the official guide to the fort myers film festival MARCH 21-25, 2018

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1 the official guide to the 2018 fort myers film festival MARCH 21-25, 2018 w w w. f o r t m y e r s f i l m f e s t i v a l. c o m

2 2 March 21-25, 2018 facebook.com.fortmyersfilmfestival EVENTS Events n The Fort Myers Film Festival s 8th annual festival will be held March 21-25, 2018 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Alliance for the Arts, AMC Classic Merchants Crossing 16, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, and IMAG History and Science Center with parties and afterparties at Twisted Vine, LYNQ, Social House, Blu Sushi and more. The opening night film kicking off the Fort Myers Film Festival s eighth season is Melody Makers, an exciting rock doc by Leslie Ann Cole, that tells the true story of the rise and fall of the world s most influential music publication in history and uncovers an era of tremendous creative freedom. This will be a Florida premiere for the film, which has screened and won awards at a dozen other festivals. The red carpet party rolls out at 5:30 p.m. The film starts at 7 p.m. with afterparty on the stage to follow with stars and cast attending the Fort Myers Film Festival. At the heart of the opening night film s story is Barrie Wentzell, Chief Contributing Photographer of Melody Maker Magazine ( ) and his iconic photographic archive featuring prominent legendary musicians and musical groups that emerged during the birth of rock n roll including Led Zepplin, Eric Clapton, The Who, The Beatles, Elton John, Ian Anderson, The Animals, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylon, Pink Floyd and more. Select musicians, and Melody Maker journalists, Chris Welch, Chris Charlesworth, Richard Guardian, Alan Lewis, Mick Watts and Allan Jones infuse the film with stories about a unique period when Melody Maker Magazine, founded in 1926 as a jazz musician s trade paper boldly became the first publication to cover popular music seriously in the early 1960 s, setting the stage for publications like Rolling Stone. Get your tickets to this amazing rock doc from the magical musical age of time gone by. Tickets are only $12. Tickets for the film and afterparty are $49. Get your tickets today! The event will begin with the red carpet rolling out, paparazzi clicking and doors opening at 5:30 p.m. for drinks, mingling & musical entertainment with local and international filmmakers prior to the featured movie, The event will provide the delicious foods from LYNQ, drinks from Mr. Tom s Spirits, and chocolates from Norman Love. To buy tickets head to the box office or go to The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is located at FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL Then enjoy over 80 films selected for official programming from Thursday, March 22-25, Film blocks are each $10 through the entirety of the festival playing at the magnificent Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center located at 2301 First St., Fort Myers, FL. Q&A sessions will follow with actors, filmmakers & directors. For more information go to Check for updates on attending filmmakers, panels and last minute VIP events on com/fortmyersfilmfestival. Like the page for updates. Enjoy programming Friday, March 23, at at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. A short historical film about the contributions of Tom Smoot to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates will open. Cost is $10. Catch films you will never forget at Alliance for the Arts Saturday, March 24, located at McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers and IMAG History and Science Center March 23-25, located at 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers. For more information including films and times head to and Join all of the local and international filmmakers as they celebrate the winners of the Fort Myers Film Festival. Finish off the weeklong celebration Sunday, March 25 with champagne & dessert awards ceremony which will take place at 7 p.m. with music by Al Holland at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the box office at 1380 Colonial Blvd Fort Myers, or by heading to VIP memberships, offering you every event, gala, party, film and Q&A are available for $199 at fortmyersfilmfestival.ticketleap.com. The Fort Myers Film Festival is an intelligent independent filmmaker s preferred event to create, unite and showcase the finest artistic cinematic works. The Fort Myers Film Festival is known for world-class swagger and support of local filmmakers. The festival, founded by Eric Raddatz, offers the most vibrant intellectual and edgy crowd to grace Lee County in decades. For full list of film times, venues and locaatios head to FMff

3 EVENTS twitter.com/fortmyersfilm March 21-25, Venues, tickets & pricing n The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is a gorgeous 1,800-seat facility that has proven to be an anchor for the cutting-edge performance arts in the community. Tickets for the opening night red carpet gala may be purchased for $12 for film only, $49 for film and afterparty at FSW Pkwy, Fort Myers, online at or by calling the box office at n The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, located in the historic federal building in downtown Fort Myers, opened in 1933 as a post office, and was converted to a federal building in the 1960s. It was later vacated and left in disrepair until the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center became dedicated to preserving this historical monument. Tickets for all films can be purchased for $10, $6 before 3 p.m. or $20 to screen all day at 2301 First St., Fort Myers, at or by calling n The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is celebrating its 21st explosive season. The theater entertains more than 170,000 guests annually and has a reputation for class and fun. Tickets for the closing awards champagne and dessert ceremony may be purchased for $15 at 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, at www. broadwaypalm.com or by calling n With a mission to facilitate and nurture the creation, development, promotion and education of arts and culture, the Alliance for the Arts exists to contribute to the cultural landscape of Lee County. The Alliance strives to create diverse and innovative events, exhibits, programs and performances that reach the widest possible audience. Tickets to films are available at McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, at artinlee.org or by calling n The IMAG History and Science Center is a great location to watch Fort Myers Film Festival films this year. The Imaginarium Science Center engages guests in the exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through hands-on exhibit experiences and educational programs that further the understanding of the natural and human-made world. Tickets are $10 and available at the box office inside at 2000 Cranford Ave Fort Myers, or by calling For more information head to theimag.org. TGIM: Intellectualize n Every first Monday in season mix, mingle, grab a drink and intellectualize with local film host and curator Eric Raddatz during live, independent film screenings at 6:30 p.m. at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. T.G.I.M. with host Eric Raddatz, co-host Melissa DeHaven allow you to interact intellectually with celebrity judges, local filmmakers, artists, musicians and comedians. Join public discussions after watching short indie films. TGIM Thank god for indie mondays Special guests, musical acts and interviews will be announced prior to each Monday night. You can become a fan at fortmyersfilmfestival. Thank you to our lprogramming team, volunteers, sponsors, partners & Friends n The Fort Myers Film Festival supports Lee County Schools filmmakers, Raddatz Foundation and Golisano s Children s Hospital. Thanks so much to our sponsors and partners at Florida Weekly, Kearns Restaurant Group, FMff The edge has come to Fort Myers The Fort Myers Film Festival n Enjoy big screens like nowhere else at the AMC Classic Merchants Crossing 16 located at N Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers. For films and programming head to www. fortmyersfilmfestival.com. n Be sure not to miss very select screenings this year at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates located at 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers. For films and programming head to www. edisonfordwinterestates.org. Bennett s Fresh Roast, Twisted Vine Bistro, LYNQ, BLANC, La Trattoria Cafe Napoli, Mermaid Garden Cafe, Black Tie Tuxedos, Hampton Inn & Suites, Riverside Realty Group, Manta Films, Blu Sushi - McGregor, Young Professionals, Norman Love Confections, Best Western Fort Myers Waterfront, Capone s Coal Fired Pizza, The Firestone Grill Room, Martini Bar & Skybar, UBS Wealth Management The Calusa Group, List Distillery, The Social House and Mr.Tom s Spirits.

