Written by Mackenzie Moore. Graphic by Ana Vergara.
5. Taylor Perez, Picture King
Having a big star at the film festival is always exciting. However, most of the time, students are rarely ever able to all get pictures with them. The star walks the carpet, takes maybe eight pictures and then security pulls them away, which is the end of it. What made Taylor Perez’s attendance so memorable was his need to ensure every one of his fans got a picture or a book signed from his then-current movie, “Red, White & Royal Blue.” After his Q&A panel at the Gutstein Gallery, Taylor Perez held an impromptu picture and signing at the Jen Library. He made sure to take pictures and sign books with as many people as possible before being told he had to leave. Before he left, he promised those who were not able to get a picture or book signed that he would do so on the film festival red carpet, and he honored his word. Did he take up the most time on the carpet out of all the other stars? Yes, but all the people that were there to see him got what they wanted.
4. Leona Flowers, aka Miles Teller’s Grandma
You might have gone to the film events because you heard Miles Teller was going to be there, but you ended up staying because Leona Flowers was there. Everyone’s favorite Film Fest regular, Leona Flowers, not only enjoys attending the SCAD Savannah Film Festival but loves going when she can go with her grandson. If you have the opportunity to meet this extraordinary woman, you will quickly realize how extremely kind, warm and sweet she is. During the 2022 Film Fest, you could find her attending Miles’ master class, glowing while watching him speak. You could also find her chatting with students before and after the screening, talking about her grandson (who she raves about), her thoughts on the festival and a bit about her life and family.
3. Exploring Emerald Fennell’s Thoughts
SCAD Savannah Film Fest had the opportunity to show the movie “Saltburn” before it came out in theaters, allowing the viewers to be some of the first to see what would later become a largely talked about film. Hearing the audience’s reaction was definitely memorable, as no one really knew what to expect or prepared for what they were about to see. After the film was screened, there was a Q&A session with the director and writer, Emerald Fennell. This was extremely necessary for the viewers to get more information on how this story came to be. Fennell stated, “I just wrote what everyone was thinking,” which is a strange assumption that most people’s minds are down the drain or in a grave.
2. Master Classes
Many students are unaware that SCAD offers Acting Master Classes during Film Fest to acting majors and minors. These conversations are great opportunities for acting students to get first-hand advice and knowledge about the industry and being a working actor. The saying “early bird gets the worm” is relevant to these classes since they are held in a smaller space and not all students can always get in – going early to get a seat is essential. Students have gotten to hear from many different phenomenal actors. However, one that stands out is Janelle Monáe. She said in her class, “You must be outside your comfort zone to grow and succeed.” That advice is extremely important not only for students but also for everyone to remember.
1. MGK Locked up at SCAD Beach
On October 27, 2022, Colson Baker, also known as Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), was seen locked up at SCAD Beach. Well, he was not exactly locked up, but he was seen greeting fans through the beach fence. Machine Gun Kelly gave an in-conversation with Colson Baker at the SCAD Museum of Art. MGK attending SCAD’s Film Festival was definitely a hot take between professors and students. He was there to promote his film “Taurus” and receive the Discovery Award.
With the 2024 SCAD Savannah Film Festival just wrapping up, there are plenty of fresh moments to add to this list next year!
