Fort Myers Film Festival 14th annual
Schedule
Wed May 22 2024 at 07:00 pm to Sun May 26 2024 at 09:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
2301 1st St, Fort Myers, FL, United States, Florida 33901 | Fort Myers, FL
The Fort Myers Film Festival’s 14th annual soiree is set to take place from May 22-26, 2024, in and around SWFL at venues including the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, IMAG, Alliance for the Arts, BIG ARTS, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Luminary Hotel, and more.“Hellbent on Boogie” will kick off this year’s festivities at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center with a star-studded red carpet rollout reception on Wednesday, May 22. The event will include high fashion, drinks, dancing, music, and filmmakers attending from around the world.
The film was completely shot in Florida and is directed and produced by Vito Trupiano, executive produced by K.C. Schulberg, and stars Shiloh Fernandez, Emily Tremaine Fernandez, Ryan Ramirez, and John Farley. Stars from the event will attend a private reception before the screening and will be present for a Q&A afterward. The night will feature champagne toasts, paparazzi, delicious treats for VIP attendees, and an afterparty on the roof of the SBDAC with fun, dancing, and a night never to forget.
In the opening night film, Ian returns to his small Floridian hometown to find his sister Quinn all grown up. But when he discovers that their overbearing mother is sheltering Quinn because of her autism, he hatches a plan for them to run away together so that Quinn can pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer.
The Fort Myers Film Festival will be benefiting several nonprofits this year including Florida Arts Inc., #KindLee, Raddatz Foundation, FODASA and Kimmie’s Recovery Zone.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:
• The festival will also feature two feature movies by SWFL’s longstanding Emmy Award-winning filmmaker John Biffar. His latest feature film, “Spirit of Recovery,” will have its world premiere Friday, May 24, at the Fort Myers Film Festival. The film follows SWFL artists, businessmen, leaders, musicians, as well as well-known stars, in a story of courage and caring that memorializes the indomitable spirit as SWFL recovered together. The film includes stories about Greg Biochini, Maria Pia Malerba, Tiite Baquero, Erik Lindbergh, Lester Holt, Eric Raddatz, Kerry Sanders, and Al Kinkle, as well as organizations Harry Chapin Food Bank, Kimmie’s Recovery Zone, Big Arts, Florida Rights of Nature Network, and more. Another film by Biffar, “Flamenco Sevilla,” features flamenco sensation Manuel Jimenez and follows two sisters, both musicians, as they work reinventing the art and music of flamenco with Captiva musician Johnny Jensen. The feature shows how for centuries, thousands of people converge on Seville on Easter week. They celebrate faith, family, and friends. Processions of the Virgin Mary crisscross the streets at all hours, orange blossoms perfume the air, delicious tapas and wine are savored in street-side cafes, and Flamenco dancers dazzle the thousands of visitors that swell this ancient city. This film will screen Saturday, May 25.
Mr. Biffar has made many films, including “Captiva Island,” “Uncommon Friends of the Twentieth Century,” “Under the Sea with Al Giddings,” “In Search of Mary: Two Sinners on a Mission,” “The Queen of Swing,” “Children of the Fourth World,” “Assignment Earth,” “Norma Miller Live,” “Fire Boats of 9-11,” “Worth The Fight,” “Curveballs … Secrets to the Game of Life,” “Cuba Reframed,” and “Black and White: Portrait of a Photographer.” Listen to Eric Raddatz discuss Mr. Biffar’s successful filmmaking career on SWFL Fresh Press here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ericraddatz/episodes/S2-EP6-Filmmaker-John-Biffarthe-king-of-film-in-SWFL-on-the-magic-of-making-movies-in-SWFL-e2emt8e.
• Another film by award-winning filmmaker K.C. Schulberg, “The Urgency of Now,” will also screen during the festival. The movie documents how climate change has and will impact the world and particularly, Southwest Florida.
