Highlights from DC’s Independent Film Festival: Local Documentaries to Discover

The 25th annual DC Independent Film Forum is presenting a diverse lineup of 70 films and documentaries from Wednesday, February 21 to Sunday, February 25. This year's offerings include international features such as the Japanese adaptation 'The Concierge,' the French thriller 'Wolfpack,' and the British doc 'Meeting Zelensky.' Yet, the festival also shines a spotlight on local stories, with documentaries rooted in the DC area. Here are three notable local documentaries screening at the festival.

Feast Your Ears: The Story of WHFS 102.3 FM

A much-anticipated documentary, 'Feast Your Ears,' recounts the tale of a beloved Bethesda radio station that defined an era of music lovers who sought tunes outside the mainstream. WHFS 102.3 FM was not just a station but a cultural phenomenon, introducing artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Bonnie Raitt to its listeners. Director Jay Schlossberg, a former WHFS enthusiast and staffer, captures the essence of the storied station. Attendees can look forward to a Q&A with former DJs after the film.

District of Second Chances

In 'District of Second Chances,' filmmaker Wynette Yao takes viewers inside the DC criminal justice system, following three men who were sentenced to life imprisonment in their youth. Now with the advent of 'second look' legislation, these individuals are granted the possibility of a new beginning outside prison walls. The documentary delves into the transformative power of second chances and the impact of shifting legal landscapes on the lives of reformed inmates.

The Test

The short documentary 'The Test' brings a poignant narrative to the screen, chronicling the intergenerational friendship between Eric Frimpong, a Ghanaian immigrant employed at a retirement community, and two of its residents. Frimpong's journey toward American citizenship and reuniting with his family after years is heartwarming, demonstrating the human connections that transcend age and culture. The film has been recognized for its touching storytelling and has received accolades in the festival circuit.

cinema, culture, documentary