Savannah College of Art and Design > Film Festival

Opening night honors acclaimed ‘Savannahian’ Kathleen Turner
By Sunny Smith Nelson
Photos by Chia Chiung Chong

(Left to right) Savannah College of Art and Design students Kevin Phillips and Josh Lind of the film production group the Dandy Dwarves pose with SCAD Senior Vice President Glenn Wallace, President Paula S. Wallace, honored guest Kathleen Turner and New York public relations guru Bobby Zarem at the opening night festivities of the Savannah Film Festival.

The energy in the air was palpable as the evening light faded and the crowd gathered in front of Trustees Theater to mark the opening night of the seventh annual Savannah Film Festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design. Movie lovers from around the world were on hand to celebrate the best in independent, innovative and influential film and filmmakers.

The evening opened with a gala reception in front of the theater. Honored guest Kathleen Turner, on hand to accept a Lifetime Achievement Award, mingled with the crowd on Broughton Street. A tribute to the acclaimed actress, writer and director followed in Trustees Theater, with the fitting refrain from the Beatles’ classic “Something” playing in the background. The packed house laughed, gasped, sighed and cheered as clips from favorites such as “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” “War of the Roses” and “Serial Mom” moved and wooed them.

“I am truly honored,” said the smoky-voiced siren, who confessed she had turned down the award in previous years because she felt she wasn’t ready for an award that marked such a milestone. Her 50th birthday this year was one reason she changed her mind, she explained, “And because Savannah is so gracious.”

Turner also shared with the audience that she had just discovered she’s a “native Savannahian.” In a conversation with her mother only hours before the tribute she learned that her great-great-grandfather lived, worked and died in Savannah and is buried in Colonial Cemetery. In a homecoming of sorts, Savannah welcomed back one of its own.

The critically acclaimed film “Sideways,” starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh, followed Turner’s tribute. As audience members filed out of the theater, many remarked that the evening was one of the best opening nights ever for the Savannah Film Festival.

Scene and Heard
By Rebecca Blaho

The Savannah College of Art and Design’s Orleans Hall was transformed into a swank party as the Savannah Film Festival kicked off with a bang as filmmakers, stars and college affiliates gathered to celebrate what is sure to be a successful week. Kathleen Turner made the rounds while Chief Rockas, a group of current SCAD students and alumni entertained guests with break-dancing moves.

Representatives from People magazine, New York Daily News and The Wall Street Journal mingled with filmmakers and students as well as members of the Savannah Film Commission throughout the evening. The festivities went on late into the night as the excitement didn’t wear off easily.

Jewison receives Achievement in Cinema award
By Rebecca Greenspan
Photos by Chia Chiung Chong

SCAD President Paula S. Wallace presents the Achievement in Cinema award to Norman Jewison Oct. 24 at the Lucas Theatre.

The director and producer of more than 35 films, including hits such as “In the Heat of the Night” (1967), “Moonstruck” (1987) and “Agnes of God” (1985), Jewison is known for socially conscious and often controversial work that reflects the time in which it was made. His films have received 46 Academy-Award nominations and 12 Academy Awards, and Jewison himself has been nominated for four Oscars. In 1998, he was honored by the academy with the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for the unfaltering quality of his body of work.

At the tribute, Jewison said that watching the reel of film clips that documented his career from his days as a director on television in the 1950s to his most recent films, including “The Hurricane” (1999) and “The Statement” (2003), was “almost like watching your life pass by before your eyes.”

Jewison spoke of the preserved beauty of Savannah, charming the crowd with stories of how much he had seen on his short trip to the city, notably the grave of his friend Johnny Mercer in Bonaventure Cemetery and the riverboats on the Savannah River.

After extolling the virtues of the city, Jewison spoke of the importance of the arts and colleges such as the Savannah College of Art and Design. “After all the beautiful buildings have fallen down, the arts will endure,” he said. “Arts will seek the truth.”

After the award ceremony, the audience was treated to a special screening of Jewison’s Academy Award-winning film “Moonstruck,” starring Nicholas Cage and Cher.

Scene and Heard
By Amanda Workman

Frank Sinatra and Norman Jewison: two legends, two stars, one talented director/producer and one talented singer/actor. Both seemingly waltzed through the Red Gallery reception Sunday night. But that can’t be. Or can it?

The eclectic mix of people at the reception honoring Jewison enjoyed “Motion Stills,” the exhibition that highlights the digitized world, while Trae Gurley, a Savannah native, produced a vocal sound so authentic to ol’ Blue Eyes himself, it seemed as though Sinatra was present. This amazing music complemented the laid-back atmosphere populated with festival honorees, agents, SCAD professors and students. Jewison arrived after his question-and-answer session at the Lucas Theatre following the screening of “Moonstruck.” Looking relaxed in a gray suit and loosened tie, he and his wife were seen talking with SCAD students and faculty. New York Daily News gossip columnist Lloyd Groves and guest were seen with another Savannah native and festival advisory board member Bobby Zarem of Zarem Inc. Fred Spector of CAA was also in attendance as was Ross Mosteller of Savannah’s own Bahama Joe’s.

