10th annual Beaufort International Film festival 2016
story by jeff whitten
photography by susan deloach
It may seem hard to believe, but the little Film Festival that could is turning 10 this year. The Beaufort Film Society’s annual tribute to the art of making movies, the Beaufort International Film Festival, gets under way February 10 and runs until February 14, and will again host thousands of film lovers from around the world.
Considered one of the fastest growing events of its kind in the Southeast, the BIFF in 2013 was named one of the “top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by Moviemaker Magazine, and organizers expect their biggest crowds yet.
Not bad for a festival that began with some 500 attendees and five filmmakers. Last year, an estimated 10,000 people from 30 states and five countries attended, along with more than 70 filmmakers, and organizers Ron and Rebecca Tucker expect 2016 to be another record-breaking year with 700 entries from 66 countries, both records.
Tucker, who is the founding father of the BIFF, said the Festival grew out of the formation in 2004 of the Beaufort Regional Film Commission in an attempt to bring moviemaking back to Beaufort County and the South Carolina lowcountry, where such famous films such as “The Great Santini,” “The Big Chill,” “The Prince of Tides” and “Forrerst Gump” were shot.
“Since the state film incentives were not that attractive any longer, the thought was to establish a film-friendly infrastructure in the four counties of Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper so that filmmakers could be invited to bring their work to our region,” Tucker said. “It was only after I attended film commissioner training in Las Vegas that I came back with the idea of starting a film festival that would attract the newest generation of filmmakers to our beautiful Beaufort.”
Guided by the the film commission and the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, the first festival was set for 2007 and invitations were sent to filmmakers around the world, Tucker said, and organizers received nearly 200 entries.
“Over the years the festival has grown in reputation and attendance,” he said. “Through the years there have been many memorable films, some of which have stirred people to action. It was after a film screening of the documentary “Awaken the Dragon” about cancer survivors who had formed a Dragonboat Team in Charleston, S.C., that a few attendees were motivated to create a similar movement in Beaufort, resulting in the nonprofit Dragonboat Beaufort.”
“That impact is by design,” said Tucker, who noted the BIFF looks for films that will make viewers feel and think.
“ We try to present films that will offer some emotional impact on the viewer. From dark comedy like the student musical ZomRomCom to the controversial subject of big business and government in Death by China, our film festival is more than just an afternoon or evening at the movies,” he said. “We endeavor to enrich, inspire and entertain our audiences.”
The BIFF has become as popular with filmmakers as it is with movie buffs, perhaps in large part because organizers are good at finding talented filmmakers with something to say.
“For nearly 10 years now we’ve managed to identify and entice filmmakers who are willing to come to Beaufort with their film,” Tucker said. “Part of this enticement comes from a film and fun loving Beaufort community that wrap their arms around this festival then proceed to enamor our guests with a big dose of Southern Hospitality. Many of our filmmakers return with other projects which is a great testament to their affection for the festival and the city of Beaufort. In the past 10 years, we’ve managed to attract over 400 filmmakers who might not otherwise have even heard of Beaufort, SC. We’re proud of that.”
Here’s a look at past milestones:
• 2007: First festival held at the former Lady’s Island Theatre, approx. 500 attending
• 2008-2011: Festivals held at the former lady’s Island Theatre, approx. 5000 attending in 2011.
• 2009: The non-profit 501(c)3 organization Beaufort Film Society was created and assumed all administrative and operational control from the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• 2012: Venue for screenings was moved to University of South Carolina, Beaufort (needed more seats) (went from 175 seat theatre to a 460 seat theatre)
• 2013: Named one of the top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World by Moviemaker Magazine
Celebrity guests through the years have been, Tom Berenger, Pat Conroy, Blythe Danner, Michael O’Keefe, Eugene Gearty, Powers Booth, Craig McKay, Arthur Schmidt, Mike Tollin, Kim Delaney and Andie MacDowell. BIFF 2016 will honor Vanna White with the Spirit & Pride of South Carolina Award.
Here’s a look at what the Beaufort International Film Festival has in store for 2016:
Awards will be presented in the areas of Features, Documentaries, Short Films, Student Films, Screenplays, Animation. Comedy and Audience Choice. Also, winners will be named for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director.
BIFF 2016 also marks the second award for the Spirit & Pride of South Carolina Award, presented to that person whose career achievements in the areas of film, television or music have reflected positively on themselves and the state of South Carolina. The award will be presented to Television Host and Fashion Icon Vanna White, originally from North Myrtle Beach.
Former Army Chaplain and filmmaker Justin D. Roberts will be presented the Santini Patriot Spirit Award for his film “No Greater Love.” The “Santini “ is awarded to that filmmaker whose portrayal of the American active duty military, veterans, or their families in a feature film, documentary, or short reflects the highest standards of service and sacrifice for the good of others. The award is named after Marine Corps Colonel Donald “The Great Santini” Conroy. father of Academy Award® nominated screenwriter and best-selling author Pat Conroy.
Jonathan Gaynor will be presented the “Behind the Scenes” award for his more than 20 years of work as a Film Sound Mixer. Jonathan’s resume includes over 50 film and television credits.
For more information about the 10th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival, visit beaufortfilmfestival.com. The festival is produced by the Beaufort Film Society.
The Beaufort Film Society is a nonprofit, 501 (c) 3, member-supported organization, dedicated to providing the highest levels of entertainment and education to the public from all areas of the film industry.