• Two films by Nicholas Markart featuring Steve Hilfiker will screen, including “Stoneheart: An Undying Gift” and “Remembering Brantley.” The films feature Steve Hilfiker, a heart transplant survivor and father of four, who describes his experience facing death, and how his perspective on life has forever changed following the fateful operation as well as the devastating loss of fourteen-year-old Brantley Griffin. His family finds meaning in a life-saving new purpose. Hilfiker has founded the organization “FODASA,” which will be one of the nonprofit recipients of the Fort Myers Film Festival. For more information, head to www.fodasacharity.org.
• The film “UNDER” by Aloura Melissa Charles will also screen during the fest. Her film is about Jia, a trafficking victim who escapes her captors and hides under a residential house, and is secretly drawn into the life of Amy, a mother struggling with postpartum depression. Both women feel trapped and alone. As Jia listens to the joys and tears of both Amy and her baby, she is reminded of the child she tragically lost. Ultimately, Jia comes to Amy’s aid, and the women connect, finding friendship, understanding, and support in each other.
• Returning award-winning filmmaker Stephanie Ruiz will be returning to FMFF with her latest film "Happy Anniversary,” which tells the gripping tale of a couple with intriguing ties to the black market, seeking solace on a weekend getaway to reignite the spark in their tumultuous love. Yet, their attempts at reconnection are continuously thwarted by their enigmatic host, who manages to intrude at the most inconvenient moments, disrupting even the most potentially life-saving encounters. Ruiz will also be a part of FMFF’s “Women in the World of Cinema” panel, which will include Ruiz as well as actress Priscila Buiar and production designer Ana Milena Rojas. The panel is set to take place Saturday, May 25, at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Times will be announced closer to the event.
• Canadian filmmaker Leslie-Ann Coles will also return to the FMFF with her latest film “The Curtain,” where she directs and stars. Mother-daughter tensions bind one generation to the next in a seedy motel room where love, sex, and a wish for redemption lurk beyond the curtain when Beatrice, 50, is confronted with her own mortality. Beatrice revisits an old haunt from her childhood to reconcile herself with those she loves, evoking the memory of her mother following a mastectomy. Coles feature “Melody Makers” kicked off the 2018 FMFF and won for best feature.
PANELS:
The Fort Myers Film Festival will also feature a diverse group of women who have not only excelled in various disciplines within the film industry but have also garnered multiple nominations and awards throughout their illustrious careers with a “Women in the World of Cinema Panel,” featuring actress Priscila Buiar, director Stephanie Ruiz, production designer Ana Milena Rojas, and more. This gathering of accomplished professionals promises an enlightening exploration of their journeys, offering insights into their unique experiences and valuable perspectives. The audience will have the opportunity to delve into their amazing stories, learning about the challenges they’ve overcome, and the milestones they’ve accomplished.
BENEFITTING:
The Fort Myers Film Festival will be benefiting several nonprofits this year including Florida Arts Inc., #KindLee, Raddatz Foundation, FODASA, and Kimmie’s Recovery Zone. The opening night red carpet reception, screening, and party will offer opportunities for attendees to bid on auction items that will benefit these organizations. More information will be made available regarding the auction items and ways to benefit the organizations closer to the event. Florida Arts, Inc. was formed for the purpose of promoting the arts and to develop long-range goals and objectives for the development of a full range of artistic performances, shows, festivals, educational and other programming. The Raddatz Foundation has given to student filmmakers, providing opportunities for their future growth and success, with a mission to support global intellectual advancement with independent artistic endeavors. The Raddatz Foundation has awarded students in Southwest Florida as well as filmmakers around the world and plans to award student finalists for the 2024 Fort Myers Film Festival in cooperation with Florida Arts Inc. KindLee is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting kindness and support for those in need. Through various programs and initiatives, #KindLee addresses diverse community needs, reflecting its commitment to making a positive impact beyond the traditional boundaries. FODASA is dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals battling chronic diseases such as sarcoidosis and cardiomyopathy. As a nonprofit fund of Collaboratory, they specialize in creating powerful awareness campaigns that not only educate the public but also advocate for patients awaiting life-saving organ donations.
