Blog: Film festivals

The Flagler Film Festival was formed to showcase the work of new and emerging filmmakers as well as more experienced filmmakers. We believe there are many creative and innovative artists who deserve recognition for their efforts, especially those constrained by low budgets. We believe that sometimes even more creativity is required when a filmmaker has little or no budget with which to create a film. We believe these films should be seen and be recognized for the efforts of the teams that put them together. The writers, directors, crew, actors and all the talented people involved in the production of a film, whether it is a feature or a short, deserve to have a chance to be seen. We are proud to give filmmakers an opportunity to show their work.

Our fourth annual Flagler Film Festival showcased many fantastic films from around the world, including a short animation which was nominated this year for an Academy Award! Films produced by students from Florida State University, NYU, University of Virginia, Savannah College of Art & Design, Full Sail University, and the American Film Institute were screened as well as films from graduates of many other fine colleges and universities. We were proud to showcase local filmmakers as well as filmmakers from such diverse locations as Luxembourg, Spain, France, Rwanda, Australia, Nepal, Canada, Serbia, Iran, and Peru. As an artistic community, we enjoy including musicians, writers and artists at our festival as well as filmmakers. This year our special guest was Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Steve Boone, of the '60's band The Lovin' Spoonful. Steve met many of our audience and signed CDs, albums and his new book, "Hotter than a Match Head: On the Run with the Lovin' Spoonful." We showcased a short comedy from actor Chris Roach who currently stars on CBS in "Kevin Can Wait" with Kevin James. One of our documentaries, "Daddy Don't Go" was recently picked up by Starz and will be available to the public!

The third annual Flagler Film Festival was proud to showcase amazing films from around the world. We had a film about a Grammy-nominated children's choir from Uganda called "Imba Means Sing" (now in national distribution), a documentary film by an Emmy Award winning filmmaker, a film narrated by the Academy Award winning, legendary actress Olivia De Havilland, two films which won student Emmy Awards and two films which were screened at the Cannes Short Film Corner. We were very proud to be the only festival in Florida to screen "Animals" an independent feature film written by and starring David Dastmalchian (Ant Man, The Dark Knight) now in national distribution. In addition, we had a terrific assortment of low budget, independent and student films which amazed our audience. Over 20 films had representation at the festival with lively, emotional and intelligent Q&As after the screenings. See our website for videos of the Q&As in addition to the list of films, extensive press and awards.

So far, two of our Best Documentary Feature Nominees from our 3rd Annual Festival have announced national distribution deals. Both "My Father's Vietnam" (winner) and nominee "Mount Lawrence" will be seen this spring on VOD platforms as well as other formats, including theatrical. Please see their websites or IMDb for more info and congratulations to them from the festival!

Our second annual festival showcased excellent student and small budget films as well as films with extraordinary credentials, including a film written by two-time Academy Award winning screenwriter, Horton Foote (To Kill a Mockingbird). We were proud to have as our special guest, Laura Tyler, make up artist known for her work on "Face Off" and "Hunger Games." She did a special live demonstration for our audience by turning an actor into a zombie! Also in attendance was actress Evalena Marie (Serena and the RATTS, Dark Haul, Remains) representing the indie feature "Visionary." Our festivities concluded with a champagne awards celebration on our last evening.

We are very proud that several of our official selections from our first two years have received distribution and can be seen on Blu-Ray, DVD and streaming sites. Many of our selected films have gone on to win many awards at festivals around the world. We wish much success to all the filmmakers out there!

Flagler Film Festival announced our new association with Renny Roker, film and television actor, writer and producer. Renny has appeared in or starred in 47 films and over 400 television episodes in his career. He is currently producing new projects in the Flagler County area. He also mentors college students and does charity work. We are thrilled to have his support and through his worldwide contacts in the film industry, we will be expanding our presence in the festival world.

Flagler Film Festival was inspired by the amazingly talented people we have met who perform all the hard work that is required to make a film. We recognize that there are many creative filmmakers who are looking for a place to showcase their work. We are located in a relaxed, pristine beach area with community members who support the arts. Galleries, live theater and now a film festival are part of our small city located in beautiful Flagler County, Florida. Our coastal location is within a short distance to many Florida attractions. If you are a filmmaker who has drive and talent, who is looking for a place to show your work, and is interested in Florida sunshine in January, we hope that you will submit your film for consideration in our festival.

The Flagler Film Festival was created by independent filmmakers for independent filmmakers. Wolfe Productions, LLC and Cashback International, Inc. are the co-founders of the Flagler Film Festival.

We will be showcasing feature films and shorts of all genres. If you believe in your film, we will do our very best to recognize your talent and efforts and include your work in our festival. Special consideration will be given to student films.

The Flagler Film Festival is pleased to announce our affiliation with 10th Voyage Studios of Palm Coast, Florida, a full service motion picture production company. Plan to visit a movie studio during your visit to the festival.

Many exciting new events to be announced in the near future, along with prizes for filmmakers.