Written by Rummel Medina
It’s that time of year again folks, so grab your popcorn and oversized drinks because the Savannah Film Festival is next week! October 24 to 31 marks the eighth consecutive year of the Savannah Film Festival that brings together the best independent and innovative films from all over the world. SCAD’s film festival is a great opportunity to see works from well-established industry filmmakers, small time productions and aspiring students.
There are many promising entries this year, including several documentaries being eyed by the Academy. The return of the “Docs to Watch” series (launched last year) brings ten new documentaries. The directors will come together for a Q-and-A hosted by The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg for their respective films. Look out for this round table discussion on Sunday Oct. 25 at 6:00 p.m. Some documentaries include “Amy” (Directed by Asif Kapadia), “He Named Me Malala” (Directed by Davis Guggenheim), and “Gardeners of Eden” (Produced by Kristin Davis).
Signature series films are a special selection of premiere films of all genres. This year’s signature screenings will feature in-depth discussions with the film’s representatives. These films feature a wide variety from the SHOAH Foundation’s documentary presentation of “One Day in Auschwitz,” the animated adaptation of Kahlil Gibran’s novel “The Prophet” and a test screening of the conclusion Lloyd Campbell’s two-part indie film “Return to Nuke ‘Em High: Volume 2.”
Every year we also see the return of the film competition, featuring over 85 films in several categories such as animated and student shorts, and narrative features (just to name a few). The films will be screening throughout the week as the jury, comprised of Diane Connors (VP of Special Events, Walt Disney Pictures), June Dowad (VP, Sandra Marsh & Associates), Jody Gottlieb (Director of Development, Vulcan Productions) and the film critic Leonard Maltin vote on the winners of the over $80,000 cash prizes! Entries include many films, but here are a few you may not want to miss: “Embers,” “Forward. Side. Close!,” “Papa,” “Scout” and “Tumbledown.”
And let’s not forget about all the panels! Not only are we treated to fantastic features, but the Savannah Film Festival hosts several panels from Industry insiders to spread knowledge of the real world of film-making to aspiring students. This year will also host a Scribble to Screen exhibit which features items from the WGF archives including development materials from Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and “Alice in Wonderland” along with tablets filled with scripts from hit TV shows like “Mad Men,” Walking Dead” and “Game of Thrones.” You can find the exhibit at the Lucas Theatre starting Saturday the 24 at 10a.m.! But in-between make sure to check out some panels such as “Scribble to Screen with Bob’s Burgers,” “The Story Starts Here: Nickelodeon’s Writing Program,” and “Show Me the Money: How to fund and Finance your Film.”
And finally we have our awards. Meg Ryan will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award along with the screening of her directorial debut “Ithaca” on Thursday, Oct. 29. Olivia Wilde will be receiving the Spotlight Achievement Award on opening night along with her film “Meadowland.” And Alfie Allen (“Game of Thrones,” “John Wick,” and “Atonement”) will be reviving the Rising Star Award on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
And this is only a glimpse into the loaded schedule of the Savannah Film Festival! So between classes, naps and coffee breaks make sure to come out and make the most of this experience. Full Schedules and Tickets can be purchased online or at the Trustee’s Theatre.
