Movie-Lovers Rejoice: 25 Years of Film Festival Evolution
Movies have impacted all our lives in some form. Perhaps you have fond memories of the first time your parents took you to see a film in the theater (mine was “E.T.”) Maybe a film had such a profound impact on you that it prompted you to take life course-changing action. Or maybe you just love to escape into the magic of storytelling on screen.
For a quarter century, local filmmakers and many others who travel here from around the globe have been convening to showcase their shared passion for the craft at the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival. The 25th annual MIFF is happening Oct. 5-7 at Premiere Theaters Oaks 10 in Melbourne.
And you have every reason to go.
Themed Fun
First, the anniversary event theme is “Stars of the Silver Screen.” That’s an open invitation to dress up as your favorite screen character from any film era — live action or animated — for the Saturday night red carpet gala, always an event highlight.
Modern Movie Magic
Second, revel in the mastery of modern filmmaking. It’s come a long way from black and white with live orchestras playing music in theater pits to digital cinema projection and Dolby surround sound. In fact, Melbourne’s own Premiere Theaters was among the first theaters in the world to adopt digital cinema projection, back in 2005, according to Bill Williams, president and founder of A Cut Above Video Productions.
“I have been involved with the MIFF for 24 of its 25 years as technical director, usually behind the camera,” Williams said. “As owner of A Cut Above Video Productions, we have the production resources to piece together clever introductions to each MIFF entry and show each film using the same technology as major Hollywood productions. The MIFF is a filmmaker’s best opportunity to see their production shown to an audience on the ‘silver screen’ the way films were meant to be shown.”
(Photo of Bill Williams, A Cut Above Video Productions)
MIFF Program Chairman Dr. Terrence Cronin, Jr. said this year’s slate of films is the highest level quality the organizers have seen.
“The more we’re involved in it, the better we get,” he said. “Your mind will be blown, the film level is so high. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years.”
It All Benefits Charity
It’s always a good idea to support the community, and the MIFF has been doing that from year one, with 100% of ticket sales and entry fees going to No Limits Academy, a non-profit private school dedicated to providing innovative education to children with complex physical disabilities.
Over the years, the MIFF has raised over $60,000 dollars to benefit No Limits Academy, specifically, and may be closer to $100,000 for overall donations.
Cronin said the MIFF’s success is based upon the goodwill it brings to the film community. “We get fantastic movies submitted to us, and the support of celebrities and filmmakers because they know their works will be enjoyed by our enthusiastic audience and it’s all for a great cause.”
In addition to showcasing independent films from around the country and the world, as part of the MIFF mission, the festival will have a Saturday matinee to showcase Florida-produced films.
Rising Stars
Kudos to the MIFF also for recognizing a passion for filmmaking among Brevard’s youth and for responding by adding a Rising Stars portion of the festival in 2022. This year, the Rising Stars screenings will be Saturday afternoon, and in lieu of having to purchase a ticket, attendees are welcome to make a donation to No Limits Academy.
Like A Kid in a Movie Theater
As parent to one of the young filmmakers who will have her project screened, I can say the MIFF stands out among festivals for both its charitable giving and its nurturing of young filmmakers. As I perused many other film festivals seeking youth categories, I came across categories labeled “student” that stretch from elementary school age through high school and college. That age range doesn’t make for a fair playing field as chances of being accepted are slim when a 10-year-old is competing for a spot against the older students.
So what the MIFF is doing is huge.
(Photo: Student filmmaker Ella Grace Helton's movie poster for "The Muralist")
What’s it like for a 10-year-old to see her film on the big screen? My budding writer/director is about to find out. Her first film, “Wild Thing” premiered at the MIFF last year, but we were out of town as she was filming a series — in front of the camera as an actress. (Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, actors are not permitted to promote their struck work, and I as the parent also am opting not to name the show. You can learn about Ella Grace Helton’s acting history on IMDb and on her website EllaGraceHelton.com.)
This year, she has plans to create formal invitations and be at the theater with a list on a clipboard to welcome her guests. She wants to make a dress to match the theme of her film, “The Muralist,” but as I write this, I’m not sure how to pull off her artistic idea. The anticipation is real and this is all only possible thanks to the visionaries who have run the MIFF the past 25 years.
After seven years of escorting Ella to sets where she thrived in front of the camera, flipping to the back side is a whole new… everything. The technical aspect alone is mind-spinning. But just as the MIFF has grown and evolved and is showcasing a higher quality of films, it’s a testament to the accessibility of filmmaking in a digital era.
See you at the movies.
Connect
Learn more about the MIFF at melbournefilmfestival.org
More information about No Limits Academy at NoLimitsAcademy.com
For tickets, visit Oaks10.com
Event schedule: brevardlive.com
In addition to the cinematic excellence, look for an opening night party, comedy and musical performances. The festival culminates with the red carpet the evening of Oct. 7, with guests welcome to dress as their favorite movie character/celebrity.
Photo opportunities and entertainment courtesy of A Cut Above Video, Inc., Turner Talent, and Kim.E. Events.
From the Archives
- Sept. 2022: Long-Running Film Festival Builds Community Through Cinema, Fundraising
- Sept. 2018: Independent filmmaking: Collaborative storytelling
- Oct. 2017: 19th Annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival showcases local talent
- Nov. 2017: MIFF generates $11,407 for No Limits Academy
Meet Our Managing Editor
EverythingBrevard Managing Editor and proud word nerd Lee Nessel is an award-winning journalist. She thinks best through her fingertips and started churning out iambic pentameter as a kid. She embraces last-minute cross-country travel and also works as a junior publicist thanks to her daughter Ella Grace Helton’s child acting adventures. She prefers to operate behind the scenes, shining the spotlight on the uplifting stories of the people making an impact on the Space Coast. Lee loves the barbell, home cooking and can’t stop tapping her foot to the great rhythms of being a ballroom dance mom.
Instagram: @lee_nessel
Facebook: /leenessel
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