View photos from the festival. View videos from the festival. Subscribe to the podcasts from 2006's Savannah Film Festival
(requires iTunes 5 or later).
QuickTime VR View students talking with actress Melissa Kemp during a coffee talk on Thursday.
 |
Opening night gala
|
Opening night honors Guillermo Arriaga
By Krista Prather
Savannah’s historic Broughton Street was jumping with film enthusiasts anxiously awaiting a full range of cinematic creativity during the opening of the ninth annual Savannah Film Festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design.
The festival began with Guillermo Arriaga’s acceptance of the Award for Achievement in Cinema at historic Trustees Theater. Arriaga won the Golden Palm for Best Screenplay at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival for “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada,” among other achievements.
As SCAD President Paula S. Wallace presented Arriaga with his award, the crowd responded with a standing ovation, prompting Arriaga to bow graciously. Arriaga said that Savannah was the perfect place to hold the festival as its architecture, charm and personality make it a city built for the enjoyment of life.
Following Arriaga’s tribute, film festival participants had the opportunity to witness his complex narrative structures, intense stories and characters during the screening of “Babel.” Written by Arriaga and starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett and Gael García Bernal, “Babel” explores a tragic incident that spawns a chain of events for four families in different countries throughout the world.
Scene and Heard By Emily Green
As if someone yelled "action," the sky cleared, the temperature dropped, and the annual Savannah Film Festival opened with a party on Broughton Street. Festival-goers enjoyed a tribute to screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga, who said he wanted to be friends with everyone at the festival.
The party continued to Orleans Hall, where a live band rocked the house while Trevor Jenkins' "Swimming with the Virgin" video exhibition played on the walls. SCAD President Paula Wallace made a brief appearance, as did Hildi Santo-Tomás from "Trading Spaces." The personable Arriaga and his wife chatted with party attendees, while Bobby Zarem worked the crowd. Producer and juror Jon Furay also was spotted mingling. The lights came up around 1 a.m. to put an end to the first night of what promises to be another memorable festival.
|
Screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga and director/actor Tommy Lee Jones answer questions from the audience after a screening of their movie “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” at Trustees Theater.
Photo by Wayne C. Moore
|
Festival pays homage to Tommy Lee Jones By Krista Prather
The red carpet in front of Trustees Theater last night was crowded with fans, high-profile film industry professionals and photographers eagerly anticipating a glimpse of one of Hollywood’s elite, Tommy Lee Jones. The Savannah Film Festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design, presented actor, director, producer, writer and Academy Award-winner Jones with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting.
Jones made his film debut in the Academy Award-winning “Love Story” (1970), and went on to earn individual awards such as the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard in the box office hit “The Fugitive” (1993) and an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Clay Shaw in the Academy Award-winning “JFK” (1991). While Jones has appeared in numerous films, including Academy Award-nominated “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980), “Under Siege” (1992), “The Client” (1994) and “Batman Forever” (1995), he also has experienced success behind the scenes since his 1995 directorial debut of TNT’s critically acclaimed adaptation of the Elmer Kelton’s novel “The Good Old Boys.”
During his acceptance speech, Jones said he did not feel quite old enough to be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award but he was humbled, and appreciated the recognition. Jones also said that Savannah would hold a special place in his and his wife Dawn’s heart.
Following the award presentation, the festival hosted a special screening of the Jones-directed movie “The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada.”
Special guests ended the night at Red Gallery where they enjoyed a late night reception honoring Jones and celebrating the successful events of the day.
Silver Screen Society presents "Distortion" By Emily Green 
|
Actors participate in a reading of Silver Screen Society screenplay winner Aaron Kablack’s “Distortion” at Lucas Theatre.
