The Third Annual Alfred Hitchcock Festival
The idyllic mountain town of Scotts Valley, California is preparing to celebrate the cinematic genius of one of its most famous former residents - the legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock. The Third Annual Scotts Valley Alfred Hitchcock Festival, organized by The Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild, will transform the city into a vibrant tribute to the Master of Suspense.
Alfred Hitchcock, the iconic British filmmaker, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and pioneering directors in the history of cinema. Known as the "Master of Suspense", Hitchcock's illustrious career spanned six decades and over fifty feature films, leaving an indelible mark on the art of moviemaking.
His distinctive directorial style, characterized by its masterful use of camera angles, editing techniques, and psychological tension, redefined the thriller and horror genres. Hitchcock's meticulous attention to detail, innovative visual storytelling, and ability to manipulate the audience's emotions set him apart as a true auteur. Films like "Vertigo", "Psycho", "Rear Window", and "North by Northwest" are not only considered classics, but also serve as textbook examples of cinematic craftsmanship. Hitchcock's legacy extends beyond his body of work, as he has inspired generations of filmmakers and continues to captivate audiences around the world with his timeless tales of suspense and intrigue. His contributions to the medium have earned him numerous accolades, including two Golden Globes, eight Laurel Awards, and the prestigious AFI Life Achievement Award, cementing his status as one of the greatest and most revered filmmakers of all time.
Coinciding with the city's official proclamation of "Alfred Hitchcock Week," this one-of-a-kind festival will immerse attendees in Hitchcock's enduring legacy. Headlining the event is the captivating "Hitchcock in Scotts Valley" presentation by Aaron Leventhal, co-author of Footsteps in the Fog, and local historian Jay Topping. They will delve into the fascinating local and regional history of Hitchcock's time in Scotts Valley and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, sharing little-known anecdotes and shedding light on how the area influenced his groundbreaking body of work.
Attendees will also be treated to intimate insights from a very special guest - Tere Carrubba, Hitchcock's granddaughter. She will share cherished memories and personal experiences of growing up with her iconic grandfather, offering a rare glimpse into Hitchcock's life beyond the camera. With a compelling lineup of events, presentations, and film screenings, the Scotts Valley Alfred Hitchcock Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of a true cinematic legend in the picturesque town he once called home.
The Alfred Hitchcock festival is a celebration of the legendary filmmaker's groundbreaking work and enduring legacy. The festival brings together film scholars, experts, and enthusiasts to delve into the richness and complexity of Hitchcock's cinematic universe.
Through insightful discussions, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of Hitchcock's innovative film techniques. Logan Walker and Shelley Stamp, esteemed film and media professors from UC Santa Cruz, will introduce and analyze Hitchcock's masterful use of suspense, camera angles, and editing in the psychological thriller "Rope." Attorney and author Jason Isralowitz will present "The Wrong Man," shedding light on Hitchcock's exploration of wrongful accusation and the human psyche.
Jeffrey Michael Bays, the "Hitchcock Whisperer" and author of "The Hitchcock 20: The Forgotten TV Gems," will guide attendees through the lesser-known but equally captivating episodes Hitchcock directed for television. Bays will dissect Hitchcock's artistic choices, revealing how his camera work, editing style, and suspense techniques evoke powerful emotional responses from viewers, much like a painter's brushstrokes on a canvas.
Hosted by the Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild at the new Cultural and Performing Arts Center “The Landing”, the event underscores the community's admiration and respect for Hitchcock. As a fundraiser for the Guild, it also supports the arts and cultural development in the region, fostering a space for artistic expression and appreciation.
2025 Festival Schedule
Friday, March 14, 2025
Doors Open 6:00pm
Individual afternoon event ticket $30
5:00 pm Box Office open
6 :45 PM Welcome and City Proclamation by Mayor Derek Timm
7:00 PM “Hitchcock in Scotts Valley” Aaron Leventhal, co-author of Footsteps in the Fog, and Jay Topping, local historian, will share the local and regional history of Alfred Hitchcock in Scotts Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Tere Carrubba, granddaughter of Alfred Hitchcock, will share her experiences growing up with her famous grandfather.
7:45 PM 30-minute intermission. Snacks and drinks will be available in the lobby
8:15 PM Panel discussion with Logan Walker, UC Santa Cruz Lecturer in Film & Digital Media, and Shelley Stamp, Professor of Film & Digital Media at UC Santa Cruz, will introduce and discuss Alfred Hitchcock's film techniques in the movie Rope. Audience Q&A afterwards.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Doors Open 12:00pm
Individual afternoon event ticket $25 (all day $60)
12:00 PM Doors open, light refreshments, music
1:00 PM Jason Isralowitz, attorney and author of Nothing to Fear: Alfred Hitchcock and the Wrong Men will introduce and show the film The Wrong Man.
[10-minute break]
3:00 PM Jason will discuss in depth the real story of Manny Balestrero, as well as the themes and techniques deployed in the film itself, in a case of mistaken identity that ruined this man’s life.
Audience Q&A afterward.
Evening Reception Gala (Individual evening event ticket $50)
6:30 PM Doors Open Complimentary wine tasting from local wineries with a dessert reception
7:30 PM The silent movie, The Lodger : " William Park, author of What Is Film Noir? , will discuss the achievement of The Lodger , Hitchcock's "first" film.” Shown and accompanied by the much-acclaimed pianist, Kylan DeGhetaldi.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Doors Open 11:00am
Individual event ticket $40
11:00 AM Doors open, complimentary mimosas and light snacks
12:00 PM With his presentation, “The Hitchcock 20: The Forgotten TV Gems. Directed by the Master Filmmaker” author, and Hitchcock Whisperer, Jeffrey Michael Bays, will introduce the 20 TV episodes Hitchcock directed as well as some history on the origin of Alfred Hitchcock Presents . He will discuss Hitchcock’s artistic choices as if they were paintings: how his camera choices, editing style, suspense techniques, and more evoke a response from the viewer.
1:00 PM Small Screen Episodes - Bang You’re Dead!, Breakdown, One More Mile to Go
Audience Q&A afterwards.
Address: 251B Kings Village Road Scotts Valley, Ca 95066
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