-
Courtesy of FloArts -
Courtesy of FloArts -
Courtesy of FloArts
Special to the Palatka Daily News
With a goal of building the presence of screen performances at Florida School of the Arts, students will share their latest storytelling experience with second-year student-produced short films.
“Film Festival 2023” runs 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday on the main stage theater at St. Johns River Stage College Palatka campus. The festival director and acting professor is Kevin Kelly.
Admission is $10. The festival contains adult language and content.
According to Kelly, in building the presence of screen performances provides students with more skills, experience and confidence in front of the camera.
“It’s all about encouraging young artists to explore, grow and gain experiences that they wouldn’t be able to gain otherwise,” Kelly said. “That’s why the school is here.”
FloArts students have filmed four projects that make up the main content of the festival. The films were shot using various locations throughout the city of Palatka.
Kelly said his students has had great support from the community and local businesses who have supplied them with locations in which to film.
“It's been very rewarding to have such enthusiastic encouragement from local supporters," Kelly said.
The films are:
“Memento Mori” (genre: comedy) A new take on the old ‘girl meats(sic) boy’ story.
Written by Dana Cox. Directed by Amanda Gazy.
Cast: Christi Arnold, Jordan Fletcher, LaMontiaz Slocumb, Nick Meyer, Sara Tierney.
“Tasty” (genre: horror) An adoring couple attempts to take on a vegan lifestyle, but encounters an unexpected obstacle.
Written and directed by Natalie Drake.
Cast: Jacob Brown, Maggie Rashaw, JonRay Roman Hernandez.
“Breaking In” (genre: drama) A loving husband trying to provide for his family gets an unexpected announcement.
Written by Natalie Drake. Directed by Lucy Jones.
Cast: Jacob Brown, Alicia Griffin, JonRay Roman.
“A Confession of Love” (genre: drama) A priest and a politician. A relationship from the past. Will a confession of love reunite them?
Written and directed by Terri Castelli.
Cast: Kevin Sharbaugh (local attorney), Melissa McCall (local real estate agent), Cliff Lyda (local Presbyterian pastor), and Kellin Ronquille (Clay County deputy).
The festival also includes the “Weekend Film Challenge,” a competition inviting FloArts students and high school and middle school students throughout the state to submit three-minute films. The teams were assigned specific genres while incorporating the use of five similar elements. Audience members can enjoy free popcorn and vote for their favorite entries during the festival. The winners will be announced at the end of the presentation on Saturday.
According to Kelly, the student teams competed to create the winning film in their respective categories in one weekend. “It makes it an adventure. It makes it a team sport. It makes it a lot of fun,” said Kelly. “It’s a great team building exercise. They explore, learn and experiment.”
Kelly said what he enjoys most about teaching at FloArts is helping the students become the engines of their own creativity and education. “These film projects are a great way to help them take charge and help them work as a team and to not wait around for others to tell them what to do,” Kelly said. “We're pushing our students to reach beyond what they think they are capable of and to think of themselves as better all-around storytellers. We’re looking forward to seeing what everybody puts together and to the community coming out and seeing their efforts.”
Florida School of the Arts is located on the Palatka campus of St. Johns River State College. For details, call 386- 312-4300 or visit floats.org.