SEPTEMBER 14-19, 2021 - Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
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Congratulations! CONTENTS Congrats on 15 years of the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival! Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites are proud to be the SPOTLIGHT TABLE OF CONTENTS Official Lodging Partner for the Festival. The spotlight shines on the beach this Sept. 14–19, 2021 Welcome 2 The World Famous Tiki Bar & Grill are delighted to be the with the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival. Schedule of Events 3 Official Filmmaker Network After Dark Sponsor The six-day festival invites movie-goers to screen Fun to Do 5 quality independent films and enjoy events designed Film Packages 6 to cultivate the spirit of visual creativity and harbor the Screening Schedule 7 talents of filmmakers. Independent films cater to a wide Connect 8 range of tastes and ages and span several genres. The Student Films 9 Beach Theater is an intimate and welcoming venue for Florida Made Films 10–11 screenings. Audiences will enjoy independent features Short Films 12–15 in a setting which offers not only quality viewing, but International & Animated Short Films 16–17 casual dining as well. Feature & Documentary Films 18–19 For more information, please contact festival staff at Documentary Short Films 20–21 hello@FMBIFilmFest.com Special Events 22 Awards 23 Where the fun never ends & something is ALWAYS going on poolside. Sponsors 24 Check out filmmaker drink specials! 1051 Fifth Avenue, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931 (239) 463-9392 CONTRIBUTORS Previous Years’ Awards Inside Back Cover Writer/Editor: Tanya Kaish Keller Art Director: Pat Murphy, Pat Squared Design Festival Logo Design: Ryan Clark, Xerogravity Design No part of the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival Program may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from the Fort Myers Beach Here's to 15 years of the Film Festival I PO Box 3056, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33932 I www.fmbifilmfest.com Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival! 14 YEARS OF PROGRAM COVERS New 2021 rendering! We look forward to "watchin' the sun bake" Virtual with everyone on Fort Myers Beach in 2023. Fo rt M ye rs B ea ch In te rn at i ona l Fi lm F es ti va l Only APRIL 24–29, 2019 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Follow us on margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-beach-resort-fort-myers-beach 2013 2012 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 FMBIFilmFest.com I 1
WELCOME SCHEDULE OF EVENTS DEAR FILM ENTHUSIASTS 2021 FESTIVAL SCHEDULE On behalf of the FMBIFF team, it is my great pleasure to welcome you back, and in person, to the 15th annual film Tuesday, Sept. 14 7:00–9:00 p.m. Registration and Opening Ceremony festival! After a long year and then some, we are excited to have you join us on our beautiful island paradise for a full Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Boulevard week of films and events. Our goal each year is to bring people together in an entertaining and culturally stimulating atmosphere while Wednesday, Sept. 15 11:00 a.m. Filmmaker Meet and Greet—filmmakers only celebrating the universal appeal of the visual arts. 2:30 p.m. Festival Ribbon Cutting Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Boulevard There are so many individuals who continue to make this event extraordinary, and I wanted to give a special thank you 3:00–11:00 p.m. Independent Film Screenings to Nick Campo, Drake Heroy, and the entire Beach Theater staff for allowing us to take over your theater for the week. Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Boulevard The FMBIFF is fortunate enough to have the best team in place including Tanya Kaish Keller, our external communications 9:30–1:00 a.m. Filmmaker Network After Dark—filmmaker specials at manager, programming director, Kyle Thompson, programming team members Joe Guice, Keith Gasa, Krystal Weaver the World Famous Tiki Bar at the Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites. and Bryant Hendricks. These team members from Red Flight Pictures carried us through our 14th year virtually and 1051 Fifth Avenue, Fort Myers Beach brought new life to our festival. Our hospitality chair, Jan Fleming, continues to introduce filmmakers and guests to our local restaurants and stores, along with her constant smile and goodwill. We must give a special thanks to our art Thursday, Sept. 16 11:00 a.m. Filmmaker Meet and Greet—filmmakers only director and program guide guru, Pat Murphy of Pat Squared Designs. 3:00–11:00 p.m. Independent Film Screenings We cannot thank Producer/Actor Alyn Darnay for his invaluable experience and dedication to the festival by providing Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Boulevard his time for our acting workshop. 9:30–1:00 a.m. Filmmaker Network After Dark—filmmaker specials at the World Famous Tiki Bar at the Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites. To our fun and faithful volunteers—thank you for sticking with us the past 18 months! Your time and energy are infectious. The FMBIFF is run entirely of volunteers and without them, we could not continue to bring this event to Friday, Sept. 17 11:00 a.m. Filmmaker Meet and Greet—filmmakers only Fort Myers Beach. Each one of you have had a tremendous impact in making this festival a sensation. I am so very 3:00–11:00 p.m. Independent Film Screenings lucky and grateful to have all of you on my CREW! A big shout out to the local businesses, their owners and staff for Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Boulevard partnering with the Festival to ensure its success. #WeAreFMB 8:00 p.m. Movie on the Mound—FREE Finally, a special thank you to my son, Justin, who reminds me that stars are not just on the screen but in the sky. (gates open at 7:00) Outdoor Screening of Raya and the Last Dragon #WeGotThis T he Mound House I 451 Connecticut St Welcome back to the movies! 9:30–1:00 a.m. Filmmaker Network After Dark—filmmaker specials at the World Famous Tiki Bar at the Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites. Janeen Paulauskis Executive Director Janeen is a founding member of the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival and has been Executive Director since Saturday, Sept. 18 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Alyn on Acting—with Alyn Darnay 2001. Honored in Gulfshore Business’ 40 Under 40 for her work on the festival and as part of the award-winning team Intimate, hands on acting workshop for Marketing and Publicity from the Florida Festival and Events Association, she was recently honored with the Fort Myers Tickets Required. 