4 4 March 21-25, 2018 facebook.com.fortmyersfilmfestival EVENTS Welcome... to our 8th annual Fort Myers Film Festival to be held March 21-25, I m very proud of the fact that if you live in Southwest Florida you no longer need to travel anywhere else to take in a first-class festival, in the finest venues you ll ever enjoy in the backyards of paradise (and with the coolest people.) I m proud of our programming and guarantee that even if you watch just a few blocks of short films, you will see what I mean when I say the Fort Myers Film Festival is truly special in bringing the finest independent films to Fort Myers, curated for your enjoyment and engagement. Yes, we have a film festival here. This year, more than ever, I find so many films with subject matter that reminded me of The Wizard of Oz moment when the emerald curtain was pulled back to reveal the wizard. in this year s festival especially shed light on things, I promise you, you never would have imagined in your lifetime. The fact that Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg doesn t like to cook is just one thing you will find interesting in RBG, an amazing film exploring her exceptional life and career. Just exactly what has motivated so many Russians to have such passionate opinions about America s election was very revealing to me in Our New President. The fact that right here in Florida, a school operated for over one hundred years, many allowing unspeakable horrors including deaths, rape and torture in Boys School, will shock and startle you. Just exactly how waters in our state have been ruined in The Arcade Creek Project: A Mosaic of Sustainability and Lost Springs Photo by Mila Bridger should cause us all to reflect on our future and resources crucial for our tourism and survival. How to date a sock puppet, live with Asperger s, survive getting ousted from Venezuela for being a journalist and how to shop around the world for healthcare are just a few things your eyes will awaken to this year. Overall it is important for me that you have the finest experienc while you are here. We have a lot of fun films too, and edgy as is our m.o. Please take advantage of all of the varied independent film screenings, panels, parties and engagements with local and visiting filmmakers that you can. If you can skip work and school I would encourage that too. There is a good possibility that you will walk away with the experience of your life, changing for the better in ways you don t even realize initially. There is also a chance you may only get a chance to see one good film or block of films because of a busy schedule. That s cool. Either way, I present to you the finest and varied curation of films not in distribution, films you can t find anywhere else... yet. Often after the festival, folks will inquire about where they can see that one film from the festival. The answer is you can t. Often films do only film festival routes. Some get distributed. But many have only a screening here at the Fort Myers Film Festival. So don t take for granted the opportunity you have this week. I d like to give special thanks to my programming and outreach board, including Dillon Dailidonis, our new Programming Director. I d also like to offer appreciation to our family of volunteers, to the City of Fort Myers, Mayor Randy Henderson, Jim Griffith, Will Prather, Lydia Black, Matt Johnson, Lisa Sbuttoni and Scott Saxon for allowing us to show in the classiest and finest venues in town the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Broadway Palm Theatre, IMAG History and Science Center, Edison & Ford Winter Estates and the Alliance for the Arts. Thank you to Steve & Denise Hollister of Twisted Vine and Chris Whitaker of LYNQ (and Blanc) for their continuing excellent restaurant where we love to dine. Thank you so much to my friends Daniel and Nicole Kearns who allowed us to make their establishments our go-to spot including Downtown Social House, our filmmakers lounge where hookups occur. Thank you Jeff Cull, Pason Gaddis and Jim Dickerson. To my wife, children and all my friends who have supported the efforts to put on the coolest regional film festival around thank you for making my life beautiful. Love. Eric Raddatz, founder and executive director W i t h v e r y s p e c i a l t h a n k s t o... ab The Calusa Group

