The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival has been a delightful success for many years; but the announced changes for the next two years are very disappointing and worrisome. We have been active participants in the film festival since the beginning and look forward every year to November.
Far from a bleak winter period, the vibrant film festival is a great extension of the season from the active, fun summer. One year, we brought an independent filmmaker from Hollywood to present one of his films. From discussions with him and people who attend many film festivals around the country and come here, we learned that this is unique and very desirable, partially because of the venue with all the theaters grouped together rather than being spread around.
We praise the Derrickson family for allowing us to use The Movies at Midway for the festival - what a great contribution to the community. While being an exciting cultural and educational event for those of us who attend, the giant crowds drawn to the gathering benefit the local merchants as well - helping elongate the season for restaurants, motels, shops and the Movies at Midway.
Like similar events around the country, the Rehoboth Film Festival gives national recognition to this area. Therefore, we hope that something can be done to continue in the future with such a successful event, not losing features that make it special.
Jonathan and Gwyneth Sharp
Lewes
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