BIFF VOLUNTEERS
One of a Kind Small-Town Film Family
story by ROBIN TODD photos by SUSAN DELOACH
Travelers find refuge and retreat in our beloved little coastal town from all over the nation for our historic culture, fresh shrimp, and sweeping views of the intercoastal waterways. What some may not realize is that Beaufort also attracts filmmakers from around the world, along with thousands of curious moviegoers year after year for our annual Beaufort International Film Festival. This year it’s held from February 18-23, 2020.
While holding true to the values of the community, the Beaufort International Film Festival has managed to marry the love of cinema with the rich history and beauty of our beloved Lowcountry.
Stacy Applegate, a three-year Chair Volunteer, but a film festival patron for much longer, shares with the magazine, “Before moving to Beaufort, I planned my vacations so I could attend the Beaufort International Film Festival. The quality and diversity of films shown, the hospitality of the community, and the fun events associated with the film festival played a big part in my decision to move to Beaufort three years ago. I started volunteering the first week I was here and made wonderful friends I now consider family. I am so honored to be a part of the Beaufort Film Society and proud to promote what I consider the best film festival in the country.”
Sitting down with Rebecca Tucker and chatting about the history of the annual event, you can see her connection to the purpose of the Festival. She beamed as she gushes about the volunteers that make it happen year after year. “I cannot stress the importance of the volunteers. It just wouldn’t be possible without them,” Rebecca says. She has volunteers that return year after year to serve and soak in the energy and atmosphere of the community coming together. This town is something special. It never falls short to show up strong to support the Festival.
Jenny Steadham, who has been working the Festival for ten years, shares, “It’s so much fun to volunteer with the Tuckers, all the other contributing volunteers, filmmakers and other people in the film industry. It is also a rewarding, personal way for me to contribute to the Arts in our community. I look forward to it every year as I watch it grow and get better every time.”
A question that will inevitably come up when discussing the hundreds of films that do not make the cut is, “How in the world do you decide who gets to have their film played for the Festival?” The Tuckers, along with a crew of jurors, start in July to view, rate, and categorize hundreds of films that are submitted from all over the world. Rebecca shares how difficult it is to narrow down the numerous entries as there is so much talent. In looking for finalists, their submission must fit into four categories to be considered: Content, Impact, Technical, and Festival Fit. Does the film have a message? Does it leave something so impactful they are thinking about it days, maybe weeks later? If you are familiar with Beaufort, you may have heard of Dragon Boat Beaufort. This organization was born out of inspiration from a film shown at Beaufort International Film Festival in 2012 and continues to unite the community year after year. Impact, it’s crucial. Judging what makes the cut is critical to the process and success of this event, and who makes the decisions? The volunteers do. These judges are jurors who take the time from right here in Beaufort to across the globe. The Festival judges started as locals who had a heavy passion for film and have now grown into a panel of noteworthy playwrights, directors, actors, and writers. The backbone of this event is the volunteers, not just the jurors, but the entire crew who show up to usher, serve, sell tickets, even take out the trash, set up, break down and operate sound and lights. This Festival would be impossible without their continuing efforts.
Patrice Andrews, a two-year volunteer and juror, shares, “Volunteering at BIFF is like being at camp for a week where you make great friends and forever memories!” “As a juror of the films, I have the pleasure of watching world-class films and then meeting the filmmakers from all around the world at the Festival.” “Watching everyone’s reactions during the Festival screenings is such a treat, and I hope Ron and Rebecca continue to give me a reason to spend a week in my happy place, Beaufort, SC!”
The Festival hosts not only the films, but also events throughout the week. Available this year, while you are viewing movies, will be boxed lunches from Lowcountry Produce, who has sponsored the event, and will be delivered to you right to the theater. Concessions on site will also be an option this year and provided by the Beaufort Film Society. Opening the Festival this year will be a filmmaker’s reception in which light hors d’oeuvres will be served, sponsored by local restaurants as well as wine and beer, and will be held at the Tabby Place. A Screenwriters workshop will be taking place during the Festival as well. To close out the festivities will be an award ceremony cocktail hour, and presentation of awards for Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Director, Best Comedy, and Audience Choice. To receive the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award this year is special guest Eugene Gearty, along with Joshua DeFour, who will be receiving the Santani Patriot Spirit Award and John David Reynolds, who will be taking home the Behind the Scenes Award.
“I always wanted to give back. I wanted to be purposeful and try to make a difference; somehow, we intend that this is a gift for Beaufort. Those who do not come really miss out,” Rebecca shares. Herself, along with her other half Ron, a slew of volunteers and the joint efforts of all the sponsors for Beaufort International Film Festival, are ready to take over downtown Beaufort and share their love for the arts with the community. If you would like to be a part of this one of a kind small-town film family, you can still sign up to volunteer. A link on their website, beaufortfilmfestival.com, will direct you to a list of job descriptions, in which you may select what area you can add value. Shifts are three hours, and with each shift you work, you are given a pass to partake in the Festival; if you work three shifts, you are given a full-day pass.
One question that keeps surfacing is “How to get tickets to the Festival?” You can go online directly to their site and view every film synopsis, as well as trailers for most titles, just as you would select a film at your local movie theater. A movie schedule is available in this issue on page 32. You can purchase tickets for each film, or you can buy a day pass and have access to all of the films for that entire day. Another option is to purchase an all-events pass and have access to every film for the whole Festival.
Films range from just a few minutes to full-feature films. You can easily purchase online at their website, buy at the door or through the visitors center located at 713 Craven Street. The Beaufort International Film Festival kicks off Tuesday, February 18th, and runs until Sunday, February 23rd.