5 Schedule twitter.com/fortmyersfilm March 21-25, Calendar W e d n e s d a y T h u r s d a y F r i d a y s a t u r d a y S u n d a y Barbara B. Mann PAH sidney & Berne davis art center sidney & Berne davis art center sidney & Berne davis art center sidney & Berne davis art center Melody Makers (78m, Canada) * Tickets Tickets are available at www. fortmyersfilmfestival.com, AND at the following locations: Barbara B. Mann PAH FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, FL Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center st Street, Fort Myers, FL imag history & Science center 2000 Cranford Avenue Fort Myers, Florida Alliance for the Arts McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL Broadway Palm Theatre Royal Palm Square, 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL Edison & Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL AMC Classic Merchants Crossing N Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers, FL Limited VIP memberships are available to view the entire festival s programming at www. fortmyersfilmfestival.com For updates and voting on your favorite film of the festival go to All films are unrated parents strongly cautioned :20 (20m, Singapore) Not daddy (24m, France) Close (14m, Germany) Elene (11m, Turkey) Meli Melo (5m, U.S.A.) Game (14m, Canada) Freedom (3m) The Poet ( 7m U.S.A.) Light Sight (8m, Iran) Dream Phone (4m, U.S.A.) Bulldoze (7m, UK) Emotion (10m, Mexico) Krupa (3m, Canada) Mirror (3m, U.S.A.) Don t Sell My Guitars (20m, U.S.A.) Sac de Merde (12m, U.S.A.) * Endangered!!! (4m) * When I Was a Kid (21m, U.S.A.) The Age Of Imitation (92m, Australia) The Idea Of Manhood (73m, U.S.A.) Imag theater Cheers from List Distillery in Fort Myers! Gauze: Unraveling Global Healthcare (26m, U.S.A.) * The Maestro (96m U.S.A.) pm 8 9 Ambassador of Peace (47m, Poland) Morning Light Seems the Brightest (8m, U.S.A.) Reincarnation (4m, U.S.A.) Zero (2m, U.S.A.) The Last Embrace (4m) Journey (8m) Girl, Wavering (20m) Muscle (8m, U.S.A.) Leap (95m, Belgium, U.S.A.) Jimbo (15m, U.S.A.) * The Visit (12m) irony (8m) KCLOC (3m) In a Sentimental Mood (117m, U.S.A.) * Wastecase (51m, U.S.A.) KRUMP (8m, Germany) Bad Kiwis (3m, U.S.A.) The Tug (1m) D Cul-De-Sac (14m) Croissant (7m) Leo Johnson (20m) What s That in the Ground? (2m, U.S.A.) Anna Karenina (15m) Mirror (3m, Portugal) screw me and leave (10m) Annie Waits (9 m) The Lion, the Antelope and the Beautiful Blonde (8m, Czech Republic) Imag theater Joerg Schmidt-Reitwein: Ways of Seeing (104m, Germany) Edison & Ford estates Mullet & Mangroves - The Pioneer Families of Cayo Costa (26m, U.S.A.) * am pm am Once upon a dream (13m) 4242 (11m, Portugal) Dope Crash (30m) The Little Chapel (3m) The Inuring (10m) True Center (4m, U.S.A.) Waking the Sleepers (16m) Rendez-vous (2m) Transmutation (4m, U.S.A.) 14:00 (1m Japan) * NOA (15m, U.S.A.) Lost Springs (40m, U.S.A.) * The Arcade Creek Project: A Mosaic of Sustainability (30m) * Talia (27m, U.S.A.) * Kids News (14m) * American Sock (7m) Full Circle (8m U.S.A.) Carol s Last Chance (27m) * What s The Point? (5m) Miss Bonita Springs 1967 (10m, U.S.A.) * Stardust & Moonbeams (17m) * Daddy Issues (88m, U.S.A.) * Through the Windmill (80m)* Testament (120m)* ALLIANCE FOR THE ARTS The Arcade Creek Project: A Mosaic of Sustainability (30m) * Let It Shine: The Story of The Women s March SLO (22m) * Gauze: Unraveling Global Healthcare (26m, U.S.A.) Lost Springs (40m, U.S.A.) * Imag theater Technicolour Daydream (90m, U.S.A.) Lost Springs (40m, U.S.A.) * Lumiére (17m) What is Classic Rock? (92m, Canada) amc classic Our New President, (77m) RBG, (97m, U.S.A.) * Our New President, (77m) RBG, (97m, U.S.A.) * Our New President, (77m) Our New President, (77m) Voices From a Falling Empire (60m, U.S.A.) Boys School (80m, U.S.A.)* Chrysalis (3m, U.S.A.) Refugee Camp (2m) Overpass (5m, U.S.A.) All About Emily (8m) Poetry in war (3m) Cartoon Lullaby (8m) Stagnant (12m) FMFF OFFICIAL FILMMAKER MEET AND GREET PANEL Followed by a meet and greet at Filmmaker Lounge at SOHO, downtown Fort Myers. Broadway palm theatre FMFF OFFICIAL AWARDS CEREMONY WITH CHAMPAGNE AND DESSERT, WITH MUSIC BY AL HOLLAND Proud to support the fort myers film festival Stop in to our filmmaker s lounge at SOCIAL HOUSE DOWNWOWN during the festival. It s where hookups occur.

