The program for this year’s Charleston Film Festival, which takes place March 7-10 at the Terrace Theater, was released last week, and there’s plenty on the schedule to attract any kind of movie fan. Here are some of our favorites:
British director Michael Apted has been following a group of British citizens from all walks of life since they were 7 years old, checking back in with them every seven years. 56 Up is the latest installment.
Rust and Bone is a French-Belgian film that got a lot of buzz in 2012. It tells the story of a killer whale trailer (Oscar winner Marion Cotillard), the young man who falls in love with her, and the tragedy they face along the way.
And the festival will feature a special screening of the locally produced Savannah, starring Jim Caviezel, Sam Shepard, and even 30 Rock’s Jack McBrayer. It gives a little insight into the history of Charleston’s sister city.
The fest also features a number of short film blocks, including selections from the annual Indie Grits festival in Columbia. Individual film passes are $10, or you can get a festival pass for $77.
Visit terracetheater.com for more info.
February is Black History Month, and the 2013 Florence Short Film Showcase is acknowledging the event by featuring seven short films directed by or telling the story of an African American person. Set for Fri. Feb. 8 from 6:30-10 p.m., the event will take place in the technology center at the Florence-Darlington Technical Community College. Tickets are $20.
The seven film line-up includes titles like Letters from Home directed by Keva Keyes, Lover directed by Roy Hurst, Girls in White Dresses directed by Rosina Wilkins Shoate, and more. Hosting the event is Bhakti Larry Hough, the operations manager at Radio Bahai, WLGI-FM in Hemingway and a noted jazz musician.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online, and general admission includes a pre-screening wine reception, followed by the film screening beginning at 7 p.m., and finally a champagne reception to discuss the films. At the end of the evening, the audience will choose the best short film of the showcase. The films range in genre from dramatic to comedic, and this year, there will even be a cartoon.
Find out more at florenceshortfilmshowcase.com.
The Charleston International Film Festival has teamed up with Southwest Airlines and Embassy Suites Hotels to offer a major trip giveaway. One lucky winner will receive two round-trip tickets to Charleston (from any city served by Southwest), a five-night stay at the Embassy Suites Charleston (April 24-28, 2013), and two all-access festival passes that include screenings, industry panel discussions, workshops, and parties.
You’ll be entered in the contest by donating to the festival, but donations aren’t required for entry — just go to charlestoniff.org for a chance to win. You can enter as often as you like through March 1.
If you live in Charleston and you don’t need the plane tickets (which we’re guessing is the case if you’re reading this), the tickets will still be issued to that person to use at their discretion.
Just in time to help you keep your New Year's resolutions, Seeking Indigo is hosting a screening of the documentary Hungry for Change, which explores dieting, nutrition, and the food industry at large.
The filmmakers include interviews with health authors and medical experts like Dr. Christiane Northrup, as well as people whose lives have been significantly impacted by weight gain or loss. This film not only explores issues surrounding nutrition, but it also presents a natural way to structure your lifestyle free from harmful foods and dieting.“It's a great way for like-minded people to get motivated while they reexamine their wellness lifestyles,” says Seeking Indigo's Sherri Jacobs.
After the screening, stick around for treats and juices from Dell'z Vibez. The screening is at 4 p.m. on Jan. 13. Reserve your spot by calling (843) 725-0217 or visiting healthecoaching.com.
Twenty years ago, a relatively unknown young director submitted one of his first films to the Sundance Film Festival. The director was Quentin Tarantino and the film, nominated for Sundance’s Grand Jury Prize, was Reservoir Dogs. Empire Magazine would eventually name Reservoir Dogs the Greatest Independent Film Ever Made. Two years after his monumental debut, Tarantino’s follow-up movie, Pulp Fiction, would go on to win the 1995 Academy Award for best screenplay and earn recognition as one of AFI’s Top 100 Films of the Last 100 Years.
The combined brilliance of both films, which now enjoy the status of cult classics, set Tarantino on the path to become one of Hollywood’s grittiest, most in-your-face, beloved directors. In recognition of Tarantino’s expansive career, these two acclaimed works will appear in theaters around the country in December.
Tarantino fans can see Reservoir Dogs Dec. 4, and Pulp Fiction Dec. 6, both at 7 p.m. at the Charlestowne Square 18 in North Charleston and the Azalea Square Stadium 16 in Summerville. The screenings will also feature a special showcase of Tarantino’s other films, as well as trailers for movies which were influential in the Tennessee-born director’s artistic growth. Tarantino’s newest movie, Django Unchained, hits theaters Christmas Day. Learn more at fathomevents.com.
