About Fifty opens 26th annual international film festival in Fort Lauderdale
By Robbin Whachell, The Bahamas Weekly News Team
Oct 24, 2011 - 12:50:48 PM
Mayor of Sunrise, Florida Michael Ryan welcomes festival patrons at the world premiere of "About Fifty" at the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre. Greg Von Hausch (behind) CEO and president of FLIFF looks on. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
FLORIDA - The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) opened on October 21st, 2011 with the heart-warming film,
About Fifty at the Sunrise Civic Center Theater. The festival runs until November 22nd and this year features 4 days in Grand Bahama Island from October 27th through the 30th with the Pelican Bay Hotel Canal House as the host site.
In the audience was young Bahamian Katrina Dorsett of Freeport who won the Grand Bahama Youth Film competition and had her film
Cyberbullying screened the following day, October 22nd at FLIFF. Her film will be screened in Grand Bahama on Saturday, October 29th at 2:30pm.
About Fifty's world premiere was introduced by Greg Von Hausch, FLIFF CEO and President and words of welcome and enthusiasm came from Sunrise mayor, Michael Ryan.
About Fifty was the first film ever to screen in the theater and the film will also screen in Grand Bahama next week.
Director and cast of About Fifty. The world premiere was very well received. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
About Fifty was a pleasant surprise! The equivalent of a "chick flick" for men, my friend told me the official term is a "dick flick", the movie did not offer fast cars and violence, but instead broke into the minds of two middle-aged men, one going through a marriage separation and the other dealing with loneliness and health issues.
Directed by Thomas Johnston, writers Martin Grey and Drew Pilsbury (all in attendance at the opening)
star alongside Wendy Malick in a film that explores the simple yet comical
truth that it’s never too late to start over again, even at age 50.
Golf-buddies, Adam who is going through a trial separation from his
wife, and Jon who's losing work to the more efficient youth, decide
to take off on a weekend journey to let loose and
re-live their youth.
Within the struggles to fit in with the younger crowd, they are forced
to come to grips with their “mid-life crisis”.
The lead actors and director were on hand to answer questions from the audience before mingling with film patrons at an after event in their honour. They will also be traveling to Grand Bahama for the screening at 4pm on Saturday, October 29th.
Katrina Dorsett of Grand Bahama Island with her mother at FLIFF kickoff screening of About Fifty. Dorsett won the Grand Bahama Youth Film Competition for her film Cyberbullying and had her film screened at the festival on October 22nd. It will also be screened in Grand Bahama on October 29th when the festival moves to The Bahamas for a few days. Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
'Film' Girls at FLIFF opening night: Four models wear outfits made of film tape created by Claire Jeanine Satin Photo: The Bahamas Weekly
FLIFF On-Location: Grand Bahama Island
October 27-30, 2011
Don't Miss It!
We
are pleased to announce that the Ft. Lauderdale International Film
Festival ( FLIFF) On-Location is coming to Grand Bahama Island October
27-30, 2011 at Canal House, Pelican Bay Hotel.
The
Festival will feature movies made in The Bahamas, an Underwater
Cinematography Workshop by award-winning cinematographer Paul Mockler,
Independent Films, Complimentary Outdoor Screenings, International
Student Film Competition, and more.
This is the first time the festival will feature an offshore
component and will offer a wonderful array of programs and events,
including:
• Dennis Haysbert Tribute & Reception (price $15.00 per person)
• Awards and Closing Party(price $15.00 per person)
• 13 Movies (price $7.00 per person)
Actor DENNIS HAYSBERT will
receive The 1st Career Achievement Award presented by FLIFF On-Location:
Grand Bahama Island on Friday, October 28. The event begins with a
ceremony at the Canal House, located in Pelican Bay Resort, the Host
Hotel for the festival. A montage of Mr. Haysbert's career will screen
followed by remarks by Mr. Haysbert and a question and answer section.
Then all in attendance will adjourn to poolside where a reception
in Mr. Haysbert's honor will take place.
Reserve your tickets now...
Click here to complete the reservation form and pick-up your tickets at Canal House, Pelican Bay Hotel (host hotel)
Additional events happening on Grand Bahama include:
• High School Competition (Winner featured at FLIFF)
• Bahamian Film Segment
• Fam Trip for Visiting Filmmakers
Take advantage of the booking options to join FLIFF On Location:
1. Book your air-inclusive FLIFF package NOW!
2. Cruise to Grand Bahama Island on Bahamas Celebration, starting at $199