Photo by Wayne C. Moore
|
The Silver Screen Society presented a reading of Aaron Kablack’s screenplay “Distortion” Oct. 29 at the Lucas Theatre. Kablack was the first winner of the Silver Screen Society advisory panel’s $3,000 cash grant, which is awarded annually to a Savannah College of Art and Design student filmmaker. The now two-year-old treatment has been a work in progress aided by Barry Rosenbush and Dean Ayers, both of whom judged the horrorthemed screenplays.
“Distortion” centers around Kate Adamson, an art student on her way to the Savannah College of Art and Design, her father and her sister, and the happenings at Hargrove House, a supposedly haunted house in Chatham County. Because of a mix-up with orientation housing, the Adamsons are forced to stop at Hargrove House. They meet the caretakers of the house, Nathan Winslow and his grandmother, Miss Evelyn, as well as guests Joe and Helen Monroe, and a night of murder, mystery and a fatal appreciation of art begins.
A brief question-and-answer session with Kablack and Ayers followed the reading.
Scene and Heard By Christina Spitz At the packed reception at Red Gallery following the tribute to Tommy Lee Jones, the Ben Tucker trio played lively jazz that complemented the improvisational artwork of David Ellis that lined the walls. Producer and ice cream parlor owner Stratton Leopold chatted with Chatham County Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis, while party-goers lined up to sample Leopold's ice cream. Jones made an appearance with his wife Dawn, while PR mogul Bobby Zarem circled the crowd. Meanwhile jurist Richard Turner and panelist Marc Barson were in festive spirits as they discussed “Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride: Hunter S. Thompson on Film,” a documentary about the “gonzo” journalist that will screen Oct. 31 and Nov. 3.
|
Actor/director Liev Schreiber receives Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Award from Savannah Film Festival Executive Director Danny Filson.
Photo by Dennis Burnett
|
Festival honors actor/director Liev Schreiber By Angela Hendrix Liev Schreiber received a standing ovation as he accepted the 2006 Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Award Monday night in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Trustees Theater. Savannah Film Festival Executive Director Danny Filson presented Schreiber with the award, paying tribute to the “diversity and success of his career.” Widely considered one of the finest actors of his generation, Schreiber won a Tony Award in 2005 for his portrayal of Ricky Roma in the Broadway revival of David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross.”
Schreiber's distinguished list of acting credits includes Jonathan Demme’s “The Manchurian Candidate” (2004), “The Sum of All Fears” (2002), “Kate & Leopold” (2001), Michael Almerayda’s "Hamlet” (2000), “The Hurricane” (1999) opposite Denzel Washington, Tony Goldwyn’s “A Walk
on the Moon” (1999), Robert Benton’s “Twilight” (1998) with Paul Newman, Barry Levinson’s sci-fi epic “Sphere” (1998), the box office hits “Scream” (1996), “Scream 2” (1997), “Scream 3” (2000) and “Ransom” (1996).
Schreiber also is known for his work in acclaimed independent features such as Stanley Tucci’s “Big Night” (1996),“Party Girl" (1995), “The Daytrippers” (1996), Nicole Holofcener’s “Walking and Talking” (1996), Nora Ephron’s “Mixed Nuts” (1994), Antonia Bird’s “Mad Love” (1995), Hal Salwen’s “Denise Calls Up” (1995) and Tom Gilroy’s “Spring Forward” (1999), for which he also served as a producer.
Earlier in the day, the festival screened Schreiber’s directorial debut film “Everything is Illuminated” at the Lucas Theatre. “Everything is Illuminated” was adapted from Jonathan Safran Foer's bestselling novel for Warner Independent Pictures. The film, starring Elijah Wood and Eugene Hutz, was recognized by the 2006 National Film Board as one of the top 10 films of the year.
Scene and Heard By Amanda Tower
Prior to Monday night's special screening of "The Last King of Scotland," which elicited Oscar buzz from viewers exiting Trustees Theater, Leopold's was the hot spot in town, where Liev Schreiber enjoyed a scoop of chocolate chip ice cream. The honoree of the evening also signed a signature Leopold's paper hat for Stratton Leopold, with whom he worked on "The Sum of All Fears."
