“Flash of Genius” closes out the BFF on Wed. Sept. 17 at 7. It stars Greg Kinnear, who’ll be there, and it’s based on the true story of inventor Robert Kearns and his battle with the US auto industry.
“For me,” says Dawson, “the interest is helping  film-makers get their projects recognized as well being able to host it in the region I love.” The films chosen were whittled down from about 1000 submissions.
Criteria? “It varies festival to festival,” says Dawson, “but what we’re looking for is not always the perfect film. We want to show evolving film makers and different artistic views, as well as showing really great films. We want to impart information and education and entertain the audience.” Tickets: $9.75 a show. There are special passes from $60 (8 films) to $250 (all films and parties.)

1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, 617-499-1996 www.landmarktheatres.com or 617-523-8388 www.bostonfilmfestival.org