NHFF17’s Saturday Spotlights: Must See’s and Do’s

The weekend is here and there’s no better time to check out The 2017 New Hampshire Film Festival! Saturday is always NHFF’s busiest day so make sure you check out the Festival Schedule ahead of time. Here’s a friendly reminder to also check out the Film Fest Silent Auction before it closes Sunday at noon for your chance to win some outstanding prizes.

There’s no better way to start your Saturday than with the inaugural Coffee Block at the Moffatt-Ladd House. Hosted by Paul Hodes, this is your chance to grab some joe and enjoy cider donuts, a New Hampshire classic, while listening to filmmakers discuss this year’s films. Following the Coffee Block, the film Manlife is showing at the Moffatt-Ladd House with a post-film Q&A. Another option in the morning is the Short Block 5 at the 3S Artspace, also with a Q&A session.

Need a midday break? All aboard The Thomas Laighton for the Stella Artois & InHouse Digital Hospitality Party. There will be hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine available for any film fan needing to refuel before their next viewing (21+). Another spot to check out is Flatbread and The Juicery Hospitality Suite at the Discover Portsmouth Center where you can also purchase T-shirts, hats and other memorabilia commemorating NHFF17.

There’s plenty to see in the afternoon as well. Behind the Scenes with Michelle Maclaren & Steve Mosko at The Music Hall is a special event this year that invites you to a discussion of today’s most popular television with some of the industry’s biggest executives and insiders. If you’re trying to fit as many films in as possible, pop back over to the Moffatt-Ladd House for Short Block 7, Short Block 8, and Short Block 9, all of which feature Q&A sessions following the films. Showing later at The Music Hall is Golden Exits with a Q&A session afterwards.

Some of Saturday’s best is saved for last. The NH-affiliated film, Woodshock, is playing at The Music Hall and includes a Q&A with the filmmakers. One of the festival’s most beloved events, the Annual Comedy Panel, is being held at 3S Artspace. Make sure you get there early for an insightful and laugh-out-loud discussion with the all-star panel, including Tom Bergeron, Rae Dawn Chong, Cole Escola, Peter Mackenzie, Josh Meyers, and John Viener. The panel is moderated by New Hampshire’s own Greg Kretschmar of Greg and the Morning Buzz. If you’re looking for more films check out Tormenting the Hen at The Loft with a Q&A session after the film.

Saturday’s Spotlight is The Square, directed by Ruben Östlund and starring Claes Bang, Elisabeth Moss, Dominic West, and Terry Notary. Catch this feature film at The Music Hall and if you’re still up for more after, head over to the Martingale Wharf for the Portsmouth Chevrolet After Party.

By Ben Bradbury-Koster