After the special screening, the crowd meandered down Broughton Street to Jazz'd tapas bar where the live jazz music could scarcely be heard above the excited conversation. Hildi Santo-Tomas of "Trading Spaces" fame made an appearance, where she enjoyed a glass of white wine and chatted with Linda Evans while Dr. Walter O. Evans made the rounds in the restaurant.
Walter Hill chose to remain in the VIP section, while Schreiber, dirty martini in hand, ventured beyond the velvet rope to talk to Leopold, SCAD students and professors, and other guests. He even posed for a few snapshots. The modest actor freely talked to film students about Steadycams but reluctantly about his outstanding achievement award he received that evening, saying "I didn't know they were going to give me an award!"
Walter Hill to receive award By Christina Spitz Writer, director and producer Walter Hill will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for Directing tonight at 7 p.m. at Trustees Theater.
During his noteworthy career, Hill has worked on projects ranging from classic westerns to action-packed thrillers and buddy comedies.
Most recently, Hill directed the critically acclaimed miniseries, “Broken Trail,” chronicling the declining days of America’s West.
Hill’s exploration of the American western began in 1980 when he directed “The Long Riders,” which marked the beginning of his western
trilogy, continuing with “Geronimo: An American Legend” (1993) and ending with “Wild Bill” (1995).
Hill is being honored for “his complete body of work and his influence on filmmakers and filmmaking around the world,” said Len Cripe, managing director of
the Savannah Film Festival. “The tribute is a chance for the audience to recognize and hear from one of the greatest filmmakers of our time.”
Both “The Long Riders” and “Geronimo: An American Legend” are featured in this year’s festival. “The Long Riders” screened on Sunday.
“Geronimo: An American Legend” tells the story of the final months of the U.S. Army’s Geronimo campaign of 1885-86 and the events that led to the surrender
of the Apache Geronimo. It will be screened today at 2:30 at the Lucas Theatre, 32 Abercorn St.
|
Jeff Goldblum and Illeana Douglas star in “Illeanarama,” screening at the Trustees Theater after “Pittsburgh”at 2:30 p.m.
|
Festival features special screenings of “Pittsburgh,” “Illeanarama” By Colleen Pringle Day five of the ninth annual Savannah Film Festival features special screenings of the laugh-out-loud comedies “Pittsburgh” and “Illeanarama,” premiering back-to-back beginning at 2:30 p.m. in Trustees Theater.
Starring Jeff Goldblum, Illeana Douglas, Ed Begley Jr., Justine Bateman and Moby, “Pittsburgh” documents international movie star Jeff Goldblum as he turns his back on his manager and follows his heart to star in a two-week run of “The Music Man” in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Goldblum’s friends Douglas and Begley follow suit, joining him in the cast. Stretching the boundaries of the documentary genre, filmmakers Chris Bradley and Kyle LaBrache record Goldblum’s hilarious journey from auditions through rehearsals to an opening night finale.
Following “Pittsburgh,” audience members will have the opportunity to meet or be reintroduced to Illeana, “Illeanarama’s” protagonist character, in the hilarious follow up to “Supermarket” (2004), which chronicles the life of an aspiring actress who is forced to
find work in a local Hollywood supermarket only to find that other actresses have beaten her there. As Illeana learns to adjust to life in the supermarket of the stars, a lucrative offer from a co-worker’s agent tempts her to return to show business. Douglas wrote and produced the movie.
While the festival features an array of films selected from more than 600 entries “Pittsburgh” and “Illeanarama” are among the 18 special screenings selected to premiere at the Savannah Film Festival.
Scene and Heard By Emily Green On a warm Halloween night, Walter Hill accepted his Lifetime Achievement Award for Directing at Trustees Theater.
Following the presentation and screening of the German film “The Lives of Others,” festival-goers passed costumed Savannahians on their way to Belford’s for the after-party. Hildi Santo-Tomas dished up bruschetta and chatted with other guests. Festival favorite
Bobby Zarem always looked to be discussing some important topic. A very approachable Hill made conversation a priority, standing inside for some time before joining his party on the veranda.
