For the past several weeks, film lovers have had their choice of movies to watch while enjoying a day or evening in the city. From the Afrikana Independent Film Festival Sept. 14-17, this week’s 12th Annual Richmond International Film Festival, and the upcoming Sitelines BLM Action Film Festival, Richmond is awash in a range of festivals and themes designed to make you think, offer diversity and provide opportunities for filmmakers to have their work seen and celebrated.

While such a variety of culture and talent is gratifying and certainly stunts complaints about there being nothing to do in Richmond, we can’t help but wonder why so many film festivals tend to sprout at the same time. We also wonder whether having multiple film festivals in a concentrated timeframe dilutes the attendance and attention each festival receives.

Here’s a thought. What would happen if some of these festivals were to be combined, and possibly lead to a more cohesive and impactful experience for the filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences?

Just a thought.