When many people hear of a film festival, they think of something like the annual French festival Cannes or the Utah-based Sundance: ostentatious and flashy, supported by a troupe of A-list actors and producers. But from October 24 - 27 of 2013, Sheila Johnson, executive producer of the independent smash hit Lee Daniels' The Butler, brought that same level of excitement to Middleburg, Virginia, and what a sight to see it was.

Visually, the town of Middleburg itself is a true gem, and the perfect location to host such an event. Everywhere you look, the grounds and the buildings sport autumn reds and oranges that cast a very warm and inviting mood. As a resident of the nearby town of Warrenton, I joyfully took in the Middleburg scenery. It's not entirely urban, nor is it entirely rural; it's a small town that is wrapped with a natural blanket of gorgeous rural backdrops.

I also enjoyed the opportunity to visit locations such as the newly opened Salamander Resort and Spa, the Hill School, and the Middleburg Community Center. Though the Hill School and Community Center are landmark Middleburg venues, their atmospheres aren't very old at all. They have a very timeless vibe, much like the town that they represent. The Salamander Resort & Spa had a much more updated and polished ambience, and visitors definitely took notice. Upon arriving at the resort, I noticed that it made a point of honoring Middleburg's hunt country theme with small aspects such as the valet sporting riding apparel. I am sure that the towns own residents were very excited to have such an event showcased right in their own backyard.

The same kind of warm and inviting mood set by the location was also reflected in the community itself. There was enthusiasm everywhere, whether people were going to see a film or volunteering at one of the events. There was enthusiasm everywhere, whether people were going to see a film or volunteering at one of the events. Had it not been for the volunteers who were present, I doubt that the festival itself would have been able to take place, and I was very impressed with their sincerity.

In between two of the showings that I attended, I met a few friendly faces who, upon seeing me again at later showings, eagerly greeted me by name. Everyone was excited to be there, and that was the kind of upbeat attitude and sense of community pride that brought everything together so nicely. I hope to see the Middleburg film festival become a tradition for years to come, and I'll definitely hope to become a volunteer.

How were the films themselves?

The seven that I saw over the course of one weekend (Le Week-End; The Best Offer; Journey to Italy; Like Father, Like Son; Philomena; Lee Daniels' The Butler; and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom) were all excellent, each in their own distinct way. Being a 17-year-old film-goer, I'm normally one of only a few people in my group of friends who's talking about a thought-provoking independent film as opposed to a fun summer blockbuster, so I was very pleased to see that a lot of good films without the big budgets for mass advertising had the opportunity to be exposed to such a good crowd.

When independent films come to theaters, they normally have a limited release in few theaters, followed by a wide release, but even their wide releases are few and far between. Avid film-goers like myself received the opportunity to view a multitude of splendid films all in one place that they wouldn't have received otherwise.

Clearly, I wasn't the only one pleased to see them. When I saw The Butler, the screening was immediately followed by a Q&A session with director Lee Daniels himself, as well as Wil Hayood, writer of the film's original source material. Immediately following the session, I was able to shake hands with and receive the autographs of Daniels and Hayood. Many significant questions were also asked that shed light on not just how much the audience felt involved in the film, but how much they were moved by it.

It's one thing to feel involved in the film's happenings, as though they are happening around you, which is a characteristic of good filmmaking. It's another sensation entirely to see a film like The Butler that reminds you of the alienating ways of a very recent history, and how similar things are today. To see a movie that actually makes you think is to see a movie that questions current ways of thinking, and inspires new ones. All of these films did that, and it's remarkable that a town like Middleburg was able to spotlight all of them.