By Gina Ginsburg
For Hometown News
The Daytona Beach Film Festival opens next Friday and offers the community a chance to view interesting films, enjoy good food and wine, and mingle with special guest stars all in one weekend.
The ninth annual festival has more than 20 selections that include feature films and shorts shown in the Cinematique Theater and the News-Journal Center, both in downtown Daytona Beach.
Cinematique of Daytona, the non-profit group that organizes the festival, has brought independent filmmaking to the area for 20 years.
Stephanie Mason-Teague, Cinematique President, said the festival is a great way to bring the community together. And while most of the offerings are from International filmmakers, there is quite a bit of local talent showcased.
"There's offerings from many in the area plus a chance to meet some of the filmmakers," she said.
A short film called "Advanced Payment" was written and produced by New Smyrna Beach resident Jeff Malphurs. Other local directors with films in the festival include Gary Lester and Carl Knickerbocker.
The wide range of films vary from one set on the streets of Cairo to one taking place at a barbeque competition in Starke called "Grills Gone Wild," produced by Edgewater resident Hilary Walker.
"This year's festival is bigger and more prestigious, and although we all have different objectives, this is a good place for independents to get feedback and learn about filmmaking," Ms. Walker said.
Ms. Mason-Teague said she was also excited about the interactive seminar on Sunday with composer Richard Gibbs, who has scored more than 60 films.
The News-Journal Center is the venue for the opening night festivities, which include a fundraiser with dinner and dessert, live music and a silent auction. The opening night movie, "About Fifty" is a modern comedy followed by a question and answer session with two of the stars, Drew Pillsbury and Martin Grey.
Sunday events include an interactive session with director Mike Rymer from Australia.
The award for the audience's favorite film will be announced along with the winners of the student film festival.
Students can purchase a $15 day pass that includes filmmaker workshops, admission to two movies and admission to the awards ceremony. An All-Festival Pass for $125 includes Opening Night.
Tickets can be purchased through the Cinematique box office at (386) 252-3118.
Box office hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. A complete list of films and events is available at dbff.org.
Daytona Beach Film Festival Schedule
Friday, Nov. 4
.7:30 p.m. - '80s Kick Off Party - Party 1980s style at the Cinematique Theatre. Admission is $9.
Friday Nov. 11
News-Journal Center
.1 p.m. - "Late Bloomers"
.3:30 p.m. - "Cairo Exit"
.6 p.m. -Opening Night Dinner
7:30 p.m. - "About Fifty" (Guests)
Cinematique
.11:30 p.m. - "Red Desert" (1964) *
.1:45 p.m. - "Walk Mile in My Pradas"
.3:45 p.m.- Narrative Shorts
Saturday, Nov. 12
News-Journal Center
.11a.m. - "Dehli In a Day"
.1 p.m. - Afternoon with Peter Ford, son of Glenn Ford. He will do a book signing and talk about his experiences growing up in Hollywood.
.3 p.m. - Halifax Food & Wine Festival. Tickets are $49 in advance or $59 at the door.
.3:30 p.m. - Documentary Shorts
.6 p.m. - "Silver Case"
.8 p.m. - "Corked "
Cinematique
.11:15 a.m. - "Sweet Little Lies"
.1:15 p.m. - "20 Cigarettes"
.3:15 p.m. - "The Pill"
.5:15 p.m. - "Women On The 6th Floor"
.9 p.m. - "3"
Sunday, Nov. 13
News-Journal Center
.10 a.m. - Student Films
.12:30 p.m. - Afternoon with composer Richard Gibbs
.2 p.m. - "Dr. Limptooth"
.4 p.m. - "Minds In The Water"
.6 p.m. - Face To Face Q&A with director Mike Rymer
Cinematique
.Noon - "Immaturi"
.2:15 p.m. -"Florida Cracker"
.4:15 p.m. - "Newlyweds"