Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor This time last year, executive directors of film festivals were programming screenings and premieres without stars due to the labor union strikes. Now, some 12 months later, says Middleburg Film Festival executive director Susan Koch declares, “We’re welcoming back filmmakers and actors. It’s our strongest year yet.” The festival, which is based in horse country due east of Washington, D.C., kicks off its 12th year with Steve McQueen’s “Blitz.” The World War II drama, starring Saoirse Ronan, will be co-presented with the British embassy.