Press Release

Feb 26, 2023 (Morgan Hill, CA)

Festival to Take Place April 12-19

Passes and Tickets Now on Sale

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival (PJIFF) announced today its full film lineup for its 2023 edition. This year’s festival will take place from Wednesday, April 12th to Wednesday, April 19^th.

The complete PJIFF program includes features, documentaries, shorts films, and panels. The feature films are Antarctica about two life-long friends whose lives get flipped upside down as they hit senior year; Bolan’s Shoes starring BAFTA-nominated British actor Timothy Spall tells us the story of a tumultuous journey from the height of T. Rex mania in 1970s Liverpool to the present-day poignancy of what would have been Marc Bolan’s 75^th birthday; and Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game that tells the story of Roger Sharpe, the GQ journalist and real-life pinball wizard who in 1976 single-handedly overturned New York City’s 35 year ban on pinball machines. The documentaries are The Creative High that follows nine artists in recovery from addiction and how they are transformed by creativity in their turbulent search for identity and freedom; Roots of Fire is about five award-winning musicians who push against stereotypes of the American South and move the music of their ancestors forward; and Jack Has A Plan about a man who has had a terminal brain tumor for 25 years and decided to end his life, his friends and family struggle with the decision.

“We are honored that this year we can continue to bring the best of global cinema to our community to shine a light and celebrate these talented filmmakers,” said Festival Director Mattie Scariot. “From drama, horror, animation to comedy, we have a program that has something for everyone.”

The comprehensive shorts programs offer a variety of films from around the globe including Brazil, Iran, Germany, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The festival will be showcasing the short films “The Outing” from the United Kingdom starring Elizabeth Rider from the smash hit series “Line of Duty” and Julie Hesmondhalgh from British television drama “Coronation Street”; Iran’s animated short films “Fobi” by director Elham Aminian and “The Sprayer” directed by Farnoosh Abedi; and “Chipper” starring Brad Carter from “Yellowstone” and Jayson Warner Smith from “The Walking Dead” among others.

The festival will open with its Youth and Student Festival Day on April 12^th showcasing student films from across the world followed by the local filmmaker showcase on April 13^th.

The legendary Poppy Bash will be held on Friday, April 14^th at Capos Event Center in Gilroy,CA. The evening will include a musical presentation by Grammy Award winner and President of Paramount Worldwide Publishing and Music artist Randy Spendlove.

“Each year our film festival acknowledges local and regional community members, as well as distinguished artists, actors, and writers for their contributions. By giving out Icon awards we identify leaders in the film community with the hope that they will continue to inspire others,” said Scariot.

Kat Dyson, award-winning guitarist and composer, will be awarded with PJIFF Icon Award during the evening as well. Dyson has shared the stage with artists such as Cyndi Lauper, Prince, Natalie Cole, Mick Jagger, Sting and Stevie Wonder to name a few.

On Monday, April 17^th the festival will have its Mexico Day where it will showcase films celebrating the language and culture of Mexico as well as presenting its Icon Award to producer, actor, screenwriter and costume designer Lupe Valdez. As one of the founding members of El Teatro Campesino, Valdez has been a key participant in the evolution of Chicano film and theatre for over fifty years.

On Tuesday, April 19^th the festival will have its LGBTQ+ Day that will showcase the short films “After Sunset, Dawn Arrives,” directed by Andy Yi LI, “Boifriend” directed by Rebecca Marquardt, “Promise” directed by Lane Michael Stanley, “Make Me King” directed by Sophia Olins, “You’re Alright Hun” directed by Katie-Ann McDonough, “Tiny Mad Animals” directed by David Maybrick, “BoyCam” directed by Rodrigo Sena, Arlindo Bezzerra and Emani Silveira and “The Tendency” directed by Mobin Pekand.

To commemorate PJIFF five local breweries, representing each of the hosting cities, are working together to craft a special beer to mark the occasion. The breweries participating include Brewery Twenty-Five, Kelly Brewing Co., Settle Down Beer, Promised Land Brewing Co., and Mad Pursuit Brewing Co.

Award-winning British actor Ian Puleston-Davies who stars in Bolan’s Shoes will be attending the festival and will participate in the Q&A after the screening on Saturday, April 15.

Tickets and passes are now available on PJIFF’s website here with a special super early bird price available until March 10.

About Poppy Jasper International Film Festival

The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival is an award-winning regional festival in Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, Hollister and San Juan Bautista, Ca, located south of Silicon Valley.  The mission of PJIFF is to promote inclusion, diversity and women empowerment through film, music, and art by inviting independent filmmakers from all cultures to explore major issues of the day through the power of film.  We encourage, engage, and educate filmmakers and our community members of all ages through our 8 educational film programs so that everyone can “find their voice through film.”

For more information and updates please visit PJIFF website here.

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