The Savannah Morning News’ man around town Bill Dawers was happy to make predictions about Wednesday’s director's choice film, which he heard was going to be “Volver,” directed by Pedro Almodovar and starring Penelope Cruz.
|
Peter Walsh, Jeff Byrd, Ken Greenblatt and moderator Dean Ayers participate in the Young Directors’ Forum at Red Gallery.
Photo by Wayne C. Moore
|
Forum guests offer advice By Beth Concepción One of the aspects that sets the Savannah Film Festival apart is the academic component. Panel discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and the student showcase and competition all serve to help up-and-coming actors, directors, producers and technical people network and learn from leaders in the film industry.
During the Young Directors’ Forum at Red Gallery Oct. 31, more than 100 people got a chance to hear from
professionals about the route to success.
Jeff Byrd (“King’s Ransom,” “Jasper,Texas”) offered a practical tip: Look into reality television. “Reality has taken over,” he said. “It might not be sexy. It might not be ‘Citizen Kane,’” but it is a way to support the art by supporting the business side first.
One who knows about reality television, Peter Walsh of TLC’s “Clean Sweep” fame, said he came at film from a business perspective, “using film to make money,” not as an art form.
Agent Ken Greenblatt encouraged students not only to learn how to market themselves, but to head to Hollywood. “We’re having the best time in Savannah,” he said. “It is such a fabulous place and you should be very proud. But you have to leave here.”
He also said, “There are lots of different ways to get up the ladder.”The key, though, is for aspiring directors to create a product, to “have a piece of material that [they] can really control.”
The bottom line, according to Byrd: “You have to believe in yourself before anyone else can believe in you.”
|
After receiving the Savannah Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award for Entertainment Journalism Nov. 1, film critic and actor Rex Reed regaled the crowd in Trustees Theater with stories from his 40-year career.
Photo by Wayne C. Moore
|
Reed honored with lifetime achievement award By Colleen Pringle A crowd of celebrities, film industry professionals and movie buffs gathered in Trustees Theater to see legendary critic, columnist, journalist, author and lecturer Rex Reed honored at the ninth annual Savannah Film Festival, hosted by
the Savannah College of Art and Design. When Savannah Film Festival Executive Director Danny Filson presented Reed with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Entertainment Journalism, the audience responded with a standing ovation.
Reed, who has been nominated for two Grammy Awards and inducted into his native Louisiana’s Hall of Fame, is no stranger to the red carpet. A critic for the New York Daily News and the New York Post and the author of eight film related books, Reed has represented Vogue, GQ, Holiday and Women’s Wear Daily as a film critic and writes weekly film reviews in the New York Observer. Reed’s articles and essays have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers in London and the United States.
Reeds’ talents extend beyond journalism. He acted in the films “Myra Breckinridge” (1970) with Mae West and John Huston, “Inchon!” (1981) with Laurence Olivier, and “Superman” (1978) with Christopher Reeve and Marlon Brando. He also appeared with Melina Mercouri, Olivier, Lillian Hellman, Edward Albee and other celebrities in Jules Dassin’s antiwar film “The Rehearsal” (1974).
A video presentation of Reed’s prolific career, including acting clips and interviews, was screened after the award presentation. During his acceptance speech, Reed entertained the audience by sharing anecdotes from his 40-year career.
The tribute to Reed preceded the festival’s Director’s Choice screening of “Volver,” a highly anticipated film due out this fall, starring Penelope Cruz. After the screening, Reed held a question-and-answer session with audience members.
Scene and Heard By Jessica Clary
Rex Reed dished out secrets of the stars after the screening of this year’s Director’s Choice: “Volver,” directed by Pedro Almodovar and starring Penelope Cruz. Reed’s follow-up doled out details about working with Raquel Welch, being set up on a blind date by Jacqueline Susann and what Mae West’s dressing room looked like.
