For freshman cinema major Zachary Brown, the film he wanted to see was “Homemakers,” a story about an indie rocker who comes to Pittsburgh to restore her great-grandfather’s house, but her propensity for chaos creates problems.

“I’m really excited to see this movie because it’s a comedy, and Shelia McKenna, the head of the Conservatory of Performing Arts department, is in the film,” Abigail Cagle, a sophomore acting major said.

Another film that has spurred interest is “Foxcatcher,” starring Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carrell. The film is about the true life story of Olympic Wrestler Mark Schultz.

These two films along with other films such as “The Overnighters” and “Goodbye to Language,” were a part of the opening night of the 33rd annual Three Rivers Film Festival presented by Dollar Bank and Pittsburgh Filmmakers.

“There are a broad range of films in the festival this year, ranging from American to International, new releases, as well as indies, classics and restorations,” said Amy Edwards, the Marketing and Development assistant at Pittsburgh Filmmakers.

The festival began on Nov. 7 and continues until Nov. 22, with 65 total films playing at four theatres and four micro-cinemas.

In addition to showcasing films, the festival also features visits from some of the filmmakers, along with informal discussions  and live music events.

“The festival itself is a good showcase to see what local people can do and gives a chance for local people to enter [films]. Hopefully one day I could have an entry in the festival,” said Daymon Long, a freshman cinema production major.

There is Oscar-buzz surrounding many of the films being showcased at the festival, including “Foxcatcher,” and the seven foreign nominations: “Beloved Sisters,” “Concrete Night,” “The Dark Valley,” “Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem,” “Human Capital,” “To Kill a Man” and “What Now? Remind Me.”

There are also five films from Poland: “Gods,” “The Heart and the Sweetheart,” “Jack Strong,” “Life Feels Good” and “Saragossa Manuscript,” that were brought to the festival by the Polish Cultural Council.

Every year, the Three Rivers Film Festival presents family films and this year, they are presenting five: “Belle and Sebastian,” “The King and Mockingbird,” “The Lost World,” “Spirited Away” and “Welcome to the Space Show.”

“It’s hard to pick a favorite film, there are so many good films in the festival. I love that this is a huge city-wide event and that we have broader visibility, participation and audiences,” Edwards said. “It’s a great way to introduce people to [Pittsburgh Filmmakers].”

In addition to “Homemakers,” the film “Umbrella Man,” which was developed for stage and screen by Point Park University, was showcased at the festival at the Melwood Screening Room on Saturday, Nov. 8.

“It’s my first time going to this event to see what they do there and what the criteria is. After going, I could learn from it and hopefully submit something eventually,” Brown said.

For more information on films, their show times, locations, cost of admission and other special events log on to http://3rff.com/.