From honorees to honored guests to SCAD students, faculty and staff, the excitement for this year’s festival was apparent and verbal. With the week just beginning, much is in store.

Panel discussion explains how to get funding
By Beth E. Concepción
Photo by Freddie Bennett

(Left to right) Finance industry executives Joe Woolf, Howard Kaplan, Steve Mangel and Doug Hansen explain the business side of the movie business at a panel discussion at Red Gallery Oct. 25.

More than 50 people filed into the Red Gallery Oct. 25 to hear money gurus talk about financing movies. The panel discussion, titled “The Business of the Biz,” was the first in the Master Panel Series: The Business of Film and Digital Media. Moderated by Joe Woolf, the managing director of entertainment finance for Citigroup, panelists included Doug Hansen, chief operating officer of Endgame Entertainment, LLC, Howard Kaplan, president and chief operating officer of Morgan Creek Productions, and Steve Mangel, president and chief operating officer of International Film Guarantors Inc.

The panelists began the discussion by explaining how they worked their way into their respective power positions.

Mangel said he originally wanted to be an actor himself, but discovered in college that “there were a lot more talented people around me than I was.” His “something to fall back on” ended up being law school.

Kaplan said he planned to be a dentist until he discovered he didn’t like “blood or pain.”

Woolf noted the “peculiar characteristics” of the business they are in, namely that there is a “separation between production and distribution” and that movies are a “product where you don’t know what the demand is” until is it released.

Hansen said the most important aspect of financing is to “put together intellectual capital in a way that works,” starting with the script. With the right script, Mangel said financing “avenues are going to be a lot broader than they have in the past for filmmakers.” His group, International Film Guarantors, works with movies that have budgets of $3-200 million dollars, with the average budget at $35 million.

If filmmakers are to get financing, though, the panelists are the ones who can make it happen — and they stressed it is a collaborative effort. “If we had a project right now, we could do a deal,” Woolf joked.

The next discussion in the series is “Who’s Watching: Know and Capture Your Audience,” Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. at Red Gallery.

Scene and Heard
By Rebecca Blaho

The third evening of the seventh annual Savannah Film Festival capped off another successful day with a grand soiree at one of Savannah’s finest establishments, Jazz’d, the tapas bar just below Broughton Street. Festival-goers, fresh from the much-anticipated screening of Annette Bening’s “Being Julia” reveled in the intimate atmosphere of Jazz’d. The setting provided the sophistication expected of such a party, yet was lively with the smooth and infectious tunes of Two Blue, a local jazz ensemble. Shaun Evans, one of the leads of “Being Julia” and a young new star on Hollywood’s horizon, stayed late into the evening. Evans, along with Illeana Douglas, was easily approachable and often seen speaking with students, filmmakers and members of the SCAD community. Tom Kinninmont, director of “Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell” was present as was Doug Hansen and his wife Kimberley Britts. The festive atmosphere lasted late into evening. Party-goers headed off to local establishments to continue what was started at Jazz’d. The excitement of the film festival was still at fever pitch as artists and participants eagerly awaited another day.

‘Stage Beauty’ takes to screen
By Monique Bos
Photo by Freddie Bennett

Lions Gate Entertainment President Tom Ortenberg addresses the crowd at the Trustees Theater Oct. 26.

Lions Gate Entertainment President Tom Ortenberg welcomed audiences who packed Trustees Theater Oct. 26 for a screening of “Stage Beauty.”

The film, which stars Claire Danes, Billy Crudup and Rupert Everett, opened in Atlanta and other select locations this past weekend. Ortenberg called the film “pretty terrific. It’s a classic case of true independent filmmaking.”

“Stage Beauty” is set in the theater world of 1660s England when the restoration of the monarchy has loosened the cultural constraints imposed by the Puritans. However, women aren’t allowed onstage, so male actors play women’s roles. The most celebrated of these “stage beauties” is Edward “Ned” Kynaston (Crudup). He has spent his whole life training to act like and view himself as a woman — albeit a woman with the physical characteristics of a man, as several adventurous aristocrats discover.

Kynaston’s dresser, Maria (Danes), nurses a quiet adoration for the star but also cherishes her own dreams of becoming an actress. She finds an unexpected ally in the king’s mistress, who demands that the king rescind the law forbidding women from acting.

With his livelihood suddenly gone and his career usurped by his former servant and confidante, Kynaston struggles to redefine himself as an actor and as a man.

The film skillfully examines questions of gender, desire and relationships. Kynaston’s confusion about whether he is a man or a woman is genuine, highlighted by his interactions with an array of admirers intrigued by the roles he plays.