6 6 March 21-25, 2018 facebook.com.fortmyersfilmfestival FILMS Films Wed. 7 p.m. OPENING RED CARPET GALA AT THE BARBARA B. MANN Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall FSW Parkway, Fort Myers, FL Tickets are $10 GA / $49 Film & Afterparty Melody Makers (78m, Canada) * Directed by Leslie Ann Coles This rock doc captures the birth of music journalism during the zeitgeist of rock n roll through the lens of photographer, Barrie Wentzell, Chief Contributing Photographer, Melody Maker magazine ( ). Thur. 1 p.m. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center st Street, Fort Myers, FL Tickets are $10, $6 before 3 p.m. or $20 for all day pass FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 1 80:20 (20m, Singapore) Directed by Christine Seow A short film about a conflicted fresh graduate who feels that there is more to her life than just a mundane office job and a stable relationship. Not daddy (24m, France) Directed by Tamara Vittoz Anna doesn t feel like an ordinary child. She does not have a daddy. The violent man s been gone for long and Anna s mum pushes her to forget he exists. But she dreams of meeting him. Close (14m, Germany) Directed by Lisa Reich During a dance rehearsal, Jonas, receives the instruction to kiss his dance partner and secret crush Mira. He is so busy hiding his insecurities, that he doesn t even notice how similar Mira experiences the situation. Thur. 2:10 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 2 Elene (11m, Turkey) Directed by Sezen Kayhan 16-year-old Elene is an illegal Georgian immigrant who works at a tea plantation in Turkey. Feeling threatened by various encounters, she tries to be invisible in this foreign land. But it is not as easy as she thinks. Meli Melo (5m, U.S.A.) Directed by Lucia Dompnier A young girl goes from reality to fantasy through a TV. Game (14m, Canada) Directed by Joy Webster A young boy struggles to endure his sister s twisted games and accept his mother s death. Freedom (3m, United Kingdom, Austria) Directed by Kathrin Steinbacher Striving for a professional skiing career means you are going to be subjected to great pressure. This animated documentary explores how high expectations can lead to frustration and anxiety. The Poet ( 7m U.S.A.) Directed by David Phillips in After the Second World War, an inspired poet takes the stage. Light Sight (8m, Iran) Directed by Seyed M. Tabatabaei MELODY MAKERS 3.21@ 7 BBMANN M.E., the imprisoned character in a room is attracted to a hanging light and tries to catch it. But the room itself becomes an obstacle on his way. Thur. 3:15 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 3 Dream Phone (4m, U.S.A.) Directed by Kendra Lohr Short Was it all a dream? Bulldoze (7m, United Kingdom) Directed by Jake Earwaker A young man s life is controlled by a dark entity. When he finally realizes what he needs to do to break free, he discovers he is not alone. Emotion (10m, Mexico) Directed by Carlos Martinez Trujillo He and she have a great life, but at what cost? Trapped in a routine they are drifting away unless they can find a way to bring emotion back to their lives. Krupa (3m, Canada) Directed by Ranjani Prasad Short A dance piece portraying the plight of their fellow inhabitants of the planet. All they need is your krupa or Mercy. Mirror (3m, U.S.A.) Directed by Sara Eustaquio Short She s young. She s in trouble. She s staring at the mirror looking for answers. But what she s about to find can change her life. Don t Sell My Guitars (20m, U.S.A.) Directed by Lynn Montgomery A beloved country musician whispers a final request to his wife. Thur. 5:30 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 4 Sac de Merde (12m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Greg Chwerchak A short film about love, dating, and all that crap. Endangered!!! (4m) * Directed by Lorraine Portman Short A spoofumentary shot on Grand Cayman with voice over by comedy legend John Byner. A rare, endangered fish, recently discovered in the waters off Grand Cayman, valiantly LOST SPRINGS 3.24@ 1:30 SBDAC searches for a mate. When I Was a Kid (21m, U.S.A.) Directed by Joshua Cavalier A short form documentary about the relationship between parkour practitioners and their discipline. Thur. 6:30 p.m. The Age Of Imitation (92m, Australia) Directed by Mark Day Full Length Features An affair develops between a young writing student, Elizabeth, and Stefan, a moody musician. In Elizabeth s search for romantic inspiration she becomes entangled in Stefan s relationship with the charismatic hippie healer, Casey, and their psychedelic drug-fueled melodrama. Thur. 8:15 p.m. The Idea Of Manhood (73m, U.S.A.) Directed by Serge Kushnier Full Length Features A classic two-hander, characterdriven, film. Blunt, honest, and funny, it s a rare glimpse at vulnerability you don t normally see from men on screen. Thur. 5:30 p.m. IMAG History & Science Center 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL Tickets are $10 Gauze: Unraveling Global Healthcare (26m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Suzanne Garber Juxtaposing the recent enactment and possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act with healthcare systems around the world where access, quality, and affordability are not necessarily dichotomous, the film explores and defines best in health through in-depth interviews from hospital executives as well as commentary from American healthcare correspondents and experts. Thur. 6:15 p.m. The Maestro (96m U.S.A.) Directed bydavid Phillips Features After the Second World War, budding film composer Jerry Herst moves to Hollywood to study with infamous

