HomeMy WebLinkAboutEdina Film Festival
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Jennifer Bennerotte
Communications & Technology Services Director
Phone 952-833-9520 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Second-annual Edina Film Festival set for Oct. 25-27
Edina, Minn., Oct. 11, 2012 – In 2011, a small group of dedicated volunteers staged a film festival for Edina-
area movie buffs. The fledgling event, a fundraiser for the Edina Art Center, was successful enough to
encourage an encore. The second-annual Edina Film Festival will be held Oct. 25-27 at the historical Edina
Cinema.
Organizers believe the slate of films includes something for everyone: a golden oldie, powerful documentaries,
family films and snappy shorts. “We were very fortunate to have such a variety of films showcasing local
filmmakers, including students,” said John Swon, chair of the Edina Art Center Board’s Film Festival
Committee. “We hope this event will become Edina’s newest tradition as it continues to grow.
Local film directors and producers will be part of the program, as well as movie historian/collector Bob Des
Flores. Des Flores will introduce a restored, digitally remastered showing of the classic comedy “My Man
Godfrey” starring Carole Lombard and William Powell.
Another powerful film, produced by recent Edina High School graduate Alec Fischer, has attracted the
interest of sponsors looking to take the film nationwide. His documentary, “Minnesota Nice?” explores the
effects of bullying on high school students. His interviews with young people bring out harsh realities of this
social issue.
Two films may resonate with families. “Welcome to Coalwood” relates the life and times of a declining
company town. “Memorial Day” takes viewers on a journey of discovery as a 13-year-old explores the
treasures in his grandfather’s WWII footlocker. The Committee describes these films as “sensitive portrayals
of the human condition.”
Two other films illuminate nature’s beauty and profound human tragedy. “Return to the Aeolian Islands” and
“Older than America” explore both dimensions, one in the sun-dappled beauty off Sicily’s coast and the other
on an Indian reservation near Edmondton, Canada.
Four short films range from whimsical to deeply emotional.
“Locally produced movies and videos are increasingly important to community art and culture,” said
Committee member Mickie Turk, who is an author, filmmaker and Edina resident. “I was pleased to be able to
help arrange for showing of these innovative, intergenerational films.”
Film Festival proceeds go directly to support programs offered by the Edina Art Center, 4701 W. 64th St.
Tickets for single films as well as three-evening passes will be available. For more information about the films
or ticket information, visit www.EdinaFilmFestival.org.
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