The Fredericksburg Film Festival (FFF) is back for its second year, promising an impressive lineup of films from around the world, including selections from prestigious festivals like Cannes, Sundance, and Tribeca.

Set to take place from April 16-20, 2025, this year’s event will highlight top-tier independent films, Virginia-based filmmakers, and a growing arts culture in Fredericksburg.

The festival’s programming director, Ryan Cudahy, said the event started as a passion project while he worked for the Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Office. After early struggles—including an initial venue closure—Cudahy and Dalton McColo of 1108 Media worked to bring the festival to life. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, helping to solidify Fredericksburg’s place in Virginia’s indie film scene.

FFF will feature films that have made waves at major festivals, including:

• “Beautyiosity” by Zac Solberg, screened at Cannes Film Festival.
• “Border Hopper” and “Somebody Cares,” both Sundance selections. Screenwriter Brian Grove of Somebody Cares will attend the festival.
• “Beacon,” a Tribeca Film Festival selection starring Academy Award nominee Demián Bichir.
• “The French Italian,” featuring SNL alum Aristotle Atari, with the director attending the festival.

Beyond internationally recognized films, Virginia filmmakers will take center stage. Notable entries include:

• “500 Fireflies” (shot in Staunton, VA) and Dear Luke, Love Me (shot in Richmond).
• “Calamity and Mercy,” a documentary about Ukrainian refugees, was directed by Woodbridge native Daniel W. Smith.
• “Waiting for April” and “Memory Project,” two shorts by Virginia filmmaker Timothy Parsons.

Cudahy emphasized the importance of showcasing local talent alongside global award winners. “The Virginia filmmakers this year really stepped up and made some incredible films, and we are so excited to screen those,” he said.

Screenings and events will occur across multiple venues, including Courtyard Marriott Downtown on Caroline Street, Red Dragon Brewery, and Reign on Princess Anne Street. Opening night (April 16) will feature a special documentary screening of “The Body Politic”, focused on Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, followed by a Q&A session with activist Erica Bridgeford, moderated by Fredericksburg Mayor Terry Devine.

On Saturday, April 19, FFF will host a block party at 4 p.m. in the Red Dragon Brewery parking lot, featuring a live performance by Fredericksburg-based band Virginia Man. The festival will also include after-parties at Ironclad Inn, Curitiba Art Café, and Wild Hair Cider.

Though Richmond and Charlottesville are often known for their arts scenes, Cudahy believes Fredericksburg is ready to embrace a major film festival. He pointed to the success of the Middleburg Film Festival in nearby Loudoun County, which attracts top-tier films and talent. “We looked at Middleburg and said, why can’t Fredericksburg do the same thing?” he said.

The city’s expanding arts scene, supported by galleries like Pawn Shop and LibertyTown and organizations like the Fredericksburg Arts Commission, has helped drive interest in independent film. “Fredericksburg is growing as an arts hub, and FFF is a great contribution to that,” Cudahy added.

Ticketing details and a full schedule will be available on the festival’s website.

Fredericksburg’s music scene has long been a hidden gem. Still, filmmaker and Potomac Local News freelancer Mike Salmon is bringing it into the spotlight with his latest documentary, “Bluegrass in Fredericksburg.” The film explores the rich bluegrass tradition in the city, nestled just outside of the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia. It sheds light on Fredericksburg’s unique contributions to this classic American genre.

In a recent interview, Salmon discussed the inspiration behind the project and the discoveries he made while filming. “The documentary is about the bluegrass scene in Fredericksburg and what the city adds to the flavor of bluegrass around here,” Salmon said. As a new resident of Fredericksburg, formerly of Fairfax County, Salmon admitted that he knew little about the local music scene. Still, his journey through the project opened his eyes to its vibrancy and depth.

Salmon’s documentary features interviews with local musicians and performances at venues such as the Sunken Well Tavern and Colonial Tavern. He highlighted the cooperative spirit he encountered, which stood out as a defining feature of the Fredericksburg bluegrass community. “Everyone was really cooperative. If I had done the same thing up in Fairfax County, it might not have gone as smoothly without pulling a bunch of special favors,” Salmon noted.

The film also delves into the annual “Bluegrass in the ‘Burg” festival, a significant event in the local music calendar held every May. Salmon’s documentary captures the energy and enthusiasm of the festival, offering viewers a glimpse into the heart of Fredericksburg’s bluegrass culture.

One of the key figures featured in the film is Dr. Keith Mellinger, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Mary Washington, and member of the band Fall Line. Mellinger’s participation in the documentary added depth, particularly during his performance at the Fredericksburg PorchFest, which Salmon shot and described as a film highlight.

Salmon’s passion for filmmaking began in high school, and despite not attending film school, he has successfully produced several award-winning documentaries. His previous works include a documentary on the Kingstown community in Fairfax County and another on backyard graveyards, both of which earned accolades. Salmon attributes his success to a combination of self-taught skills and guidance from resources like “Shut Up and Shoot: The Documentary Guide,” a book he recommends to aspiring filmmakers.

Looking ahead, Salmon has already entered “Bluegrass in Fredericksburg” into the South by Southwest Film Festival and the Fredericksburg Film Festival, which will take place next spring. He also has a meeting scheduled with the Fredericksburg Area Museum, potentially opening new avenues for the film’s distribution and recognition.

For those interested in watching “Bluegrass in Fredericksburg,” the documentary is available on YouTube. Salmon encourages viewers to check it out and contact him with any ideas for future projects. As he looks to the future, Salmon sees Fredericksburg as a rich source of untold stories, with topics like the city’s ghost legends and the evolution of Caroline Street piquing his interest in potential documentaries. The documentary was produced in collaboration with Barbara Ucman.