7 map twitter.com/fortmyersfilm March 21-25, Locations FMff The edge has come to Fort Myers The Fort Myers Film Festival Pine Island Rd. B C D E F G H I J K A MATLACHA Leoma Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens AMC Classic Merchants Crossing Best Western Fort Myers Waterfront Twisted Vine Bistro Firestone Bar and Grille Market Earth Capone's Pizza Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Blu Sushi Fort Myers Regional Library Downtown Social House Bennett's Fresh Roast Coffee Riverside Realty IMAG History and Science Center Edison & Ford Winter Estates List Distillery Alliance for the Arts Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Hampton Inn & Suites La Trattoria Cafe Napoli Blu Sushi Barbar B. Mann Performing Arts Hall UBS Wealth Management, The Calusa Group Norman Love Chocolates Black Tie Tuxedos LYNQ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 4637 Pine Island Road, Matlacha N Cleveland Ave, North Ft. Myers N Cleveland Ave, North Ft. Myers 2214 Bay Street 2224 Bay Street CAPE 2224 First Street CORAL 2225 First Street 2301 First Street 2262 First Street 2450 First Street 1406 Hendry St 2011 Bayside Parkway 2053 West First Street 2000 Cranford Ave 2350 McGregor Blvd 3680 Evans Ave McGregor Blvd 1380 Colonial Blvd 4350 Executive Circle South Cleveland Avenue McGregor Blvd FSW Parkway 7950 Summerlin Lakes Drive Lindbergh Blvd South Tamiami Trail Summerlin Rd U McGregor Blvd. Q V Cypress Lake Dr. O R L W M T N P Colonial Blvd. Cleveland Ave FORT MYERS MLK Blvd. S X Y Z master teacher Mario Castelnuovo- Tedesco. Fri. 11 a.m. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center st Street, Fort Myers, FL Tickets are $10, $6 before 3 p.m. or $20 for all day pass Ambassador of Peace (47m, Poland) Directed by Wieslaw Dabrowski Portrait of US General Ed. Rowny, retired United States Army Lieutenant NOA 3.21@ 12 SBDAC General of Polish origin. He was a commanding officer in World War II and Korea, a military advisor to five U.S. presidents and a negotiator on the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty. Fri. 12 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 5 Morning Light Seems the Brightest (8m, U.S.A.) Directed by Melina Valdez The morning after being involved in a violent crime, three best friends are forced to evaluate themselves and the people they associate with. Reincarnation (4m, U.S.A.) Directed by Dan Bricker Short People see life in very different ways Zero (2m, U.S.A.) Directed by Lainey Davidson A near death experience shows a girl she s worth more than her eating disorder. The Last Embrace (4m, Kurdistan, Iran) Directed by Saman Hosseinpuor Short The girl wants to show her drawing to her family, but everybody is busy with their cell phones. Because of loneliness she goes to her grandpa who has just passed away a few minutes ago without anybody noticing it. Journey (8m) Directed by Radheya Jegatheva, Alone in space, an astronaut drifts through the empty void. After finding another astronaut in the same predicament, she gives him a polaroid image of the Earth. They then team up to go on an epic journey across the universe to return to their planet. Will these star-crossed lovers find home? Girl, Wavering (20m, Japan) Directed by Noriko Yuasa A heart that is shaken by empty reality. School girl Mizuho continues part-time work on dating site Cherry. WHAT IS CLASSIC ROCK 3.24@ 7 IMAG One day, Ishe receives a message asking a man named Kenzo to help with suicide. What is Mizuho s action taken from there? Muscle (8m, U.S.A.) Directed by Heidi Miami Marshall, After taking care of her termally ill husband for too long, a meeting with a stranger becomes Amanda s final chance to regain her hope.

8 8 March 21-25, 2018 facebook.com.fortmyersfilmfestival FILMS Films who keeps our interest, the one who won t expect us to trudge down that conventional path. Annie Waits tells the story of lust and disappointment, as a twenty-something waits for her adult life to begin. Fri. 1:30 p.m. Leap (95m, Belgium, U.S.A.) Directed by Kasia Wezowski, Patryk Wezowski A one year experiment seeks to discover whether coaching can help ordinary people achieve extraordinary things. Fri. 3:15 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 6 Jimbo (15m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Ben Someck Dan s morning walk goes awry when his dog disappears. His decisions and the events that follow complicate his life in mysterious ways. The Visit (12m) Directed by Romina Schwedler Devastated by the loss of his wife and son, Ben responds to his mother s sudden request for a visit. But when she announces the alleged arrival of his departed family, what he strives to sustain as a gentle encounter soon spirals into torment, finally revealing a most unsettling truth. irony (8m) Directed by Radheya Jegatheva, A film that explores the relationship between man and technology told from the perspective of a phone. KCLOC (3m) Directed by Ninaad Kulkarni,, KCLOC is a 3D animated documentary on people s perceptions of time. Fri. 5:30 p.m. In a Sentimental Mood (117m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Michael Gold Full Length Features Anna dropped out of college to become a painter but she finds herself pulled away from her artistic pursuits by her dysfunctional roommate and a new love interest. Fri. 7:30 p.m. Wastecase (51m, U.S.A.)* Directed by Vito Trupiano Strictly Local The film is about a jacket and the various characters that inhabit it through one night in Miami. Fri. 8:30 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 7 KRUMP (8m, Germany) Directed by Johannes Ziegler AGE OF IMITATION 3.22@ 6:30 Two KRUMP dancers meet in a battle, it seems to be aggressive, but by personal voice-over comments and imaging resolution, we learn that KRUMP is a way let free, to express emotions and to communicate peacefully. Bad Kiwis (3m, U.S.A.) Directed by Deb Foster, Rebecca McFadzien Short In this outrageous comedy, two kiwi actresses in the city of Los Angeles audition for a travel commercial. The Tug (1m) Directed by Nic Barker Short Matt and Emma are about to take DON T SELL MY GUITARS 3.22@ 13:15 OUR NEW PRESIDENT 3.24@ 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m, 9 their relationship to the next level. Cul-De-Sac (14m, U.S.A.) Directed by Damon Russell Parents living at the end of a quiet Cul-De-Sac discover a listening device inside their sons teddy bear. Croissant (7m) Directed by Marius Conrotto Two strangers end up in the same bed. The best way to start a new relationship begins with breakfast. Leo Johnson (20m) Directed by Evan Bluestein An LA couple joins their friend to steal an engagement ring from his ex-fiancée s house. Fri. 9:15 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 8 What s That in the Ground? (2m, U.S.A.) Directed by Wally Chung Short Seriously. What is that in the ground? Anna Karenina (15m) Directed by Yana Sar Mr. White is a successful businessman in denial of his mental condition. One day he receives a gift that triggers displaced memories from the past. Seeking the truth, Mr. White takes a trip to the house that he grew up in. Mirror (3m, Portugal) Directed by Sara Eustaquio Short, She s young. She s in trouble. She s staring at the mirror looking for answers. But what she s about to find can change her life. screw me and leave (10m) Directed by Paul Lazar, A series of ephemeral and cyclic encounters exploring the relationships arising from the era of social media Annie Waits (9 m) Directed by April Kelley We ve all waited for the one. The one who catches our eye, the one The Lion, the Antelope and the Beautiful Blonde (8m, Czech Republic) Directed by Martin Kuba The laws of the wilderness in the subterranean jungle of the Prague Metro. A short fable of love, fear and the games we play. Fri. 5:30 p.m. IMAG History & Science Center 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL Tickets are $10 Joerg Schmidt-Reitwein: Ways of Seeing (104m, Germany) Directed by Heiner Heinke An intimate portrait of Werner Herzog s camera-eye. Fri. 7:45 p.m. Edison and Ford Winter Estates 2350 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL www edisonfordwinterestates.org Mullet & Mangroves - The Pioneer Families of Cayo Costa (26m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Ilene Saffron Strictly Local A vast and comprehensive history of Cayo Costa, Florida. Sat. 11 a.m. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center st Street, Fort Myers, FL Tickets are $10, $6 before 3 p.m. or $20 for all day pass FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 9 Once upon a dream (13m) Directed by Anthony Nion When Valentin meets Ludivine, he is convinced she s the girl he has been dreamg of for the past weeks... Litteraly, the girl of his dreams! Only, Ludivine has a feeling this boy meet girl scenario will take a nightmarish turn (11m, Portugal) Directed by Sara Eustaquio Inspired by true events, 4242 is a cinematic interpretation of a poem written by a teenager who leaves her home country, her family and friends, to live in another country somewhere in Europe.