20 spaces available. Beach Chamber of Commerce’s “Commitment to the Community” award and the Town of Fort Myers Beach “Citizen of Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Boulevard Distinction” award. Janeen is a proud and grateful supporter of the Fort Myers Beach Community and its many events. 11:00 a.m. Filmmaker Meet and Greet—filmmakers only WELCOME FILMMAKERS 3:00–11:00 p.m. Independent Film Screenings Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Boulevard It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival. Yes, 2020 was an 9:30–1:00 a.m. Filmmaker Network After Dark—filmmaker specials at unfortunate year for everyone and like most festivals, we were forced to go to a virtual platform. We are so excited the World Famous Tiki Bar at the Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites. to finally be welcoming everyone back in person for the 15th annual event. Sunday, Sept. 19 11:00 a.m. Filmmaker Meet and Greet—filmmakers only We take pride in being one of the top 100 best reviewed film festivals on FilmFreeway and our team has continued 3:00–6:00 p.m. Independent Film Screenings to work diligently to make next five days memorable for the movie-goer and the independent filmmaker. Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Boulevard During your stay, we hope you find yourself enjoying some of the incredible story telling from around the world. 7:00 p.m. FMBI Film Festival Closing Awards Ceremony This year, we have 126 films from over 11 countries screening with us. Alongside our films, we have some amazing Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Griller I 708 Fisherman’s Wharf events happening on the island brought to you by our fantastic 2021 sponsors. Emcee: The Honorable Ray Murphy, Mayor, Fort Myers Beach We hope you enjoy your festival experience and the beautiful island of Fort Myers Beach! Scan for See you at the movies! ticket Masks are strongly recommended at all Kyle B. Thompson Programming Director @kylebthompson sales Film Festival events unless actively eating or drinking. 2 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 3
Congrats to the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival FUN TO DO on celebrating 15 years of movie magic! FMB FILMMAKER NETWORK AFTER DARK While here, we invite filmmakers and patrons Wednesday to Saturday, Sept. 15–18 | 9:30 p.m.– 1:00 a.m. to stop by our boutiques on beautiful Tiki Bar & Grille | 1051 5th Ave. Fort Myers Beach! Enjoy filmmaker drink specials and grab some photos at the Festival step and repeat at the Offical Networking Sponsor World Famous Tiki Bar at the Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites., Official Lodging Sponsor thebestoffortmyersbeach.com MOVIE on the MOUND, RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON Saturday, September 18 | 8:00 p.m. The Mound House | 451 Connecticut St. | Free Admission BAREFOOT EVENT GROUP Bring your beach chairs or blankets as we screen this Golden Globes and Academy Award-winning animated congratulates Fort Myers Beach film. Refreshments available for purchase. Gate opens at “FOR THE SUN-KISSED & International Film Festival on 7:00 p.m. No coolers, please. SUN-DESIROUS ALIKE, A 15 years of seeing us Raya and the Last Dragon at the movies! VACATION ON A PLATE.” Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. However, when sinister Please contact Janeen Paulauskis with monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the Barefoot Event Group for all your SW Florida private dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 event needs, strategy and logistics. years later, those same monsters have returned, and it's up We create memorable. to a lone warrior to track down the last dragon and stop the Druun for good. Find Us on Facebook @barefooteventgroup (239) 980-4381 Scan for ticket Masks are strongly recommended at all www.DocFords.com sales Film Festival events unless actively eating or drinking. FMBIFilmFest.com I 5
SCREENING SCHEDULE Documentary Student Film Package #2 Package #3 Animated Shorts Short Awards Ceremony Filmmakers—Please visit page 3 for times and locations of filmmaker events. This complete program guide is also available at FMBIFilmFest.com Sunday, Sept.19 FILM PACKAGES 3:30 pm Film Festival As of press time. Please check FMBIFilmFest.com for updates. Selection Nothing A Room Process Full of Local Short Film FLOTSAM I Her & Him I Bloom I 8 3/4 I When She Flies Short Documentary Package #1 Miss Florida I Bodyhackers I Woke 10:00 pm 10:30 pm 11:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 pm 9:00 pm 9:30 pm Local Short Film Love Reaches Everywhere I Standing Ovation I Every Body Dances Package #2 Ticket to Ride I Red Light I Losing Yourself International Package #5 Package #3 Short Film Short Film Matched I Shadow At The Door I Totsu (Redbird) I Preservation Kiss the Short Film Ground Saturday, Sept.18 The Internet Kills I Hit on Me I Kill Them With Kindness Package #1 Polybius I Quitting Student Films Short Film MINOR CHORDS I At Last, In The Meantime I With You I Undo Everything in Anchor Point Fred Penner: Package #4 Short Film This is My the End Hungry Ghosts I Letters from a Father I Always I Pinky String Package #2 World Hell in a Handbasket I Kill Cat Oakland I Beach Boy Short Film When This All Ends I Extra I RED I Bodyhackers Package #3 10:00 pm 10:30 pm 11:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 pm 9:00 pm 9:30 pm Quiet on Set I Losing Yourself Short Film The Audition I RAW I Superstar I He's a Good Kid I Boxed Documentary Package #4 The Sound of Waves I Method I Hit on Me I Strip Clara Film Panel Dim-Land Women in in Brooks Missing County Boxed A Grievance With Gravity I Awakening I Rose & Raven Friday, Sept.17 Short Film All Alone in April I The Waiting Room I Greetings From Sarajevo Package #5 #PrincessProblems I The Catch Documentary (Worldwide) That’s Left is Package #3 Package #2 Short Film 2021 SCREENING SCHEDULE When All Student Film Vagrant 90 min All the Young Dudes I Promise Me I The Rope Warrio I Prey I (USA) (USA) Short Love Cyan I Speak Only Good of the Dead I Vacation Package #1 Short Films Student Film Red Bean Soup I Food Time I C I Jailbait I Big Touch 10:00 pm 10:30 pm 11:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm Round-table 