The script, adapted from writer Jeffrey Hatcher’s play “Compleat Female Stage Beauty,” mocks the frivolity of upper-crust British society while exploring the issues the characters face. The film is a visual feast as well as an incisive analysis of identity, love and acting techniques.

In addition to his comments about “Stage Beauty,” Ortenberg told the audience he is enjoying his time at the Savannah Film Festival.

“It’s been a wonderful experience,” he said. “It’s a great town, and I personally can’t wait to come back again next year.”

Scene and Heard
By Amanda Workman

Relaxed atmosphere. Casual and friendly crowd. Artists in every form appreciating the very source of what makes their work, their passion good. Just the sort of environment you would think might cater to a someone named Johnny Depp. Depp’s latest film, “Finding Neverland,” which to no one’s amazement has sold out for this year’s festival, screens Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. in the Trustees Theater. The latest buzz was that he might be in attendance at the film festival but cannot make it due to a scheduled interview conflict. Sigh. Female — and even, I dare to say, male — hearts will have to wait for another time when they might catch a glimpse of this living enigma.

But fear not, my friends. The festival will go on in strong stride and steady force. After the screening of “Stage Beauty,” the reception took place at what many call their weekend staple: the Bar Bar. Located mere blocks from the theater, the Bar Bar provided a convenient and friendly atmosphere for festival-goers last night. Seen chatting candidly was producer Tom Ortenberg known for films such as “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” “Wonderland” and the soon-to-be-completed “Happy Endings” with Laura Dern and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Members of the French media also were enjoying the crowd that flowed nicely through the spacious underground bar. Visitors and locals alike seem to enjoy the laid-back southern hospitality of Savannah and SCAD.

O’Toole receives Lifetime Achievement Award
By Rebecca Greenspan
Photo by Chia Chiung Chong

Savannah Film Festival honoree Peter O’Toole visits with actor Jason Patric, in town for the Thursday screening of “After Dark, My Sweet.”

Legendary actor Peter O’Toole received the Savannah Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award Oct. 27 in front of a packed house in Trustees Theater.

Anticipation for O’Toole’s visit steadily grew throughout the first few days of the festival, and the Savannah College of Art and Design and Savannah communities alike expressed interest in celebrating the man behind such power roles as T.E. Lawrence in “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), Henry II in 1967’s “The Lion in Winter” and Priam in “Troy” (2004).

After a prolonged standing ovation, O’Toole accepted his award with a short speech referring to the fact that he is getting older. However closer to the “terminus” he gets, O’Toole said, the journey is “made delightful by fellow lovers of film.” He praised the city and declared himself “enchanted by the kindness.”

Following the award presentation by SCAD President Paula S. Wallace, Tom Kinnimont, O’Toole’s co-director on “Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell,” presented the film, calling it “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell,” also starring O’Toole as the celebrated British journalist, is his directorial debut and self-proclaimed “adieu” to the theater, which O’Toole called “thoroughly exhausting.” O’Toole hand-picked the movie version of the stage production to screen at the Savannah Film Festival.

O’Toole recently was given an honorary Academy Award for a television and movie career that spans more than 40 years and has included seven Oscar nominations.

Scene and Heard
By Rebecca Blaho

Even after five days of countless films, lectures and workshops the excitement of the Savannah Film Festival was obviously not wearing off. Laughter, talk and revelry abounded as festival guests, students, faculty and staff celebrated another triumphant day.

Gottlieb’s Restaurant and Dessert Bar, on the corner of Broughton and Bull streets, provided a cozy atmosphere Wednesday night suggestive of romantic evenings and elegance. Smooth tunes were barely audible above the crowd but added a subtle touch to the evening. Patrons could be found gathering at tables, around the bar, in sitting areas and even outside.

Good food and drinks flowed throughout the evening. Wait staff wafted through the dining room carry elegantly bedecked trays laden with pastries. The Gottlieb family originally made their name in the pastry business as they ran a bakery in Savannah for more than 100 years.

Plenty of people were in attendance and the evening wore on into the early hours of the morning. Peter O’Toole and Jason Patrick were in attendance as well as David Gordon, Illeana Douglas and Bobby Zarem.

Ebert, audience rediscover "Citizen Kane"
By Marc Femenella
Photo by Wayne C. Moore

Film critic Roger Ebert leads a critique of Orson Welles’ legendary film “Citizen Kane” Oct. 28 at Trustees Theater.

Film buffs of all varieties filled the Trustees Theater Oct. 28 to witness film critic Roger Ebert kick off the first of three critiques on "Citizen Kane."

Both first-time viewers and long-time fans of Orsen Welles" 1941 cinematic masterpiece turned out to see Ebert, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Sun-Times writer and co-coiner of the "Two Thumbs Up" rating standard.

