LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival: A Really, REally, REELY Good Time! |
by Fay Jacobs |
To borrow from Dickens, "It was the best of times, it was the best of times!" The second annual Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, with twice as many ticket sales and oodles more movies than last year was a huge, huge success. Movie buffs from all over the East Coast showed up to cram as much movie-going as they could into the four day festival. And even folks who never before had an interest in independent films found themselves caught up in the frenzy, with many folks enjoying anywhere from 3-12 movies over the weekend. In short, a reel good time was had by all! The crowd was the very definition of diversitynot only did it combine gay and straight, youth and seniors, but there seemed to be an international flavor, with people of many nationalities, races, and certainly film preferences. "The biggest mistake I made was thinking it was a gay film festival" said one of my startled friends. "It was really a festival for everybody. Sure, there were some gay filmsmost with a very wide appeal, I might add. But there were so many different movies for such a diversity of tastes. It was fabulous!" Youngsters and teens enjoyed the many selections tailored to appeal to them while many, many seniors or young retirees flocked to titles which struck their fancy. Frankly, the sights at the bustling Rehoboth Mall (oxymoron no more!) with hundreds of movie goers rushing to get their advance tickets, checking their programs for times, and reading descriptions aloud to each other reminded me more of a busy New York or DC film fest, rather than Sussex County. The great thing is that this fest was so well organized (thanks to Barry, Rob and their army of volunteers) that unlike big city events, tickets were easy to obtain, theatre lines were very short, if non-existent, and it was a pleasure to attend. Almost everyone was awestruck by the beauty and power of The Red Violin, while the film Bandits surprised lots of folks. Personally, I had no clue I'd be so energized and moved by it. It was truly a "you go, girls!" experience. Of course, the special events were true highlights, with that silent version of Ben-Hur accompanied by a live orchestra selling out fastwith great reason. And the breast cancer benefit Climb Against the Odds brought hundreds of women, plus many of their male friends and family together for a truly exciting and inspirational afternoon. All in all, from searchlights in the sky signaling opening night (cheers to Maggie Shaw and Andrea Andrus and the incredible volunteers who put that fabulous evening together!) to the last "The End" of the films, this Second Annual Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival was a cinematic colossus! Following are some comments heard around the Mall and in the afterglow: Starry-eye woman: "This showing of Show Me Love should be called show me the lesbians! What a great crowd!" Laura Simon & Cathin Bishop - extremely organized filmgoers, they may hold the record, having seen 18 films in the four days! Here's what they had to say. Cathin: "Last year was my first film festival." Laura: "She wasn't even really interested in coming." Cathin: Now I'm the manic one about seeing as much as we can. We were primed from last year, so we kept checking the web site for reviews and then made up our schedule. The screening volunteers did a marvelous job and ticketing is really difficult, but they did great! We loved the festival!!!!! Larry Hooker - festivalgoer -"They (Cathin and Laura) saw 18 movies? Their butts must now be shaped like the theatre seats. I guess we saw about 10 movies, some terrific ones. The Red Violin, Bandits, and I thought 24 Nights had wonderful family dynamics..the relationship between the brother and sister made me laugh out loud." Judy Henry, volunteer - "I loved everything! Especially getting to meet so many people. It's been such fun!" Joyce Lussier, volunteer - "I think this is the best organized festival I've seen and I'm really proud to be here and to be able to volunteer." Pam Kozey - Fay & Bonnie's houseguest. "This was terrific! I loved it. Can we have accommodations for this weekend next year?????" Adam Mcgee - Letters Youth Columnist. "The Rehoboth Film Festival can only be accurately described by what the full name implies: independent. The films showcase ran the gamut from touching to intriguing, but more than anything else, always fun and challenging. Many, many thanks to its organizers, sponsors, and of course all of those who came out to support it!" Kathleen Donelan - festival goer. "The festival was off the scale terrific!!!!!! I was so impressed by the organization and the quality of the films!" And an interview with Mary Ann Castimore and John Lent. Mary Ann climbed Mt. McKinley in Alaska with the Climb Against the Odds team to raise awareness and raise money to fight breast cancer. While the team didn't make the summit, she and her husband John returned last year to try againand she got within 4,000 feet of it. She and John are going back next Spring and are determined to make the top this time. Mary Ann introduced the film and then answered questions from the audience at the Sunday afternoon fundraiser at the Convention Center, sponsored by Bad Hair Day. We spoke to her at the Film Festival's closing night party at the Mall. mary ann: This is my first film festival, and it has been such an honor to be invited to be here with the film. letters: It's an honor to have you here. We're in awe of your courage, energy and determination. How did it feel, watching the film with such a crowd of people who were just speechless and in tears at the end? mary ann: No matter how many times I've watched the movie, I always have tears in my eyes, too. And it was a terrific crowd; they asked excellent questions. I'm just happy to be able to be here, bringing awareness to this fight. letters: And we learned so much about climbing. With the way you bring provisions to each camp and then return to make the climb, you go up the mountain twice! john: It's true. And this group really paid attention today, and asked great questions. mary ann: They were great, and the Film Festival has been wonderful. We're happy to have been able to be a part of it. letters: Good luck on your next climb and if you want a real adventure, right here, get in line for some of the incredible food from our Rehoboth Restaurants! mary ann and john: Here we go! Finally, this was overheard from a group of 50-something women after the screening of Show Me Love: "It used to be tthrilling just to see gay women represented in film. Now we want quality films, please...." See you next year for take three. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 15, Nov. 24, 1999 |