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 pm 9:00 pm 9:30 pm Undercut I Delayed Package Package #2 International International Short Film Package #2 Package #2 Strip Clara I The Sands of Time I Little Games I Undo Filmmaker Short Film Local Film The 8th Thursday, Sept.16 Package #1 Over The Sky I Chorus Girl I Fallen International Short Films International Short Film Receiver I The Punishment I Glitches I Row Student Film Package #2 A Stranger Comes Home I Exist! Package #1 Package #2 Short Film Shellfish 100 min Vagrant (USA) International Short Film The Kicksled Choir I Dissolution Unconfessed I True I ECCE MATER I Manasanamaha Package #3 10:00 pm 10:30 pm 11:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm Package #1 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 pm 9:00 pm 9:30 pm Short Documentary The Khe Sanh Peace Garden I RISE I One All The Way Local Films Package #1 Barrier Free: The Art of Adam Cohoon Documentary International Package #1 Short Film Animated Wednesday, Sept.15 Shorts Short Documentary Short CHEN I Eli I Quarantined I Bryan Zanisnik's Big Pivot Ribbon Cutting A Long Walk to the Moon Package #2 Short Documentary Last Night in Fred Penner: Package #1 Roots of Lacrosse I Jayro I Life in Kensington Package #1 Short Film Local Film This is My Rozzie Feature Films World The Family Farm I Eli Package #3 Anacronte I Two Little People I The Winter I Home of my memories I Animation Shorts Lampedusa–Christophe Ma I Duinomy I dear quarantine I Would Have 10:00 pm 10:30 pm 11:00 pm 2:30 pm 3:00 pm 3:30 pm 4:00 pm 4:30 pm 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 7:30 pm 8:00 pm 8:30 pm 9:00 pm 9:30 pm Wing It I Shaking a Singapore Spear 6 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBFilmFest.com I 7
CONNECT STUDENT FILMMAKER WEEKDAY Red Bean Soup The 2020 Wasserman Award recipient Red Undercut High school female Cyan Cyan is about a MEET & GREET Bean Soup, shares the struggle of a wife grappling to athletes become unlikely teammates teenager is half martian, who reconnect with in the wake of half-human who Sept. 15–18 I 11 a.m.–2 p.m. her dementia-rid- den husband unspoken trauma. struggles with his identity, trying to Beach Theater | 6425 Estero Boulevard who can only survive a day in Casual, light Lunch Provided remember his high school. Space is limited, please visit first love. fmbifilmfest.com/ to reserve a ticket. This event is for filmmakers only. Delayed Package Vacation After a video of a A mother grows dancing mailman confused by the goes viral, he learns whereabouts of her it’s never too late to husband when her Food Time go after your dream. young daughter This is a story insists, “Daddy’s on about the beauty vacation.” of the everyday. We follow Pete, ALYN ON ACTING a movie theatre clerk, over the PRESENTS course of one Prey The Rope Hosted by Alyn Darnay morning on his way to work. He A man steals the A backwoods Warrior Born into a desires nothing hunter realizes Saturday, Sept. 18th I 10:30 a.m. more than a she may be the conservative Jewish community, David $25 Per Person – $10 for Filmmakers nice, juicy coney prey of another Fisher decided to for breakfast from his corner liquor store. Beach Theater | 6425 Estero Boulevard | Coffee and pastry Included hunter when she make the unorthodox However, a couple of old pals to whom he stumbles upon choice to jump rope Award-winning director, actor and screenwriter Alyn Darney owes a debt, and a jilted former lover, may a recent murder for a living, finding just prevent him from that glorious first bite. conducts an intimate, limited capacity hands-on acting workout, scene in the for- his fifteen seconds of not a lecture and covers several distinct techniques. est. Escaping the fame in the '90s. 25 years later, David performs C forest is the key to her survival. for school assemblies as physical injuries 20 spaces available, please visit https://fmbifilmfest.com/ to A woman prepares intensify. His family begins to wonder... reserve a ticket. This event is open to the public. is it time to hang up the rope? Created by dinner until a drip- students of Florida State University's College ping faucet inter- rupts her focus. Promise of Motion Picture Arts. She approaches the faucet and sees a jarring glimpse of a medical scalpel with blood on Me the blade. Thrown off, she returns to prepare A man is haunted Big Touch her dinner despite her strange vision. Upon by the loss of his An Afro-surrealist returning to cutting a chicken, the woman sud- fiancée and strug- story about a giant denly finds herself holding a medical scalpel. gles to find a way to woman and a tiny Disturbed, the woman retreats into another move forward. man who through the room where a hallucination of a squeaking power of touch, expe- gurney wheel startles her. Unable to discern rience an unexpected Scan for Keep up to date on all things Film ticket her visions from reality. transformation. Festival related by following us on sales 8 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 9
FLORIDA MADE FLORIDA MADE Every Body Dances Losing Bodyhackers 8 3/4 Bloom Kill Them With Kindness This intimate por- Yourself A daddy/ daughter camping trip turns to Armed with a formi- An impoverished young Aubrey is finished trait of a weeklong dable knowledge of woman yearning for being bullied. With A daughter has terror, hilarity ensues! integrated dance Italian cinema, an a better life becomes encouragement to come to terms workshop for older irrepressible eight- a participant in the from Karen, the with the shift in adults explores year-old boy helps first human trials of love of her life, she her relationship how mixed abili- his grandfather chloroplast therapy, intends to set her- with her father as ties can create new recover from a cat- an experimental new self on a new path. he ages and needs forms. Echoing the astrophic loss medical treatment She resolves to kill help she doesn’t central theme of expanding access know how to give. The Punishment enabling human photosynthesis, forcing her to choose her enemies with kindness. to the arts, the A grief-stricken Jailbait between her past and her future. film uses universal father hunts down A young girl arranges design standards to reach diverse audiences Speak Only Good of the boy responsi- to meet a stranger. by including audio description for the visu- ally impaired along with the option of English the Dead ble for the events which led to his Things don’t go according to plan. captions or Spanish subtitles. Speak Only Good son’s murder of the Dead