9 FILMS twitter.com/fortmyersfilm March 21-25, Dope Crash (30m) Directed by Vered Rodriguez When Hailee, a brilliant physics student working towards her PhD, crosses paths with Troy, a charismatic music producer who lives the party life, their worlds crash. As things heat up between them, Hailee learns that in real life - just like in physics - opposites can attract in powerful ways. nothing but lifeless empty shells called Sleepers. A young and curious inventor must convince his new companion that there is a cure, and a reason, to save humanity. Rendez-vous (2m) Directed by Jimmy Boutry Short In a manor out of time, a man begins to paint a canevas. Sat. 12 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 10 The Little Chapel (3m, U.S.A.) Directed by Richard Schertzer,, Short, A young girl attempts to bring back the dead in a little chapel. The Inuring (10m) Directed by James Hughes A bullied teenage girl finally confronts her sister to drag their fractured past out into the light. True Center (4m, U.S.A.) Directed by Ashley Karp The road to recovery is an intricate, sacred journey. Follow Meaghan on her journey as she turns her trials into triumphs, and begins to live her life through inspirations, art & affirmations. Waking the Sleepers (16m) Directed by Abigail Cole An unknown disease sweeps through the world, causing people to become TESTAMENT 3.24@ Transmutation (4m, U.S.A.) Directed by Duncan Hatch, A journey through a morphing and evolving stream of consciousness. 14:00 (1m Japan) * Directed by KAZUYA ASHIZAWA in Short Short Just before the performance, a single pianist is trembling with tension in the sleeve of the stage. It is time for the performance to finally come. He goes to the stage quickly as if he had made a decision. NOA (15m, U.S.A.) Directed by Angel Barroeta A spiritual journey, In a dystopian and chaotic society, brings Noa to dive deep into the dark side of humanity. Sat. 1:30 p.m. Lost Springs (40m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Matt Keene Experiencing a landscape scarred by government failure, an artist must come to grips with the impending loss of her subject matter: a collection of majestic freshwater springs exposed only for a short time before being smothered and forgotten beneath waters held back by an aging and purposeless dam. The Arcade Creek Project: A Mosaic of Sustainability (30m) * Directed by Jierel Almario, The story of a small, deteriorated creek and a group of high schoolers who attempts to save the dying ecosystem before it is gone forever. Sat. 3 p.m. Talia (27m, U.S.A.) * RBG 3.24@ 1 p.m., 5 Directed by Rozzi Newman Osterman Strictly Local Talia is a charming and introverted young lady with Asperger s high functioning autism spectrum disorder. She discovered a passion for acting and is devoted to her craft. This documentary follows Talia as she develops her acting skills for her aspiring career and her life. Kids News (14m) * Directed by TL Westgate Strictly local The true story of a small town newspaper written by kids and the remarkable woman who touched their lives. American Sock (7m) Directed by Jason K. Allen A girl finds her soul mate on a social media site, but he turns out to be a sock puppet. Sat. 4 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 11 Full Circle (8m U.S.A.) Directed by Raymond Knudsen An accomplished NFL wide receiver looks beyond the football field in CAROL S LAST CHANCE 3.24@ 4 LET IT SHINE 3.24@ 10 hopes to change the lives of the people from his poor hometown of Pahokee, Florida. Carol s Last Chance (27m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Jordan Axelrod A soon-to-be father spends a final night of freedom out on the town with his longtime friends. What s The Point? (5m, U.S.A.) Directed by Mario Maturo Strictly Local Two teenage girls seek the answer to the age-old question: What s the point? Miss Bonita Springs 1967 (10m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Richard Watts Strictly Local A young married couple has a few things to work out. One day after a marital skirmish wife Lacey escapes to the beach where her dog Luna digs up something in the sand. That something ends up creating unexpected and doubly fun romantic bonds. Stardust & Moonbeams (17m) * Directed by Madelyn Ritrosky Provoked by a photo exhibit of female nudes, Beth is inspired to focus her gaze on her husband. So it s lights, camera... lose your clothes. Sat. 5 p.m. Daddy Issues (88m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Amara Cash Full Length Features A modern-day tragedy about a 19-year-old queer pixie, her estranged neurotic father, and the woman they re both infatuated with. Sat. 6:45 p.m. Through the Windmill (80m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Amanda Kulkoski

