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Commerce Cabinet-Tourism
First Bluegrass Independent Film Festival Receives More than 200 Entries
CRESTWOOD, Ky. – Kentucky’s newest film festival is opening with a bang, according to organizer and director Jay Broder. “We have received more than 200 films from filmmakers in all parts of the United States and throughout the world,” Broder said. “We are delighted with the response for our first festival. Now we hope that everyone in the region will come out to enjoy the films and provide feedback to these talented filmmakers.”
Broder is president of the Oldham County Arts Association, the sponsor of the festival which will be held Friday through Sunday, September 9-11, with films showing at three venues: the Oldham County Arts Center, the county’s Fiscal Court Building and the Oldham 8 Theater.
The festival gives the public, along with a panel of judges, a chance to see and vote on the films that have passed the pre-screening selection process. Cash awards and trophies will be awarded to the top-ranked film in each of six categories: features, shorts, documentaries, comedies, animation-claymation, and music videos. A special award will be given to the top filmmaker from the region (Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Indiana).
One of the most noted entries is Shakespeare Behind Bars, which was filmed at the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in La Grange, Ky. in 2004 and received outstanding reviews when shown at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah and other festivals. Another entry with a local perspective is How You Look to Me, filmed in Louisville by director Bruce Romans in 2004 and starring Frank Langella.
The festival is dedicated to early filmmaker D.W. Griffith, a native of Oldham County who is credited with developing some of the earliest techniques in cinematography. Griffith was one of Hollywood’s most innovative early directors and was called “the father of film” by Charlie Chaplin. Griffith’s films will be shown free of charge both Friday and Saturday nights at the Oldham County History Center in LaGrange. Popcorn and lemonade will be served.
Cost to attend the festival is $10 for a pass for each day, whether purchased in advance or at the door, or $20 for a weekend pass. A pass allows a ticket holder to attend films at all venues, subject to seating availability, and to attend a Friday night “Meet the Filmmakers” party. Tickets may be purchased online at www.bluegrassfilmfest.com or through www.theatermania.com or by calling 866-811-4111.
Opening ceremonies begin Friday at 6 p.m. at the Oldham County Arts Center on Floydsburg Road in Crestwood with opening remarks and introductions of special guests and celebrities. Following the ceremony, there will be a discussion and question and answer session about Griffith by Dr. Bruce Tyler, associate professor of history at the University of Louisville. Friday’s schedule also includes a screening of How You Look to Me. Other films will be screened throughout the evening at the Oldham 8 Theater and the Fiscal Court Building.
Film screenings will continue on Saturday and Sunday at all three venues, beginning at 9 a.m. There will be panel discussions on filmmaking throughout the day that will be open to the public. On Saturday at 9 p.m., Maker’s Mark Madness will be held at Waldeck Mansion on Highway 22 in Crestwood. This party is a special reception for VIPs and filmmakers and is not part of the Saturday or event pass. The public is invited to attend but must purchase a separate advance ticket for $25, also available online. Attendees must be over 21 years.
The festival will conclude at 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Oldham County Fiscal Court Building with the awards presentations.
For more information about the festival and passes, visit the festival website at www.bluegrassfilmfest.com or call Jay Broder at 502-225-0900.
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The Kentucky Department of Tourism, an agency of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet, exists to promote The Commonwealth as a travel destination, generate revenue and create jobs for Kentucky’s economy.
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