is a but finds himself science fiction/ unable to escape All the Young Dudes drama short film the consequences Masks are strongly recommended at all in which a lovesick of his own violent Georgia, USA, 1973. Film Festival events unless actively eating or drinking. mathematician actions. Glam rocker Billy discovers that rebels against his EPICAC, the military conservative high school, inspiring supercomputer Ticket to admiration from an he works with, is actually sentient. After teaching EPICAC Ride unlikely ally with a The End of the Line about love & poetry, he attempts to use the desire to walk on is a New Beginning. machine to win the heart of his beautiful the wild side co-worker, Pat Kilgallen, by claiming EPICAC’s poetry as his own Sound of The Mechanical Dancer Waves In a run-down part of town there A life-long musician, John Avarese, cur- stands a small the- Miss Florida ater, owned by an On a stormy after- rently an Associate eccentric old man. noon in Sarasota Teaching Professor at His spectacle “The County, a pregnant Drexel University, teaching Production Sound, Mechanical Dancer” woman discovers Audio Post-Production, and Scoring to Picture. is a sight to behold, her husband has began studying classical piano at the age of although perhaps it dark secrets that four and by the age of seven he was perform- has seen better days. will come back ing recitals with classical music ensembles. We follow him and to haunt both of In 2020 John won a National Daytime Emmy the strange cast of characters he encounters them. for Outstanding Sound Mixing. To this date, in the running of his show, and as a series of Avarese has composed over 4000 commis- crimes unravel over three acts, we see how sioned scores and recorded an elegant col- each character’s fate will change after one lection of film music, as well as mixing and perilous night. sound design on hundreds of projects. 10 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 11
SHORT SHORT Matched Preservation The Internet Kills Pinky String In The Meantime, RED A young woman A young man returns to his hometown only When Victoria and her friends discover an app Seventeen-year-old With You A first date gets steamy explores an apart- to discover the reason for his brother's that kills you, they accidentally unleash some- Holly needs to decide as desire, consent and When closeted Bryant ment during a black- estrangement from the family. thing truly evil. Euphoria meets The Ring. between getting seri- power dynamics are is caught by his out with nothing ous about her future, discussed in the most tormentors from high more than a box of and staying attached unlikely of places. school, he decides matches. But she’s to memories of the to leave everything not alone... past. behind; except not without gifting his two best friends #PrincessProblems something, changing Kill Cat Oakland Shadow At The Door Letters their lives forever. In Roshni Bhatia’s short film, Shadow at Hit on Me In the strenuous world When the psychotic the Door, a troubled from a A secret rendezvous of children’s party entertainment, an family cat attacks young woman searches Father sparks chemistry overly positive and Hell in a Handbasket their dying mother, young sisters Rose for an intruder in her between two slighted well-meaning “prin- Dale, a lonely research A young woman and Julia clash over home unaware what lovers, but as the night cess” must win over scientist in the Arctic must make the whether or not to she’s really looking for unfolds they learn that a practical writer who struggles to maintain choice whether to send him to cat may be something she the devil is always in the is doing a story on his solitary existence. allow her abusive heaven. What tran- refuses to see. details! female role models. With the world failing father back into her spires is a cat fight life. from a global pan- over the best way to demic, all hopes fall grieve. Totsu Hungry Ghosts MINOR on Dale's shoulders as Polybius CHORDS he represents the last Extra (Redbird) Frank Duffy searches for his missing wife Based on the urban stand for humanity. Despite her talent An indigenous Ballet dancer realizing who has relapsed legend, a teenage and drive, actress a tough reality after woman must con- front a mysterious on heroin and dis- girl tries to convince the local sheriff of a an accident. Beach Boy Chelsea constantly Harland finds appeared. Day and Ben-David chases predator in parallel mysterious new game herself sidelined to night, he combs the after his elusive first worlds of prehis- cabinet which caused extra roles due to crime-riddled streets, kiss, but he may have tory and dystopian her brother to commit her unremarkable the crack houses. He to break his mother's future. suicide. looks and skillset. even seeks advice trust to get it. As she loyally trudges through another from a voodoo lady At Last ordinary day on set in Hawaii with fellow The Waiting who tells him his wife is being devoured by 'hungry ghosts', spirits who crave and eat Quitting A timid high school extras, a stand-in opportunity for one of her Room away at the living. As Frank's obsession drives After six years in Los Angeles, Alex abandons girl reveals her truth during the comedy idols arises, she attempts to wow the eccentric director with her one unique skill. him closer to the edge, he risks surrendering his pursuit of acting in lieu of a simpler life in A woman waiting for her husband to his own sobriety and leaving his young son small-town Oregon. QUITTING: A new dram- most important When This All Ends arrive in heaven, is abandoned. Set in the drug infested badlands edy from award-winning filmmakers Brett Epstein & Sherry Berg. night of the year. Two sisters Quiet on of Philadelphia, “Hungry Ghosts” shines a surprised when he shows up with his light on the city’s opioid crisis while exploring pontificate on the Set lives they could have second wife. a family torn apart by addiction. An actress assaulted led while observing on a film set during the current guest the filming of a staying in their sex scene, must family's vacation choose whether to home in upstate pursue accusations New York. Scan for or complete the film ticket that could start her career. sales 12 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 13
