FilmDayton Festival, May 20-23

DAYTON, OH (WDTN-WBDT) - The FilmDayton Festival, May 20-23, is movies and more FROM Dayton — featuring films that have roots or take their cue, from right here in the Miami Valley.

Films made by people who grew up and learned their craft here. And films FOR Dayton — featuring the "best of the fests" which FilmDayton brings to you first.

Audiences are invited to experience and interact with compelling films and filmmakers who are addressing such hot topics as the war in Afghanistan, the threat of nuclear meltdown, life in an American Muslim-community and more.

Films include the "festival within the festival," BIG LENS, featuring shorts from Wright State University MoPix students and grads, as well as the much-anticipated screenings of SXSW award-winning films MARWENCOL and WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM.

Another selection is 'BEAUTIFUL NOISE' written, produced and directed by former Daytonian, local TV commercial spokesperson and 'Holiday-Aid' founder Steve Tatone.

Look for Buch's one-on-one interview with Steve on Friday evening's edition of Bucher's Beat on 2 News at 10pm on Dayton's CW. With an extended interview on wdtn.com, go to 'Bucher's Beat.'

Filmmakers include both native and current Daytonians as well as filmmakers from Austin, Copenhagen, Detroit and Los Angeles.

Events include the popular "American Idol-style" Pitch It! competition where professionals and amateurs alike pitch their film ideas to a panel of industry experts and vie for cash prizes (Our own Jim Bucher is on the panel. Although the title 'expert' may be stretching it with Buch.)

For a complete rundown of all the happenings visit www.FilmDaytonFestival.com