The ninth annual Washington West Film Festival kicks off today in Reston and other locations with a movie screening at Bowie Tie Cinemas.

The festival, which showcases new films from around the world and the filmmakers and actors behind them, will begin opening night with a screening of My Indiana Muse, a story about an artist who starts an inspirational project that will take more than a decade to complete. Tickets can be purchased online for $35.

A reception will follow the 7 p.m. screening and light appetizers and drinks will be available. The movie’s director Jennifer Serena and cast members Robert Townshend and Cheryl Berea will take part in a question and answer session following the screening.

The complete schedule of movie screenings and events is available online.

Prior to today’s screening at 4:30 p.m., the Kendra Scott store in Reston Town Center will offer drinks and refreshments.

All net box office proceeds help address issues like hunger, illness and limited organization, according to the festival’s website.

Photo via Washington West Film Festival