Movieville showcases filmmakers

Movieville Inter-national film festival was created to celebrate and showcase the work of new and emerging filmmakers. Submissions streamed in from Asia, Europe and the U.S. for the inaugural festival, a three-day event held at Lakewood Ranch Cinemas. Alan J. Bailey, executive producer, and Kristen Lindberg, executive director, were delighted by the response of filmmakers worldwide. There were many high-quality submissions, nearly half of which were produced by the local Sarasota film community.

Amid a fabulous selection of films was one real knockout - the inspiring feature, "God's Ears." It premiered on opening night, and went on to win the award for Best Picture.

"God's Ears" was written and directed by Michael Worth, a Californian who also starred as Noah in the leading role. (No wonder he's compared to Clint Eastwood!) It is the story of a boxer who struggles to overcome his autism while also trying to become more accepted and connected in a society which often does not understand him. Before making this film, Michael lived for months with a family who had an autistic son, an experience which enabled him to authentically portray a person struggling with autism. Besides winning Best Picture, Michael Worth also won for Best Actor.

A free workshop entitled Breaking Into the Business From the Ground Up was moderated by Jeannie Corcoran, Sarasota County film commissioner.

A demonstration in special effects (SFX) make-up was held by the iconic horror actor, J. Larose, and hosted by actor Will Haze. J. Larose was later honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

More than 50 films were screened over three days, films of various lengths and genres. The winner 48 Hour Guerilla Film Competition was also screened, an enticing six-minute short entitled "The Board." Created, filmed and edited within a 48-hour period, this tiny film brought smiles to Mark A. Marple, F.C. Rabbath and Devon Bailey, who walked off with the Guerilla top prize of $5,000.

The Closing night Awards Dinner and Hollywood Lounge Party was held at the Polo Grill & Bar.

Hosting sponsors of Movieville included Sanborn Studios, Sarasota Film Society and the Sarasota County Film and Entertainment Office.