The Beaufort International Film Festival
The People’s Choice Event of the Year
story by WENDY NILSEN POLLITZER photos by SUSAN DELOACH
“The public has an appetite for anything about imagination —
anything that is as far away from reality as is creatively possible.”
– Steven Spielberg
And if anything can take our minds away from the punitive reality of COVID-19, it’s the movies. The 15th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) is on the horizon, and beloved organizers Ron and Rebecca Tucker are thrilled to announce precautionary changes that will ensure festivalgoers a safe and memorable experience. The show must go on.
The BIFF, as locals like to call it, will be held February 15-19, 2021, with a new format schedule to comply with COVID-19 protocol. All movies will be screened at the Tabby Place in 2-hour blocks. This will allow all seats to be sanitized during the 20-minute period between blocks. Then, at the end of each day, the screening area will be professionally sprayed down with a heavy germ-killing disinfectant.
Tickets will be limited to 175 people per block, and the space will be converted with carpet along with pipe and drape backgrounds to mirror an actual theater. Seats will be spaced in pods based on party size, and masks and social distancing will be enforced. Temperature readings will also be administered upon entry along with other standard safety protocol.
And there are no two more enthusiastic film fans about bringing new films to Beaufort than Ron and Rebecca. They have a tradition of going to the movies every Christmas Day. In December, the couple visited Cinemark where Ron “borrowed” ideas from Cinemark CEO, Mark Zoradi posted on social media. “If they can do it, we can do it,” laughs Ron.
Though the execution will be slightly different this year, the BIFF remains steadfast in inviting quality filmmakers, actors, and crews to our charming little Southern town.
“We are still the same Festival we’ve been in the past, with the same heart and the same hospitality,” smiles Tucker, eager to welcome over seventy filmmakers to Beaufort. He adds, “We were one of the last “in-person” film festivals produced last year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Filmmakers are excited that we are one of the first to welcome them back.”
And filmmakers love Beaufort. They will be coming from New York, Maine, California, Texas, and more. Though each country and state are diverse in implementing restrictions, Ron and Rebecca ensure attendees and participants that Beaufort is a safe place to visit with restaurants, shops, hotels, and inns following proper guidelines.
Ron and Rebecca wrestled with alternative solutions for a festival this year: from all-virtual screenings, to moving it to a different month, to delivering films at the drive-in, to canceling the event altogether. But after the couple, who co-produced Stars Fell on Alabama, premiered the movie at the Tabby Place in October, they realized an “in-person” festival could undoubtedly take place.
“Everyone was on their best behavior, and we pulled it off. We knew we could pull it off again in February with a little planning and positive thinking,” emphasized Ron.
Along with changes in film format, the BIFF will face the challenges and benefits of hosting both the films and the parties at the same venue, which will be a blessing and a curse.
“We will all be at one location, thankfully, but the logistics of turning over a space in a short amount of time will be a fun test,” says Ron.
The event will begin with the Opening Ceremony on Monday, February 15 at 6 p.m., followed by the premier of Electric Jesus at 8 p.m. The cast and crew will be on hand for a Q&A session, and a few surprises are in store. Films will be screened starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Friday, with a feature film presented at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. On Friday, films will conclude at 3 p.m., followed by a champagne cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and the Awards Ceremony to begin at 7 p.m.
This year, the BIFF is proud to be showing sixteen comedies, up from eleven last year. Also, along with the Beaufort Film Society, Ron and Rebecca will be welcoming four filmmakers who are involved with four different films, and more world premieres than the Festival has hosted ever before. “There truly is a great word of mouth networking among filmmakers who attend this particular festival. We have a solid reputation with an ever-changing mix of alumni and new filmmakers,” says Ron.
Debbie Covington will once again bring her catering expertise to the parties, and Beaufort residents will be happy to hear that beer and wine will be served during every block. Movies, food, and beer … what more can you ask for during the frigid month of February?
“People know the risks during this pandemic, and we will do our best to enforce all the guidelines. It’s simple … If you don’t bring it, we won’t get it,” insists Ron.
The Beaufort International Film Festival truly is the People’s Choice event in Beaufort, and we are excited to welcome our extended family of filmmakers to our town. Thanks, Ron and Rebecca, for making that happen. See you at the movies!
For tickets, volunteer opportunities, and more information about the Beaufort International Film Festival, please visit www.beaufortfilmfestival.com.
