BIG THUMBS UP TO OPENING NIGHT OF PBIFF
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanPalm Beach International Film Festival opened on a powerful cinematic note on Thursday, April 4, 2013. Although the weather was rainy and overcast, spirits could not be dampened that easily.
Ranking in the top ten film festival destinations in the world, Palm Beach International Film Festival keeps audiences mesmerized with world class films, some making their debut for the very first time. It runs eight action-packed days with over 136 films at four different locations throughout Palm Beach County. A good number of the filmmakers as well as some of the actors/actresses will be in attendance. On Friday, April 5, 2013, the press was treated to an informal ‘meet and greet’ with the filmmakers just to prepare them for what is in store and what it takes to get this far.
After seeing ‘Decoding Annie Parker’ which kicked off the festival, I am anxiously looking forward to a week of outstanding films. This will definitely be one of my favorites. What makes this festival even more special is the meaning behind each of the films, the inspiration that fills you as you leave the theatre after every of them.
‘Decoding Annie Parker’ was based on a true story and the director, Steven Bernstein, and the real Annie Parker were in attendance interacting with an emotionally charged audience. Annie is not just your ordinary woman. She is charismatically courageous, mildly humorous, kind and most of all she is a fighter standing true to the statement, “You must believe in something.”
Annie is a three time cancer survivor and this film takes us on her journey over 15 difficult years. She beats the odds although she lost both her mother and sister to cancer and her ex-husband as well who she was married to for a very long time, from the time they were young starstruck lovers. Tied in to this storyline is the discovery of the gene responsible for breast and ovarian cancers, the BRCA1 gene by a persistent and dedicated doctor, Mary-Claire King. After years of research and determination, Dr. King forever changed Annie Parker’s life as well as millions of other women. Dr. Mary-Claire King has won many honors including the Brinker Award given by Susan G. Komen For the Cure and Glamour Magazine’s ‘Woman Of The Year’. Her years of hard work and research have made a huge difference.
It took many years to put this film together from start to finish but the rewards that will be reaped are priceless. Annie has become more than just an advisor on the film. She has become Steven Bernstein’s dear friend. An all-star cast of Academy Award winner Helen Hunt (playing Dr. King), Samantha Morton (playing charming Annie Parker), Aaron Paul, Rashida Jones, Benjamin McKenzie and Maggie Grace tell this touching story. Not only is the film inspiring and unforgettable, but it will continue to build awareness about a dreadful disease that takes way too many lives of those we love.
The film will be commercially released in six months but a goal for Steven Bernstein is to show this film in 50 different locations across the nation and the money that is raised from the showings will be donated to benefit cancer research. Coincidentally, the film will premier in Washington, D.C. just as the BRCA1 Bill goes to the Congress for passage which will be even more impactful. It is a movie not to be missed once it is released in the theatre for the public at the later portion of this year.
Seeing this film truly opened my eyes. Just think, life is a gift and our health is ever so precious. Treasure those that are closest to you and enjoy every day that the sun shines upon you. What amazed me was Annie’s cheery disposition and fighting spirit in a sea of misfortune. She is one remarkable woman!
Friday, April 5, 2013, brought ‘Lost Boy Home’ to the big screen at The Cobb Theater at Downtown at The Gardens in the northern section of the county. Director Mark Barger Elliott and one of the ‘lost boys’, Zachariah Char, were there to unveil the film for its world premiere. The ‘Lost Boys’ were recently featured last Sunday on CBS’ ’60 Minutes’ as an update to a segment on them that had aired in previous years. What perfect timing.
The week promises to be filled with exceptional cinema choices for all generations and all tastes. They come to us from all over the world as well as the special opportunity to meet the filmmakers that possess that creativity. Be part of the Q&A session that follows the films. To get more information, go to www.pbifilmfest.org. Palm Beach International Film Festival supports our talented filmmakers of tomorrow and channels the excitement of film into our local schools all year round.
The Palm Beaches come alive with the magic of art and culture as Palm Beach International Film Festival deposits the best of the entertainment world right on our doorstep for the 18th year in a row.
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