Announced at the screening was the winner of this year’s Silver Screen Society award. Daniel Vang, a junior film and television major, won for his film pitch, “Paranormal,” a supernatural romantic comedy set in Savannah.
After the screenings and questions with Reed, the party moved down the street to the underground Bar Bar in City Market.
Dern film ‘Smile’ to screen By E. Christina Spitz 
|
“Smile” will screen at 2:30 p.m.
at Trustees Theater.
|
“Smile,” one of actor Bruce Dern’s early films, will screen today at 2:30 p.m. at Trustees Theater.
“Smile” (1975) is a hilarious black comedy that satirizes an integral part of American culture: the beauty pageant. Dern plays Big Bob Freelander, a car salesman who also chairs the judging panel of California’s Young American Miss beauty pageant. Along with Brenda DiCarlo (played by Barbara Feldon), he lives for this event. However, Brenda is having marital difficulties and Bob's son is up to some mischief. These situations and others place the pageant in jeopardy.
The film’s cast also includes Michael Kidd, Geoffrey Lewis, Nicholas Pryor and Melanie Griffith.
Dern will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting tonight at 7 p.m. at the Trustees Theater. His years of award-winning performances have earned him accolades as one of the most talented, versatile and prolific actors of his generation.
 |
Legendary actor Bruce Dern received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting at Trustees Theater Nov. 2
Photo by Wayne C. Moore
|
SCAD honors Dern with Lifetime Achievement Award By Melissa Wheeler A day of panel discussions and special screenings climaxed when award-winning actor Bruce Dern received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting at a packed Trustees Theater yesterday.
Amidst a standing ovation, Dern accepted the award, sharing advice and encouragement with students and film-lovers. “These kinds of festivals thrill us,” Dern said, congratulating the Savannah Film Festival on movies shown throughout the week. “Keep at it — don’t go for the mechanical movies.” Dern has been recognized as one of the most talented, versatile and prolific actors of his generation through decades of award-winning performances. He has worked with John Wayne, Bette Davis and Paul Newman, who he said encouraged him “to constantly push the envelope.” Among his many acting accolades are Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for “Coming Home” (1978). Dern has portrayed more than 100 television and movie characters and has earned a recurring role on HBO’s new series “Big Love.” He has performed leading roles in numerous films, including “The Great Gatsby” (1974) and “Smile” (1975), which screened prior to the award presentation in the Trustees Theater. When asked why he often chooses to portray crazy people, Dern said he has always been interested in playing people who live “just beyond where the buses run.” He also encouraged screenwriters to continue finding stories.
“All of us are nothing without screenwriters. We’ve got to encourage the people out there to write it all on paper,”Dern said. “Not one of you isn’t unique — you can make a difference and be part of the next wave of great filmmakers.”
Following the award presentation, the audience enjoyed a special screening of “Little Children,” starring Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson and Jennifer Connolly.
Scene and Heard By Jennifer Long Thursday evening revelers flocked to the Trustees Theater for a tribute to legendary actor Bruce Dern, who tipped his hat when receiving the Savannah Film Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting.
Following was a special screening of “Little Children,” starring Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson, attended by Dern, film critic Rex Reed and actor D.B. Sweeney.
Earlier in the day, Dern was seen jogging through Savannah’s historic district and eating dinner at city landmark The Lady and Sons restaurant. Reed also took part in some of the city’s Southern hospitality, grabbing lunch at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room.
After the film, festivalgoers flooded into Moon River Brewing Company on Bay Street and snacked on oysters, shrimp and chicken wings. Dern and his entourage grabbed a table near the front door, where Reed and Sweeney later joined them.
 |
Legendary actor Bruce Dern received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acting at Trustees Theater Nov. 2
Photo by Charlie Ribbens
|
Master class with Zucker seriously funny By Jennifer Long Students packed the seats in the Red Gallery yesterday for “Comedy and Film: A Master Class” with award-winning writer, director and producer David Zucker.