SHORT SHORT RAW Greetings From A Grievance With Stormchaser My Dinner with OH MY STARS During a military patrol, Sarajevo Gravity All Bonnie Blue Schwartzy A drama set In the days of the Great past and present are ever wanted was Depression. A GREETINGS FROM In order to stay teth- Tony Mendes is a blurred by a horrifying to chase tornadoes disfiguring fac- SARAJEVO is a story ered to the Earth, Latino actor who transgression. with her Dad. But tory accident of vengeance and pos- Zoe wears bricks and doesn't fit the dreams die with and a misera- sibly of redemption. blocks to weigh her Hollywood ste- time. Now, she’s ble home life When Sofia, a survivor down. Why? Gravity reotype. He has become a different compel a young of the Bosnian geno- doesn't affect her. to go to great kind of storm chaser woman to leave cide runs into one of While she tries her lengths to get The Audition the soldiers who destroyed her world she best to live a normal — hawking storm- doors “door-to-door” casting directors Kentucky for San Francisco. Her Tony Mendes is a seeks retribution. A young woman, Hana, an life, she constantly to look beyond for her charismatic plan: to be the Latino actor who assassin, is sent to make sure justice is served. feels like an outcast. the surface to boss, Flip Smyth: a cult-like father figure to second suicide doesn't fit the When Hana reaches her target she discovers Then, she decides to open herself up to the notice his talent. Bonnie and his tribe of young sales bucks. off the Golden Hollywood stereotype. Stanislav, the monster she was raised to hate world and celebrate her different-ness! As she realizes Flip’s doctrine of “Flip the Gate Bridge. He has to go to great is just a sick, blind, old man. Whether Hana Switch!” is just a way to exploit customers, Now in her senior years, she reflects on her lengths to get cast- carries out the mission or frees herself from ing directors to look the bonds of the past is the the heart of Rose & a different kind of switch flips inside Bonnie — unleashing an inner and outer storm of Bound by Precedent rescue by two musicians — one white and one black — whose invitation into their beyond the surface to Hana's journey. Raven violence. A Massachusetts Judge under Federal rollicking, anything's possible world she notice his talent. indictment for allegedly assisting a defen- accepted, giving her a life vivid with song, A young girl befriends her deaf dant escape ICE (Immigration and Customs love, and the occasional miracle. Screenplay Superstar Awakening classmate and learns MASTER Enforcement) custody, sparks a firestorm of by renowned author Lorna Landvik, based on A day in the At the turn of the 19th century, Midwestern, social elite Clemence Finch’s future is thrown how to be confident in herself as she SERVANT debate in the court of public opinion. Is civil discourse about issues of law, immigration her novel of the same name. life of Martin, a An ambitious, and discrimination even possible in these dis- homeless man into uncertainty when she accompanies the brewmeister’s wife; a modern woman who pursues her dreams. Through their expe- young railroad United States? Method attempting to keep executive comes A Machiavellian engineers a luncheon without a male family riences with each other, they learn how to his individuality face to face with his acting teacher member escort. communicate, not only through their speech despite being own moral decay in pushes an aspiring barrier but on an honest and personal level. dehumanized by his blind pursuit of actor to her break- everyday society. . wealth and status. ing point with his Always unconventional “method. Boxed Incapable of mov- ing forward and He's a Good This is a fictional love story of Leah All Alone in April paralyzed by feel- Kid Bruised and Dovid and ings of failure and heartbreak, Grace A mother searches The Catch their journey in a A silent film about completely with- for her son in the Fruit This tells the sordid boxcar en-route love and isolation aftermath of a school tale of a fisherman draws from her life, Struggling to survive to Auschwitz. The of a lonely widow shooting. who finds himself until the light of on the margins of soci- unusual nature of quarantining alone in a peculiar situa- her daughter Lucy ety, two outcasts man- the film’s narra- as the apocalypse tion while trying to leads them both in their search for life. age to build a beautiful tive creates a palate for relating their story occurs outside her reel in that one-of- friendship as they face during two distinct eras, the early 1940’s, and front window. a-kind catch every loss and hardship. the early 1970’s. BOXED is a story of faith, angler dreams of. hope, and survival, while struggling to over- come the clutches of true evil. Scan for ticket Masks are strongly recommended at all sales Film Festival events unless actively eating or drinking. 14 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 15
INTERNATIONAL SHORT ANIMATED SHORT Glitches Exist! Little Games Anacronte Home Shaking a A down-on-his-luck An old theater is Escaping from a Anacronte and the ofmy Singapore lawyer meets a mys- about to be demol- violent lover, Natasha Sorcerers of Evil, memories Spear terious woman while ished. A construction is drawn into a child’s without any emo- Seven years in the An animated doc- waiting for his delayed worker enters the sinister plot. But is it tion and fulfilling making, a kid finds umentary about flight. After she admits crumbling building true, or a cruel game their destiny, they his passion in all the relevance of to causing a fatal to check if there is with Natasha the put to test human- teachings coming Shakespeare's classi- house fire, the young anyone left inside. In plaything? ity's happiness in alive in a truly won- cal works for digital lawyer becomes torn in his search, he strays into a mystical, fragile a struggle that, in derful way through natives in Singapore: doing the right thing while learning the rea- world until he finds himself in the face of the short, has each of the experience of his grandfather. Live action and animation combined.The film sons behind her heinous crime, and becom- theater's core. us as winners and losers. ing sympathetic to her. Receiver was created in close collaboration with the Strip Clara Sriyani, an idealis- my dear quarantine Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon. Row LIn 19th century tic and overtaxed Two Little People During the complete In 1986, small England, a sup- pressed woman social worker of Sri Lankan descent, is Two little people lockdown, something extraordinary hap- Wing It town Tasmania, live in a wheat A flightless drag- Tony Dicker sets his struggles silently a telephone help pened --wild animals field. They grow on's dream of sights on a daring from the