3-day festival begins Jan. 12
From the love story “You Go To My Head,” filmed in Morocco, to the science fiction thriller “Occupants,” co-staring Emmy-nominated actor Robert Picardo, local movie lovers can expect a journey through reality and beyond as part of the 5th annual Flagler Film Festival beginning Jan. 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Palm Coast.
The independent three-day festival, now in its fifth year, is set to screen 55 selected submissions from across the globe.
While most of the films feature unheralded actors unknown to most and movies Some of the films set to be featured as part of this year's festival include actors big names gracing the silver screen in Flagler.
Filmed in Florida, “Miami Love Affair” features longtime star Burt Reynolds while New York actor and comedian Chris Roach of “Kevin Can Wait” television fame enters the festival with his comedic music video “Ronkonkomo.” Action film lovers will recognize Lance Reddick, the unflappable concierge in the John Wick trilogy as the U.S. marshal in “Lawman.”
A handful of student films from around Florida dot the landscape, fulfilling a goal that organizers Kathie and James Barry set for the festival: to provide a venue for budding film makers to showcase their work and hone their skills.
“As far as student productions, we would like to see more of them, absolutely,” said Kathie Barry. “We do accept quite a few films from students, mainly college level, and this year we have a couple from high school age students."
Returning participants directors TL Westgate and Scott Mena remain humbled by the opportunity to show their work to audiences in Flagler County.
“I have been very blessed to be recognized by the Flagler Film Festival for the past four years,” said Mena. “I feel like they have watched my growth as a filmmaker and actor from 'DEADTONA' to my latest film, 'No Vuelvo (I Will Not Return)'. I also get to network with other filmmakers and make new friends at the festival. I am grateful for Flagler Film Festival permitting my small, micro-budget short to have a screening and a chance to be noticed by a new audience.”
Kathie Barry described Mena's new film as a timely drama.
"It is about an immigrant and his struggles to survive in New York City," she said. "I think his work has broadened to include some emotional subjects and he handles them very well."
Documentaries are also built in to the festival’s schedule in between the horror, comedy and thriller blocks. Barry was especially touched by a special screening submission that will take place during evening events on Jan. 13.
“I feel connected to 'Blood Road' because I grew up watching the Vietnam War on television and it touched me to see the journey this woman took to find the spot where her father's plane went down,” Barry said. “My age group were among those who were drafted and fought there, including my brother-in-law, and so I think this film is important to see historically and on a personal level."
Continuing to grow the festival over the years has been a positive experience said Barry, who shares duties with her husband, James, and co-founder Orion Christy.
“From music videos to animation, comedy to drama, science fiction to horror, the Flagler Film Festival will showcase the work of many filmmakers which will entertain you, make you laugh and cry, give you a good scare and maybe even introduce you to places and people that you would not otherwise have a chance to experience,” she said.