Moderated by SCAD film and television chair Chris Auer, the session centered around Zucker’s work on comedies, including “Airplane!,” “The Naked Gun” and the “Scary Movie” series. Clips from his career were screened, including a scene Zucker said he “sneaked out” from upcoming film “The Onion Movie.” Zucker shared some of his experiences in the film industry, such as how he made his first film, “Kentucky Fried Movie” (1977), why he cast Leslie Nielsen in “Airplane!” and what working with producers Bob and Harvey Weinstein is like.
During a question-and-answer session, he offered advice to aspiring writers and directors and said his motivation comes from a passion for comedy. Of making “Airplane!” he said, “We did it because we loved doing it.”
|
Lisa McWilliams (right), executive director and founder of the Mobile Film School, speaks with students Friday about the importance of film festivals.
Photo by Wayne C. Moore
|
Ninth annual Savannah Film Frstival concludes with celebration of student films By Seth Michalak A week has passed since opening night of the ninth annual Savannah Film Festival, when Guillermo Arriaga was honored with an award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinema. The festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design, also honored five other individuals for their enormous contributions to the film industry. Tommy Lee Jones and Bruce Dern were each presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards for Acting, and Liev Schreiber was honored with an Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Award. Walter Hill received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Directing, while Rex Reed earned a Lifetime Achievement Award for Entertainment Journalism.
In addition to the awards, the festival featured screenings of new films, including "Babel," "The Last King of Scotland," "The Lives of Others," Director’s Choice "Volver" and last night’s "Lonely Hearts." Also, classic films such as "Geronimo, An American Legend," "Smile" and "The Long Riders" placed the work of the festival’s honorees front and center.
Also integral to the festival’s success were the nightly receptions, where festival guests could interact. Tuesday night at Belford’s, Hill graciously spoke with all interested parties. At Moon River on Thursday, Dern, D.B. Sweeney and Reed held court at the restaurant’s front table, greeting everyone who stopped by.
The other winners this week were the SCAD students, who had the rare opportunity to interact first-hand with masters of the craft. Porch talks, panel discussions and question-andanswer sessions enabled students to receive exclusive insights from those who know the industry best.
Tonight, students again take center stage, as the winners of the annual student film competition will be announced. A special screening of "The Queen" concludes this eventful week.
Scene and Heard By Jessica Clary Another glamorous evening was kicked off by Todd Robinson, director of "Lonely Hearts," the true-crime thriller that was screened Friday night at Trustees Theater. The usual crowd of guests and locals turned out for the film and a question- and-answer session. Robinson explained the secrets to putting together a successful film and discussed casting "Lonely Hearts." He touched on his personal connection to the story (John Travolta plays Robinson’s real-life grandfather) and also provided some studentsonly advice.
At the after-party, held at the First City Club on Johnson Square, fans, local media and festival guests enjoyed live music, delicious food and a packed dance floor.
|
| "Solomon Grundy," a short film by SCAD students, is one of nine entries in the annual student film competition. |
Student film competition winners to be announced By Jennifer Long Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the Savannah Film Festival is the annual student film competition, which features a select group of short films drawn from colleges around the country.
"The festival is a great opportunity to have your film viewed by thousands, and then meet and get input from them throughout the week," said SCAD graduate student Chris Myers, who wrote and co-directed "Solomon Grundy."
Other films in the competition are "An Abstraction on the Chronology of Will," "Bottleneck," "Reflection of Self," and "You're on in 5" from SCAD; "At the Beach" and "The Floor" from Columbia University; "Cooking for Richard" from New York University; and "Just" from the University of Southern California.
Jurors are Jon Furay, creative producer; Avy Kaufman, casting director; David Paterson, screenwriter and professor; and Richard Turner, a senior vice president at Starz Entertainment.
Competition winners will be recognized at a 7 p.m. award presentation at the Trustees Theater, followed by a special screening of "The Queen."