10 10 March 21-25, 2018 facebook.com.fortmyersfilmfestival FILMS Films from their house, he and his friends try to win a film contest to save his home. Sat 5:30 p.m. This film explores the past, present and future of miniature golf through the voice of the talented, often unsung, people who design, build and operate them. Sat. 8:25 p.m. Testament (120m)* Directed by Tim Ritter Features In a world quickly descending into ruin, one man is asked to lead a people s movement he s not even sure he believes in. Sat. 10 a.m. Alliance for the Arts McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL Suggested donation $10. The Arcade Creek Project: A Mosaic of Sustainability (30m) * Directed by Jierel Almario in, The story of a small, deteriorated creek and a group of high schoolers who attempts to save the dying ecosystem before it is gone forever. Let It Shine: The Story of The Women s March SLO (22m, U.S.A.) * The Lion, the Antelope and the Beautiful Blonde 3.23@ 9:15 Directed by Robert Williams The Story of The Women s March SLO,There are certain things in life that only work if you show up. Democracy is one of them. Gauze: Unraveling Global Healthcare (26m, U.S.A.) Directed by Suzanne Garber Juxtaposing the recent enactment and possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act with healthcare systems IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD 3.23@ 5:30 around the world where access, quality, and affordability are not necessarily dichotomous, the film explores and defines best in health through in-depth interviews from hospital executives as well as commentary from American healthcare correspondents and experts. Lost Springs (40m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Matt Keene Experiencing a landscape scarred by government failure, an artist must come to grips with the impending loss of her subject matter: a collection of majestic freshwater springs exposed only for a short time before being smothered and forgotten beneath waters held back by an aging and purposeless dam. Sat 3 p.m. IMAG History & Science Center 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL Tickets are $10 after 5 p.m. Lost Springs (40m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Matt Keene Experiencing a landscape scarred by government failure, an artist must come to grips with the impending loss of her subject matter: a collection of majestic freshwater springs exposed only for a short time before being smothered and forgotten beneath waters held back by an aging and purposeless dam. Lumiére (17m) Directed by Tay Steele From Hawaii to Tahiti, Lumiére takes us behind the lens of North Shore photographer Amber Mozo, to find what the ocean gives to her in spite of what it took away. Sat 7 p.m. What is Classic Rock? (92m, Canada) Directed by Daniel Sarkissian An exploration of the evolution of the term classic rock, the influence the political landscape of the 60s/70s had on the music of the time (ex. The Vietnam War) & the changes in the music industry since the internet boom. Sat. 11:30 a.m. Technicolour Daydream (90m, U.S.A.) Directed by Mitch Hudson Full Length Features When 12-year-old Clark finds out that his family is about to be uprooted AMC Classic Merchants Crossing N Cleveland Ave, North Fort Myers, FL Tickets are $10 at the door only. DADDY ISSUES 3.24@ 5

11 Proud home of the 2018 Fort Myers Film Festival FINE ART MUSIC FESTIVALS FILM FASHION EDUCATION THEATRE SBDAC.COM FIRST STREET FORT MYERS, FL w w w. s b d a c. c o m Celebrate a decade of the arts at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center! Proceeds from Cooking for the Arts and the American Virtuosi Gala support the incredible and eclectic progamming and education we bring to downtown Fort Myers each year. Help us make the 10th anniversary season fundraisers the most successful yet! Sponsored by: Saturday Nov. 4, pm Dinner, 6pm Cocktails Cooking for the Arts: An Evening in Athens Enjoy a four-course gourmet meal paired with special wines from this year s menu theme, An Evening in Athens, an interactive dinner experience directed by Chefs Mike and Karen Gavala of G3 Catering. advance Price: $250 Per couple $1000 Per Table of 8 Saturday Mar. 31, pm Dinner, 6pm Cocktails American Virtuosi Gala The American Virtuosi Gala is an exquisite chamber concert paired with a gourmet wine dinner prepared by G3 Catering. Experience music from some of chamber music s masters and a delicious four-course meal. TickeTs: $125 Table for 8: $900

