Stories That Matter. Films That Inspire.
September 11–14, 2025 | Wheeling, WV
Foxfire Film Festival is an annual celebration of documentary storytelling, community, and emerging voices — held at Towngate Theatre in Wheeling, WV. This year marks the festival’s debut, offering a dedicated platform for documentary filmmakers and enthusiasts. With a focus on real stories that inspire, inform, and challenge perceptions, the festival brings together a diverse array of voices and viewpoints in the documentary realm.
A Vision of Authentic Storytelling
The Foxfire Film Festival began with the vision to create a meaningful documentary film festival in Wheeling, West Virginia. It was founded by Kristin Seibert and Molly Hughes, who were inspired by the Appalachian art of storytelling and the region’s rich tradition of passing stories from generation to generation. Their goal was to connect local and global communities through documentary films that tell compelling, real-life stories.
Red Carpet Premieres
One of the most exciting aspects of the Foxfire Film Festival are the red carpet premieres, where filmmakers get to showcase their work to an eager audience. The atmosphere will be full of energy as filmmakers interact with audiences, sharing insights into their creative processes and the stories behind their films.
Festival Schedule
Thursday, September 11
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7:00 PM | Towngate Theatre — King Coal (Opening Night Red Carpet Screening) + Q&A with director Elaine Sheldon. Red carpet at 6:00 PM. Reception follows.
Friday, September 12
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11:00 AM | Towngate Theatre — Union + short Local One
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1:00 PM | Towngate Theatre — King Coal
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3:00 PM | Towngate Theatre — Speak
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7:00 PM | Towngate Theatre — Stories We Carry: A Life in Five Short Films + pre-recorded Q&A with Scott Faris. Reception at Waterfront Hall.
Saturday, September 13
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11:00 AM | Towngate Theatre — The Cowboy and The Queen
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1:00 PM | Towngate Theatre — Stories We Carry: A Life in Five Short Films
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1:00–2:30 PM | The Gallery at 2265 — Workshop: Storytelling Behind the Lens (Curren Sheldon & Rebecca Kiger)
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3:00–4:30 PM | Towngate Theatre — Workshop: The Director / Composer Collaboration (Matthew Galkin & James Lavino)
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6:30 PM | Towngate Theatre — Mr. Nobody Against Putin (Red Carpet Premiere) + Q&A with producer Helle Faber. Red carpet at 5:15 PM.
Sunday, September 14
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11:00 AM | Towngate Theatre — Mr. Nobody Against Putin
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1:00 PM | Towngate Theatre — Student Short Film Competition Finalists + awards ceremony
Community Gatherings and Networking Opportunities
In addition to screenings, the festival will host a VIP gathering on Saturday, Sept. 13, designed to bring together filmmakers, industry professionals, and documentary enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy food, drinks, and conversation in a setting that encourages connections.
Engaging Q&A Sessions
A hallmark of the Foxfire Film Festival is its commitment to dialogue and engagement. Following select screenings, audiences will have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions featuring the filmmakers behind the documentaries. These interactive discussions allow attendees to delve deeper into the themes and challenges presented in the films, offering unique insights into the creative process. It’s a chance for aspiring filmmakers to learn from seasoned directors and producers, sparking inspiration for their future projects.
Fostering a Community of Documentary Enthusiasts
As the inaugural year of the Foxfire Film Festival unfolds, it is set to nurture a vibrant community passionate about documentary filmmaking. The shared love for real stories creates an inviting environment where connections flourish. Whether through networking events or meaningful discussions after screenings, the festival offers a space for filmmakers and audiences to come together in celebration of their love for documentary cinema.
At Foxfire, the Student Film Competition is at the heart of the festival—giving young creators the chance to share their stories, showcase their vision, be recognized on a professional stage, and be mentored by professionals in the business. By uplifting emerging voices, Foxfire is committed to fostering the next generation of storytellers who will challenge, inspire, and reimagine the world through film.
The Foxfire Film Festival invites you to be part of its first year—to discover new perspectives, connect with filmmakers, and celebrate the power of real stories. Whether you’re a lifelong documentary fan or just curious about the art form, the festival offers something for everyone.