likes of line counselor all over the world, together until the soaring in the sky expedition: a never her husband, the who builds her life intrigued by the sud- day when the man is reignited when before accom- patriarchy, and cor- around helping den silence and peace, left. It is the time all she discovers the plished solo row rupt institutions. others, but always at the expense of those visited city centers the wheat has been hidden potential around the world. When thrust into a life-threatening situation, closest to her. So who is going to defend and had a lot of fun,- mowed. The rela- of her fire. His older brother Mike begins to film Tony she must choose to endure the pain or claim Sriyani when she is hypnotized by a caller on contrasting our loneli- tionship between prepare for the trip. Within 24 hours of Tony’s her freedom. her phone tonight? RECEIVER is a chamber ness and fears. Ewa Maria Wolska, puppeteer two little people departure an unforeseen storm strikes. a des- horror film about toxic masculinity, isolation, and theatre director's animation debut cre- keeps growing in perate Mike attempts to save his brother, but Over The and the commodification of empathy. the woman’s heart. ated this film in her converted home anima- tion studio. the storm has strayed from the coast and taken Tony with it. Sky Undo Duino Alice, a nine-year- Young and career-fo- The Winter Lampedusa– Duino is a story A Stranger Comes old girl who lives in the countryside, cused theatre Walking in a snowy Christophe Ma about a young Home faces the break- actress finds herself facing a life-chang- forest, a peasant A heartfelt but tragic animated music video boy named Pete who manages to It's the night before down of her parents ing decision, while sees an unusual deer bring a little robot that tells a story all too familiar of Lampedusa, Christmas eve and a when the father pressured by time and goes to follow to life. Little does an island known as a symbol of irregular little boy discovers a leaves home. The brutality of the grownup after falling in love it. The deer allures he know, it will migration between Africa and Europe. We burglar in his home. world destabilizes Alice’s poetic imagination with an introverted writer, whose dark side is him and the peas- come with a few follow the story of a young man attempting The burglar claims and her carelessness made up of playing in about to come to light. ant even wants to surprises. to emigrate to Europe - a land he will never to be his estranged nature with her friend, Leo. In reaction, she catch it. reach. decides to become independent and to live grandmother, want- ing the boy to help by herself far away, in the sky, aboard a glider. Fallen her look for valu- Fallen is a period Would Have ables. The boy however, is looking for some- thing completely different. Chorus Girl drama set in Mont St. Quentin, France A soldier, in a dire situation, receives help from an unexpected source. Romantic songs during WWI. When say that impossi- a Captain tumbles The Sands ble love is love at into a trench with of Time its best. At last, all the truth about a serious bullet wound, a private A time portal in the assassination tends to the wound and distracts the Captain the sands brings of the famous with conversation. As the two men reveal a young couple french Singer intimate details of their life back home in together. Claude François. Australia they make a chance revelation that will change the course of their war. 16 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 17
FEATURE DOCUMENTARY Last Night in Rozzie Dim-Land Vagrant Kiss the Ground Fred Penner: A Long Walk to the When a New York lawyer returns to his In an attempt to shake off her melancholy, Frank—a homeless alcoholic—lives a Kiss the Ground reveals that, by regenerating This Is My World Moon Boston hometown to reunite his dying a young woman escapes the city to fruitless existence. All that begins to the world’s soils, we can completely and Former Grumman friend with his young son, he is forced her family’s country cottage only to change when he finds a puppy that was rapidly Best known for his long engineers narrate to finally confront a childhood trauma. rediscover a world she’d long forgotten left to die in a garbage bin. stabilize running the challenges and and the old friend who may convince her Earth’s television successes of being to leave reality behind. climate, series "Fred part of the historic restore lost Penner's construction of the ecosystems Place" (CBC, Lunar Module for and create Nickelodeon) the Apollo program. abundant food supplies. and hit U s i n g songs "The compelling graphics and visuals, along with Cat Back"and Came Roots of Lacrosse striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film "Sandwiches", for decades musical icon Many lacrosse artfully illustrates how, by drawing down Fred Penner has been using his engaging players and coaches atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece personality and public speaking skills to often don’t know of the climate puzzle. This movie is positioned excite audiences like no other. He is a that the origins of to catalyze a movement to accomplish the constant inspiration for his fans of all ages, the game of lacrosse impossible – to solve humanity’s greatest but what is it that Fred really does for people? has it’s roots in North challenge, to balance the climate and secure Why is Fred's message and music more American Indigenous our species future. Shellfish important than ever? How did Fred go from nations.This documentary short Instead of finding a ‘real’ job, as his Anchor Point a struggling musician to the North American sensation dubbed the "Canadian Minister of provides a brief parents lovingly put it, stop motion Women have been a force in wildland history of the sacred animator Keller attempts to produce A Room Full firefighting since 1942. Still, they remain Positivity"? How did difficult moments from Fred's youth shape his life as a performer? and cultural aspects of this sport, originally a film in a week with his dumbstruck of Nothing outnumbered Take this highly engaging journey to discover played for the Creator, as well as for the health brother and longtime crush. When their Everything In the End A compassionate artist and an embittered 10-to-1 on the how Fred Penner connects with audiences and welfare of the people. The movie also defines the three types of North American, shoot goes wrong, Keller must face With her first feature film, Mylissa fire lines and and makes