From the Desk of the Festival Directors

WE’RE BACK AT CINEMA CENTER AND SO HAPPY TO HAVE YOU HERE! Truly, we’re delighted to bring you the seventh annual Hobnobben Film Festival, which is back home at Cinema Center for the first time since the virus disrupted all our lives in 2020. Planning this festival during a years-long pandemic has given us the chance to reflect on what Hobnobben contributes to our community: the community of filmmakers, film lovers, film-curious, sponsors, volunteers, and all those who appreciate the artistry of film at any level.

Ultimately, our goal with Hobnobben is to connect our community by illuminating the kaleidoscope of human experience through storytelling. We encourage people to "See and be seen" — both on the screen and off. We hope everyone appreciates the effort we put into the curation of the diverse stories and voices included in this festival.

Hobnobben 2022 continues to shine a light on historically marginalized stories and creators in film: LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, international voices, seniors, non-White/Western, body positive stories, and the quirky/campy. We’re truly amazed that each year we break the record for number of films selected; this year expect to see 128 films spanning a variety of categories and genres.

In addition to our filmmatic programming, we also have a variety of panel discussions and workshops. We hope these opportunities bring our community together and spark some conversations about the art of independent filmmaking.

The Hobnobben Film Festival would not be possible without our dedicated and wide-ranging community. The Hobnobben volunteer committee is composed of so many passionate and talented people who have helped grow this festival into an event we can all take pride in. The folks at Cinema Center — the board, the curators and Executive Director Art Herbig — continue to offer support and guidance. And finally our sponsors and partners, who not only support us financially, but work with us to provide programming that enhances and connects the Fort Wayne and filmmaking communities. We thank all of you for allowing us to illuminate the human experience through storytelling that projects ideas, conversations, and relationships beyond the cinema walls.

❤️ 👑 ❤️

Amanda Hille, Alix Watson, Christi Hille
Festival Directors