Stacy Applegate, Volunteer
Beaufort International Film Festival
Shining Facet of Beaufort, the Hidden Gem
story by ERIN WALLACE photos by SUSAN DELOACH
One of the most common reasons Beaufort is considered a hidden gem by many is that once someone drives through this place or just visits, they can’t get the town out of their heart and mind. Often, the best solution they find — to satisfy their desire for this charming southern town — is to move here, expanding our town, as well as our hearts, for the beauty they add to this special place. One of those who seek to add beauty, style, and interest to Beaufort is Stacy Applegate. She is determined to cast more light on a particularly eye-catching facet of our unique town: the Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF).
Stacy Applegate strives to be a vital component of this festival. Each year that Stacy has lived in Beaufort, she has volunteered a large portion of her time to the event. However, long before living in Beaufort, Stacy was an avid attendee for years until Beaufort’s infectious beauty brought her to call this place home.
Stacy was born in Illinois, and her family later moved to South Carolina as she was starting third grade. Their long distance move from the Midwest to the South was made because Stacy’s dad landed a job at SCITV (South Carolina Instructional Television), a division of SCETV, producing Driver’s Education features. Film was as common in the Applegate home as eggs are for breakfast, especially because Stacy and one of her brothers starred in a few of their dad’s instructional videos.
After graduating from USC in Columbia with a Masters in Human Resources Management, she was employed by Arthur Anderson in Charlotte, NC. Stacy remained in Charlotte until 2015, when the next part of her journey landed her in Malibu, California, as the California Wildlife Center executive director. After two years, she decided it was time to move back to the east coast.
In 2006, during Stacy’s time in Charlotte, she visited her best friend, Wendy Goller, who had recently moved to Beaufort. According to Stacy, as soon as she set foot in this town, “I fell in love with Beaufort.” From her very first visit, Stacy considered moving. Although fate prevented her at first, so she started coming to Beaufort to vacation. It was during these visits that Stacy fell in love with BIFF. Attending the festival upon Wendy’s recommendation, she was immediately hooked. Thus, Stacy timed her Beaufort visits with time off from work to attend the full festivals and its activities.
The BIFF originated in 2007 from the active and inspiring imaginations of Beaufort’s very own Ron and Rebecca Tucker. The Tuckers also established the nonprofit Beaufort Film Society (BFS) that oversees the festival. The festival was naturally born of Beaufort’s rich entertainment heritage. A wide variety of movies, such as The Great Santini, The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides, and, of course, Forrest Gump were filmed here. Recently, Gary Sinese (Lt. Dan of Forrest Gump fame) accepted a role on the BFS Advisory Board.
Stacy says her first time attending the festival, she marveled at just how good the films were, how impressive the quality of the festival was, and how energetic the attendees were. The Tuckers made the whole experience incredibly fun for her; the couple and the volunteers were welcoming and super friendly. Stacy is living evidence of her hypothesis that “the film festival could be a draw for folks to actually come and live here.” After California, Stacy moved to Beaufort in 2017 and is now a real estate agent with Keller Williams. Finally settled in Beaufort, Stacy started volunteering for the BIFF and joined the BFS. As a Chair Volunteer, she helped with fundraisers and greeted people for Shorts at High Noon. Speaking of films, Stacy was an extra in Stars Fell on Alabama, just released this January and co-produced by the BFS. Although set in Alabama, the film features scenes in and around our beloved Beaufort.
For the BIFF, the Tuckers make a special effort to make the entire experience personal and interactive. They work hard to get the actors, producers, or directors — of the films played that week — to be there to meet the festival attendees. It is, of course, not guaranteed for every film, but if they are able to come, then a ten-minute “talk back” occurs after the film is screened. The actor or director are able to answer questions from the audience and give their back story, thus creating that uniquely intimate type of setting. Fun fact: as the years go on, more and more key players from the films played are able to be here for the festival.
In the past, the Tuckers have even been able to attract some big names: Pat Conroy, Vanna White, Andie MacDowell, along with others, have participated. In viewing other film festivals in the country, Stacy mentioned how good we have it here in Beaufort. Not only is the BIFF impressively well organized, it doesn’t lose its personal touch. Stacy says, “It’s like coming into a family.” For example, at the festival after party, the filmmakers mingle and bring the attendees a fun, interactive experience. This year, Covid will force different approaches to bring the same quality BIFF experience, but come February, you can rest assured that the familial atmosphere will be there.
Stacy cares not only about film, but she also adores this community. So when she’s not an extra or volunteering in Beaufort film life, she is also on the Historic Review Board, enjoys helping others find their perfect home, and delights in the area’s pristine waterways, abundant natural resources, and diverse wildlife.
Stacy Applegate’s commitment to the Beaufort film community is at once both inspiring and commendable. Her passions for film and people are contagious, leaving someone like me who’s never been introduced to the film festival to make sure I don’t miss it this year. Overall, Stacy’s goal for the BIFF is to help make it one of the top premiere film festivals in the country. I wholeheartedly believe with the organization’s current trajectory, it most definitely will.
If you want to know how you can be a part of this exciting festival, there are volunteer opportunities, and you can reach out to the Tuckers. BIFF kicks off with the Filmmakers Opening Night Reception on Monday evening, February 15, 6 p.m., at the Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort. Screenings begin Tuesday, February 16 and continue through Friday, February 19 at 1:30 p.m. BIFF 2021 concludes on Friday evening, February 19, with a Champagne Reception at 6 p.m., followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7 p.m.