sense of the world. his own selfishness and decide which actor contemplate the meaning of life do double- Indigenous lacrosse: Iroquois, Great Lakes, Fitzsimmons, recently nominated for the when they wake up as the last two people duty battling and Southeastern. is more important, his filmmaking or close relationships, in this coming-of- Lynn Shelton "Of a Certain Age" grant, on Earth and their reality and relationship both the When All That's Left age comedy with a twist of stop motion presents Everything in the End. A story begins to fracture infernos that Is Love Jayro of a lonely traveler who finds human scorch public When a seven- animation. connections during the final days of When All That's lands and the year-old Texas Earth's existence. smoldering Left is Love is the boxer steps into embers of emotionally grip- the ring to face his discrimination, ping story of a next opponent, the misogyny and sexual harrassment that wife's determina- pressure of the fight continue to supress their voices. Told in tion to care for her is not the only thing cinema verite, ANCHOR POINT chronicles Alzheimer's stricken on his mind. The film the 2019 fire season through the eyes of two husband in their is constructed as an women, generations apart, as they push to home. With unprec- allegory for the challenges faced by people of change the culture of wildland fire. edented, behind- color and immigrants in the US. the-scenes access, the film reveals the toll that the disease takes on families coping with Alzheimer's, while also showcasing the power of love that sustains both patients and caregivers. Masks are strongly recommended at all Film Festival events unless actively eating or drinking. 18 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 19
SHORT DOCUMENTARY The Khe Sanh Peace Barrier Free: The Art of Eli The Family Farm Garden Adam Cohoon This is Eli's story, a A daughter moves from the family farm as In one of the story about the a nineteen year old. Twenty years later her most physical power of a young aging parents still live and work on the farm. and demanding person to educate, The daughter/ director tells a story about sports there is, evoke love and choices in life, mortality and the ambivalence a high school inspire us all and of leaving a place that symbolises both wrestling team thus bring hope that security and stagnation. finds their together we can biggest hardship change our world is not on the mat. Adam Roy Cohoon (ARC23) is a photographer, An insider’s look at the nature of filmmaker, artist, and accessibility advocate living in Toronto, Canada. He uses a power Quarantined the sport of wrestling as told through the wheelchair, creativity and art to address A student falls ill eyes of one team and their season-long the barriers he faces. His work includes during the COVID- quest to make it to the state tournament. blogging, photography, filmmaking, and 19 outbreak. His Wrestlers are lost to injury, competition, and public speaking. Recent years have provided parents then have to attrition, but their toughest loss is the death technological advances in computing and live with someone of a teammate. audio/visual equipment that have helped to reduce the barriers he has faced, resulting who may have the virus they've been Life in Kensington "It's almost like RISE in a novel pioneering form of filmmaking and artistic expression from an artist of the sheltering from. I went from A previously photographing disabled community who up until recently, homeless man takes abandoned did not have such an option. a ride through his houses to past in order to Bryan Zanisnik's Big abandoned understand the CHEN Pivot people." over a decade For present and how it J‘CHEN’ tells the affects his future. J e f f r e y story of Chinese Stockbridge Australian dancer has been Chengwu Guo. Who documenting at the age of 10 and photographing people in the Kensington One All The Way was thrown into the strict and rigorous training world of the neighborhood of Philadelphia, often referred Alice, a nine-year- to as the "badlands" for its notorious open Beijing Dance Academy. Whilst enduring long air drug market. old girl who lives periods of time away from his family and in the countryside, being subjected to harsh training methods, Recently returning to New York City after faces the break- Chen was moulded into a highly talented several years of living in Sweden, artist down of her and daring artist. After winning a prestigious and storyteller Bryan Zanisnik comically parents when the competition he migrated to Australia at the chronicles the highs and lows of life as a father leaves home. age of 16, quickly rising through the ranks contemporary artist, discovering a love The brutality of the to become one of Australia’s most highly for mushroom foraging and the pleasures grownups world acclaimed principal dancers. Now after of inner stillness along the way. Mirroring destabilizes Alice’s meeting his partner Ako (also principal Zanisnik’s own tragic-comic style with a poetic imagination dancer of the Australian Ballet) and riding playful use of sound effects and archival and her carelessness made up of playing in a continual wave of success he must face footage, this documentary portrait is a nature with her friend Leo. In reaction, she one of his greatest challenges yet; A career universal story of one person’s quest for decides to become independant and to live threatening injury that could force him to financial stability, creative joy, and the best by herself far away, in the sky, aboard a quit performing forever. Will this injury stop in Swedish pastry. glider. But this loneliness cut her off from her Chen, one of Australia’s best dancers, from Scan for friend Leo. reaching his physical and artistic peak? ticket sales 20 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 21
