PIFF brings the silver screen back to the Cape

Boston Globe

09-06-2025

'What's so special about it to me is that, even though decades have passed, it feels just as relevant today,' Viola said. 'That, to me, makes it a perfect example of a film that we want to kick off the festival with and really set the tone for the week.'
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The tone isn't only upheld by the festival's films, though. She said it's also an energy exuded throughout Provincetown.
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'It's really a place where tolerance is promoted and accepted,' Viola said. 'Everyone can be who they are in Provincetown and feel safe and feel comfortable.'
She said it's a 'wonderful' location to host a film festival because many of the films PIFF showcases tackle difficult subjects that deserve a receptive audience.
'Provincetown is the perfect place to have these films be cherished and supported,' Viola said.
This year's festival includes films like '
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For those interested in films with a hometown feel, Viola highlighted '
Still of Spiritus Pizza, a family-run pizza and coffee bar in Provincetown, from "Spiritus: No Business Like Dough Business."
Provincetown Film Society
Viola said PIFF tries to give people a wide variety of options because they know many of these films aren't always available outside of the film festival circuit. She encouraged those in attendance to step out of their comfort zones and watch films they wouldn't usually go to their local theater to see.
Throughout the festival there are also opportunities to attend parties and panels, including a special event with '
Festivalgoers can also hear from actors including 'The White Lotus' and 'The Last of Us' star
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Murray Bartlett and River Gallo in "Ponyboi."
Provincetown Film Society
Eva Victor, the other Next Wave Award honoree, will make their directorial debut at the festival with '
At the end of the festival, Viola said the organizers of PIFF hope people not only have an incredible experience in Provincetown, but leave full of ideas.
'We hope they take that back to their communities and share what they've seen and what they've heard and what they've talked about with their friends and family and colleagues and discuss beyond just what happens for those five days,' she said. 'We hope it really carries on throughout the year.'
Provincetown International Film Festival, June 11-15. Single screening tickets start at $20. For more information, including films, locations, and screening times, visit
.