For more information head to www.sbdac.com, www.kindlee.org, www.raddatzfoundation.org, www.kimmiesrecoveryzone.org and www.fodasa.org.
GO VIP IN 2024:
This year, the 14th annual Fort Myers Film Festival will be celebrated from May 22-26, 2024, in and around Fort Myers, Florida. This year, be sure to get your VIP memberships granting access to all private and public parties, panels, and screenings. That's right, when you are VIP, you are like family. Take in a whole week of the best film festival fun you can imagine in the most beautiful locations SWFL can offer including the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, IMAG, Alliance for the Arts, BIG ARTS, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Luminay Hotel, and more. There really is no better way to see everything you want and party with everyone in SWFL and guests from all over the world. We look forward to the most fun you can possibly have in one week this year. VIP memberships are available, granting access to private and public parties, panels, and screenings throughout the week. Information regarding all films, events, and panels will be made known closer to the event. For more information, head to www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com, and stay in touch with our social media.
About the Fort Myers Film Festival
The Fort Myers Film Festival was awarded the prestigious 2015 Chrysalis Award for Cultural Achievement by the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Inc. at their annual Celebration of Business & Tourism Awards Luncheon and Trade Show at the Harborside Event Center in downtown Fort Myers. The Fort Myers Film Festival was founded by Eric Raddatz.
About Eric Raddatz
Eric Raddatz is an accomplished American journalist, filmmaker, and media personality known for his notable contributions in the fields of journalism and entertainment.
He stands as a prominent figure in the Southwest Florida arts and news community, earning renown over many years. With a history of contributions to ABC/NBC and iHeart radio in SWFL, he's recognized as the host of the indie film live theater series T.G.I.M. Additionally, Eric is the founder of the Fort Myers and Naples International Film Festivals, currently serving as the executive director of the former. As a veteran visual journalist, he holds the positions of editor and publisher of SWFL Fresh Press, with previous roles at Florida Weekly, Gulfshore Life, Copley Newspapers, and Gannett, where he earned numerous awards in design and presentation. Eric's award-winning news layouts have been featured in various art shows in SWFL. Notably, he is the executive producer of distribution and acquisitions for Dreamtime Entertainment, a consulting producer for the Oceanic Preservation Society, marketing consultant for Happenings magazine, executive director of FODASA, multimedia executive director at Outlier Brand, and the president and founder of The Raddatz Foundation.
Eric's creative pursuits extend into writing, directing, producing, and acting in several films and shows shot in and around Florida. Beyond being a film creator, he has played a pivotal role in founding film festivals. Eric initiated the Naples International Film Festival, serving as its executive director in its inaugural year in 2009, and the Fort Myers Film Festival the following year, where he also serves as the executive director. The inaugural Naples International Film Festival took place at prestigious venues, infusing Collier's artistic community with vibrant energy. Inspired by this success, Raddatz established The Fort Myers Film Festival in 2010, contributing to an artistic renaissance in downtown Fort Myers. The festival, hosted annually at numerous locations around town, has become a highlight in Fort Myers. Eric is also the host of T.G.I.M., an indie film show in Fort Myers, and serves as the film curator at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. His podcast, Fresh Press with Eric Raddatz, is available on Spotify at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ericraddatz. For more information, visit www.ericradatz.com and www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
IN THE KNOW
WHAT: The 14th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival
WHEN: May 22-26, 2024
WHERE: Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, IMAG, Alliance for the Arts, BIG ARTS, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater, Luminay Hotel, and more.
TICKETS: VIP tickets are available at www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com. Individual tickets will also become available closer to the event.
FOR PRESS PHOTOS, PLEASE HEAD TO: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ej84ummvbg0jef8/AABcIgJ0PyyiTIpzgsRzlD84a?dl=0
VIDEOS: www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com
Where is it happening?
2301 1st St, Fort Myers, FL, United States, Florida 33901
