Bridal Veil Film Festival Comes to a Close

The Bridal Veil Film Festival closed its three-week run with screenings of Wings of Desire, Wardance, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and City of God -- with all proceeds donated to the Rwanda Cinema Center. 2001 drew a good crowd; hundreds came out for the dance after Chariots of Fire.

“In an era of Netflix, YouTube, and home theaters, I think we have lost something in the community-cinema experience,” wrote festival organizer Laura Fowler. “There was a time when local cinemas were the only exposure to film available, and all films were watched in the company of neighbors, friends, and strangers. You'd laugh together, cry together, and discussions would naturally rise regarding the various issues posed in each film.”

“I can't imagine a better venue in which to watch a movie than at the foot of a waterfall, under the stars.” The festival offered films from nine countries, a glimpse into cultures far removed from Provo Canyon, Utah -- and sent the proceeds back out to support filmmaking in Rwanda.