Ebert introduced Thursday afternoon's workshop, "Citizen Kane: A Shot in Time," as a crash course in the "semi-official greatest movie of all time" and joked about his tendency to wax cinematic beyond what the allotted time allowed.

"I could talk all day about "Citizen Kane," but I'd never get through the movie," said Ebert.

Calling the movie a "technical wonder," Ebert said film novices in the crowd should not feel intimidated by the frame-by-frame deconstruction.

"You are the viewer and that is most important role a film requires from its audience," he said.

Before starting the special edition DVD (for which Ebert recorded the commentary track), Ebert instructed the audience on their role in the discussion: While he would pause the movie to point out important facts and nuances, anyone in theater could yell out "stop" and then initiate discussion based on what was just seen.

At one point during the movie, an audience member pointed out a sign Ebert said he had never seen in hundreds of previous viewings. Later during the workshop, another viewer yelled, "Stop!" to note a chair in the scene being accidentally bumped by the production crew. Ebert expressed his elation to the audience on these new findings.

"You have to admit you don't see things in order to see them," he said.

While only getting through about 30 minutes of the movie on the first day, Ebert stressed the importance of painstaking film analysis by likening it to football. "The more you know, the more you appreciate the game," he said.

"Citizen Kane: A Shot in Time" will continue through Saturday at 12:30 p.m. in the Trustees Theater.

Scene and Heard
By Amanda Workman

Thursday evening at Ibiza — usually a celebratory end to a week of studios, labs and lectures for Savannah College of Art and Design students. But last night, Ibiza grew much, lets say, older. Normally quite a familiar establishment to the college crowd, the bi-level club on Congress Street was alive with different patrons enjoying drinks, conversation, music and dancing. On the heels of the fabulous after party at Gottlieb’s on Wednesday that lasted well into the early morning hours, it was certainly impressive to see the same rampant enthusiasm at Ibiza.

Seen chatting happily were Lisa Perry and Jessie Hutcheson, producers of “On the Cliffs” to be screened at 10 a.m. Saturday morning at the Lucas Theatre. Savannah locals Harvey Ray and David Minkovitz wound through the crowd. Jason Patric and Peter O’Toole also are still in town partaking of festival events.

Ebert receives achievement award for celebrated career in film criticism
By Sunny Smith Nelson
Photo by Chia Chiung Chong

SCAD President Paula S. Wallace presents the Lifetime Achievement in Entertainment Journalism Award to film critic Roger Ebert Oct. 29 at Trustees Theater.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and film critic Roger Ebert was honored with the Savannah Film Festival Lifetime Achievement in Entertainment Journalism Award Oct. 29, receiving a standing ovation for his contribution to American cinema.

He praised his late television show partner, Gene Siskel, and declared his love and gratitude to his “partner in life,” wife Chaz.

About movies, Ebert remarked, “No art form is more completely enveloping.” He said that when he is watching a good movie, he forgets his name, Social Security number and where he parked as he lives completely vicariously through the characters in the film.

Ebert has served for more than three decades as many moviegoers’ authoritative source on which movies to see and which to avoid, reviewing more than 4,000 films. He began his career in 1966 as the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times and later parlayed his talents into broadcast as the co-host of the popular “Siskel and Ebert” movie review television show. Ebert now hosts the top-rated “Ebert and Roeper” with Richard Roeper, and his syndicated reviews appear in more than 200 newspapers across the globe.

“The hospitality and friendship of everybody in Savannah is remarkable,” said Ebert, who arrived in Savannah Wednesday to prepare for his three-day workshop series “‘Citizen Kane:’ A Shot in Time.” He played host to a packed house at Trustees Theater for the first two installments of the workshop, leading the audience in shot-by-shot analysis of what he considers the best film ever made.

Ebert is no stranger to film festivals, having launched Roger Ebert’s Overlooked Film Festival in 1999 in his hometown of Champaign-Urbana, Ill.

Scene and Heard
By Rebecca Blaho

Another evening of the Savannah Film Festival drew to a close with a fabulous bash. First City Club offered a great second-story venue complete with a gorgeous view of Johnson Square for Friday night’s festivities. While many guests clustered around the tall windows for the unique view, others gathered on the dance floor to try their moves. Hungry guests enjoyed the buffet that offered up a variety of tasty delights including spanakopita, a varied selection of cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as dessert.

The overall atmosphere was one of delight and carefree abandon. Conversation topics covered the events of the week and, of course, the movie of the night: “Kinsey,” starring Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Chris O’Donnell and Tim Curry. Judging from the audience’s response, it was well-received.

Tom Sykes of the New York Post’s Page Six was at the party along with publicist and festival advisory board member Bobby Zarem.

Saturday promises plenty for participants. The schedule includes workshops, a juried competition, the awards ceremony and a special screening of “Finding Neverland” starring Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet and Dustin Hoffman.

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