SPECIAL EVENTS & HONORS AWARDS SPECIAL EVENTS STAR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Opening Ceremony Zack Gottsagen Tuesday, September 14 from 7–9:00 p.m. This year’s Star Achievement Award is bestowed upon Zack Gottsagen. Zack was the first Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Blvd. child with Down syndrome to be fully included in the Palm Beach County school district and graduated from Dreyfoos School of the Arts, as a theatre major in 2004. Ribbon Cutting He is no stranger to being recognized for his talents. In 2015, the Smithsonian Museum invited Zack to be the keynote speaker for the 25th anniversary of the Americans with 15th Annual Fort Myers Beach Disabilities Act. A few short years later, he received the 2018 Quincy Jones Exceptional International Film Festival Advocacy Award. Wednesday, September 15 at 2:30 p.m. Zack began his theatrical journey in live theater at the Royal Palm Playhouse in 2005. He Beach Theater I 6425 Estero Blvd. then became involved with Zeno Mountain Farms nonprofit film productions for over a decade, performing in many films including “Burning Like a Fire” and “Life of a Dollar Bill.” Closing Ceremony In 2012, Zack played the villain role in “Bulletproof.” During the filming of the movie, a Sunday, September 19 at 3:30 p.m. documentary was made titled, “Becoming Bulletproof,” (2014) which went behind the Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille scenes to follow Zack and other actors through their daily lives. 708 Fisherman’s Wharf While filming with Zeno in Los Angeles, Zack met Tyler Nilson and Michael Schwartz. They Emcee–Ray Murphy, Mayor, Fort Myers Beach were so taken with Zack that they decided to create a script for him to be the lead. “The Peanut Butter Falcon” integrated Zack’s love of wrestling and his intelligence, humor and enthusiasm, and love of life into the lead character role. He starred along co-stars, Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson. This native Floridian’s talent, passion, motivation, and tenacity have served as the forces to build and nurture his expanding performing arts career. In Zack’s words, “Talent… that’s all I’ve got!” The film short, “At Last” starring Zack Gottsagen and George Lopez will be screened Sept. 15 Opening Day at 3 p.m. and Masks are strongly recommended at all Thursday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. Film Festival events unless actively eating or drinking. RISING STAR AWARD Shining Star Award Laurel K. Levey vol·un·teer This year’s Rising Star Award is bestowed upon Laurel Levey. Laurel is a first generation American, born to European parents. Laurel exudes a Golden State persona, having been born and raised Definition - A person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a in Southern California. She grew up excelling in gymnastics, free-style dancing, and is a whiz willingness to undertake a service. This is Jan Fleming. Honored at trivia. She is currently serves as a proud member, board member, and convention delegate of as the 2020 recipient of the Shining Star Award in memory of SAG-AFTRA. stellar volunteer, Darryl Paulauskis, Jan is someone who shares her positivity and her can do Mid-Western mindset to help Although Laurel has appeared in several films, “Boxed” is her first starring role, and marks the make this Festival a success on so many levels. Thank you, Jan. beginning of her career as a full-time filmmaker, having written and produced the film, with #WeHeartJan #WeAreFMB plans already in the works for two more films to follow. Additionally, having lived in Israel for 12 years, she is quite a polyglot, speaking English, Hebrew, The 2021 Shining Star Award winner will be announced at our Spanish, and a smattering of Arabic, Farsi, and Japanese. Laurel is a devoted animal advocate, Festival Closing Awards Ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 19 at Doc loves nature, traveling, practices yoga and pilates, delights in playing her ukulele, and has a Ford's Rum Bar & Grille vivacious passion for life, especially acting and filmmaking. The film short, “Boxed” starring Laurel Levey will be making its film festival premiere on Thursday, “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” Sept. 17 and will also be screened Sept. 18 on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. Sherry Anderson 22 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 23
SPONSORS PREVIOUS YEARS AWARDS THANK YOU! PREVIOUS YEAR’S AWARDS The Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival extends a special thank you to the following 20121 sponsors to date who continue to support bringing independent films to our beach community. 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Star Achievement Star Achievement Star Achievement Star Achievement Star Achievement Brenden Hubbard Karen Black Kyle Thompson Alyn Darnay Rena Sofer Presenting Sponsors Producer Sponsor Rising Star Rising Star Rising Star Rising Star Rising Star Beach Theater • Barefoot Event Group Best of Fort Myers Beach – Local Color, The Islander, Rylie Behr Annalaura di Luggo Jeffrey A. Johns Tessa Thompson Peter Pardini Red Flight Pictures • me jane pr Pier Peddler Official Host Hotel Sponsor 2015 2014 2013 2012 2005 Movie on the Mound Sponsor Star Achievement Star Achievement Star Achievement Star Achievement Star Achievement Mound House – Town of Fort Myers Beach Lighthouse Resort Inn and Suites Christopher Atkins Stanley Isaacs Danielle White Sal Richards Steven Bauer Twilight Features and Epic Outdoor Cinema Educational Programming Sponsor Rising Star Rising Star Rising Star Rising Star Rising Star Ryan Potter Tara Cardinal Billy DaMota Kimberly McCullough Erin Smith Official Host Hotel Sponsor TPI Hospitality/Margaritaville Beach Resort Lighthouse Resort Inn and Suites Silver Screen Sponsors 2004 2003 2002 Star Achievement Star Achievement Star Achievement Official Networking Sponsors Pete’s Time Out • LaCroix • Gulf View Manor Maxwell Caulfield Tim Curry Harry Groener World Famous Tiki Bar Usher Sponsors Rising Star Rising Star Rising Star at the Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites Josh Blake Hilary Duff Leighanne Littrell Krusty Pete’s on the Beach • Suncoast Beverage Closing Ceremony Sponsors JJ Taylor–Fort Myers Brewing Co. • The Print Shop Ink Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort and Marina Special thanks to our emcee, Tuckaway Café • Yucatan Beach Stand • Hooter's of FMB Ft. Myers Beach Mayor Ray Murphy Skye's Restaurant Executive Producer Sponsor Festival Friend TPI Hospitality/Margaritaville Beach Resort Anita Cereceda • Captain Justin Paulauskis 24 I FMBIFilmFest.com FMBIFilmFest.com I 25
Proud Venue Sponsor of the 15th Annual Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival 6425 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 239-765-3333 Full Service Menu! Including Appetizers, Sandwiches, Tacos, Pasta, Salads, Fresh Cut French Fries, and Ice Cream. Fresh hot popcorn, now made with delicious and healthy coconut oil. Beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks available. Comfortable leather chairs and great service. America’s Original First-Run Dine-In Theater!
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