2022 Beaufort International Film Festival
Rolling Out the Red Carpet
story by MEGAN THIBAULT MORRIS photos by SUSAN DELOACH
Beaufort’s beautiful and unique landscape has been the setting for more than twenty-four major movies. It’s no surprise that the historic charm of downtown, jungle-like setting of Hunting Island, picturesque waterways, and, of course, iconic shrimp boats are a draw for many filmmakers.
Two decades ago, an effort began to highlight this magical setting — specifically to the film industry — and showcase Beaufort as the perfect location for movie production. That effort, the Beaufort Regional Film Commission, began with a group of local leaders meeting in the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce conference room, which also happened to be where I sat down with Ron and Rebecca Tucker to learn more about this story to share with you.
As Ron sat down at the conference room table, memories came flooding back. He’s been with the project since the very beginning, and now he and his wife, Rebecca, run the Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF), an independent organization that transformed meetings about an initiative into a full-blown, year-round effort to highlight Beaufort’s film history and promote future opportunities.
The culmination of their efforts is celebrated each year in February, when the town comes together and people travel from all over the world to attend the unique festival. The event has grown from humble beginnings over two days under a tent to the six-day festival we will enjoy this year at USCB Center for the Arts downtown. The festivities are kicked off with a prestigious opening ceremony, followed by dozens of new movie screenings, and wrapped up with a star-studded award ceremony.
“We have worked very hard and had a lot of great help from supporters, sponsors, volunteers, filmmakers, and film lovers to get to where we are today,” says the Tuckers. “It’s been an amazing 16 years, and we are very excited for the 2022 BIFF. We just announced the official selections, so that means we’re getting very close to another outstanding film festival.”
Nearly 400 movies from all over the United States and 30 other countries, ranging from animation to documentaries and short films to full-length, were submitted by filmmakers with a hope to be chosen. This year, there are 54 movies that are officially selected to be screened for eager audiences. And now there is a choice for the thousands of people who will attend: which one, or 10, or all 54 movies they would like to experience.
Whether moviegoers travel by foot, car, or plane to get to the screenings, each will be welcomed with the southern hospitality that serves as the hallmark of the BIFF experience.
“We strive to show everyone who participates in BIFF how warm and loving the people of Beaufort are,” says Ron Tucker, “It’s true southern hospitality that is the x-factor for falling in love with Beaufort, and in the case of filmmakers, this is the perfect opportunity to show them Beaufort’s potential.” So, get ready, Beaufort. It’s time to roll out the red carpet – literally. This is our chance to have our own Hollywood moment. You are all invited.
Previous stars in attendance include Blythe Danner, Andie MacDowell, and Powers Boothe, just to name a few. And of course, Pat Conroy was always a staple at BIFF too. He once stated, “The Beaufort International Film Festival is the quintessential cultural event of South Carolina and the Lowcountry.”
And, the most local tie of all goes to Simeon Daise, son of Natalie and Ron Daise, who were the stars of the hit children’s show Gullah Gullah Island on Nickelodeon. Simeon has continued his work as an actor and is currently starring in CW Television series All American. He will receive the Rising Star Award.
This is a local festival with international flair. It’s Hollywood in our own backyard. It’s the 16th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival, and we can all be part of it. There’s nothing Ron and Rebecca would love more than to see you all there.
“This is truly our passion,” says Rebecca without hesitation. “We love films and the stories they tell, and we especially love helping filmmakers share their work. Equally, we love hosting this here in our town and giving everyone a special chance to enjoy it.”
