard Donner, Agnieszka Holland, and Shrek director Vicky Jenson.