12 12 March 21-25, 2018 facebook.com.fortmyersfilmfestival FILMS Films SBDAC Our New President, (77m, Russia) Directed by Maxim Pozdorovkin Our New President is an archival documentary that explores the cult of Donald J. Trump through fake news and other methods of destabilized perception. Sat. 1 p.m. RBG, (97m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Julie Cohen, Betsy West RBG is a revelatory documentary exploring Ginsburg s exceptional life and career from Betsy West and Julie Cohen, and co-produced by Storyville Films and CNN Films. Sat. 3 p.m. Our New President, (77m, Russia) Directed by Maxim Pozdorovkin Our New President is an archival documentary that explores the cult of Donald J. Trump through fake news and other methods of destabilized perception. AMC 3.24 Sat. 5 p.m. RBG, (97m, U.S.A.) * Directed by Julie Cohen, Betsy West RBG is a revelatory documentary exploring Ginsburg s exceptional life and career from Betsy West and Julie Cohen, and co-produced by Storyville Films and CNN Films. BBMANN 3.21 Sat. 7 p.m. EDISON & FORD 3.23 Our New President, (77m, Russia) Directed by Maxim Pozdorovkin Our New President is an archival documentary that explores the cult of Donald J. Trump through fake news and other methods of destabilized perception. BPALM 3.25 Sat. 9 p.m. Our New President, (77m, Russia) Directed by Maxim Pozdorovkin Our New President is an archival documentary that explores the cult of Donald J. Trump through fake news and other methods of destabilized perception. IMAG Sunday, 11 a.m. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center st Street, Fort Myers, FL Tickets are $10, $6 before 3 p.m. or $20 for all day pass ALLIANCE 3.24 Voices From a Falling Empire (60m, U.S.A.) Directed by Ayram Edery In a country where freedom of speech is questionable exile seems to be the only way out. Sunday, 12:15 p.m. Boys School (80m, U.S.A.)* Directed by Ric Acevedo Abuse, rape, and murder, all to reform our youth. Boys School is the harrowing tale of a group of men that experienced unspeakable horrors at the infamous Dozier School for boys, in Marianna, Florida. After nearly 50 years in silence these men, along with a brave reporter serving as the narrator, tell their story. Sunday, 1:45 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL SELECTIONS 12 Chrysalis (3m, U.S.A.) Directed by Siqi Xu An experimental short film that explores dance as a metaphor for personal discovery and selfacceptance. Loneliness and sadness are visualized through gesture and sound as inner turmoil is surmounted in a quest for harmony and selfawareness. Refugee Camp (2m) Directed by saeed naghavian Short Immigration? Yes or no?

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14 14 March 21-25, 2018 facebook.com.fortmyersfilmfestival FILMS Films In the boundaries of a deathless society, a young rebel girl plays with the limits of mortality to discover that the answer she seeks hides closer than she imagines. In Search of a better life... Is there another way? Overpass (5m, U.S.A.) Directed by Peter Lively Short Every day, a woman walks past a homeless teen under an overpass on her way to work. One day, she Voices From a Falling Empire 3.25@ 11 decides she s going to talk some sense into the girl. All About Emily (8m) Directed by Valentina Casadei, Short, A modest housekeeper keeps being bullied by an hysterical bourgeois for no apparent reason. Forced to endure these abuses in order to avoid being sent back to Cuba, she makes a discovery that will change everything. Poetry in war (3m) Directed by Fernando Salinas A young man from the periphery recites poetry in the midst of a community shooting, where the police state kills blacks and the poor with war frequency. BOYS SCHOOL 3.25@ 12:15 Cartoon Lullaby (8m) Directed by John-Daniel Arauz, Two young adults say their goodbyes, and confront the nature of growing up, hours before one is to be deployed for military service Stagnant (12m) Directed by Xavier Colamarco Sunday, 3:30 p.m. FMFF OFFICIAL FILMMAKER MEET AND GREET PANEL Followed by a meet and greet at Filmmaker Lounge at Downtown Social House located at 1406 Hendry St, Fort Myers. Sun. 7 p.m. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre Royal Palm Square, 1380 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL FMFF OFFICIAL AWARDS

15 CEREMONY WITH CHAMPAGNE AND DESSERT, WITH MUSIC BY AL HOLLAND * FIlmmaker/crew to attend or skype in. Condo living at its finest! - Fantastic River Views - Downtown Events - Farmers Market - Shops & Restaurants Walk to everything! All Downtown Fort Myers condos for Sale! Condos-FortMyers.com Riverside Realty Group, LLC 2053 W First St Fort Myers, FL

16 16 March 21-25, 2018 facebook.com.fortmyersfilmfestival sponsors & support Jewelry Apparal for Men & Women Accessories Bath & Body Home Décor TM The Award Winning Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Boulevard is centrally located in Fort Myers. Opened in 2007, we are rated #1 on Tripadvisor.com for the Fort Myers, FL area! We are also a 5 time Hilton Lighthouse Award Winning Hotel which recognizes the top 5% of the entire Hampton Brand of 1,950 hotels for Guest Satisfaction and Product Quality. We are ranked 18th worldwide. As a reminder, Hampton stands behind its 100% satisfaction guarantee and offers all its guests a plethora of valuable extras at an unbeatable cost. These extras include: Complimentary On The House hot breakfast Complimentary On The Go breakfast Complimentary high-speed Internet access Complimentary local phone calls and no surcharge for long distance calls. Complimentary HBO movie channel Complimentary coffee and tea 24 hours a day Along with these extras, all of our beautiful guest rooms have microwaves and refrigerators, paypreview movies, and Hampton s signature Fresh & Clean Bedding. We are in the midst of a variety of attractions including 10 golf courses, Historic Downtown Fort Myers, Edison Ford Winter Estates, Edison Mall, Bell Tower Shops. Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Butterfly Estates, Seminole Gulf Railway, great restaurants, and many more activities for our guest to enjoy. We love it when guests of the Fort Myers Film Festival stay here. Our products are handmade, fair trade, recycled, eco-friendly and made in the USA. 15% off your entire purchase with this ad Open late on Event Nights Market Earth is located on First Street between Hendry St. and Dean St First St. Fort Myers Coastal Staircase & Trim Inc. Crown / Stair Remodels Patrick Skehan coastalstaircasetrim@outlook.com Lee #CP Collier #LCC

17 sponsors & support twitter.com/fortmyersfilm March 21-25, Best Western Fort Myers Waterfront North Cleveland Avenue North Fort Myers, FL Proud to have you stay with us

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20 Get backstage with Florida Weekly To get Southwest Florida s most comprehensive Arts & Entertainment coverage, including reviews and interviews with the actors, subscribe, pick up a copy or download our app for tablets and smartphones.