Philadelphia Film Society and TLA Splitting Up After All

When all the on-again, off-again controversy between the Philadelphia Film Society and TLA earlier this year ended in an uneasy truce and just one, united film festival (with one big, ugly name), we kind of assumed that was it and things would go back to normal again. But no! In fact, it looks like the two groups are off again, and for good this time. TLA will continue to produce CineFest in the spring and QFest in the summer under the aegis of the Philadelphia Cinema Alliance, while the Film Society will now produce the Philadelphia Film Festival in the fall, starting in October 2010. The Film Society will also offer year-round film events, including an indie showcase called Filmadelphia Independent and a repertory program of cult and essential movies called Filmadelphia Classics. Film Society executive director J. Andrew Greenblatt says "the city easily can support two mega-festivals," but we're not so sure. Going to both isn't necessarily going to work for the average person's schedule and pocket book. This Phillyist, at least, might have to choose which festival to go to each year.

Regardless, it should be interesting to see what happens. Two festivals competing for the Philadelphia cinephile's attention should make for some good entertainment.

Image Credit: Flickr user ToastyKen