Film festival goes global
SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint Films Festival is going global this year.
A more diverse group of filmmakers than ever before are participating in the third iteration of the local film festival. Not only will filmmakers from around the nation be contributing movies to the festival — there will also be submissions from outside the country.
“It certainly has made its way across the globe,” Sandpoint Films chairperson Janice Jarzabek said.
After a month of accepting film submissions, the festival lineup is solidifying. This year, films by directors from New York, New Mexico, Washington, California and even Ireland will be featured in competition. In addition, the festival will represent the world premier for three submissions: “Distant Location,” “Madness in the Air” and “Delpha’s Diary.”
This year’s lineup will represent an intriguing mix of longtime supporters and newcomers from outside the state. As an Idaho-based film festival, regional filmmakers make up the lion’s share of the lineup. Ron Ragone, who has had a submission in every year of the festival so far, returns this year with the film “Simon’s Lot.” Similarly, teenage director Stephen Byrum will be screening his second short film “Venia.” Art Alliance instructor Mary Maio will debut her animated short “Madness in the Air” at the festival as well.
The out-of-state film submissions are just as intriguing this year. Allegra Huston submitted “Good Luck, Mr. Gorski,” a film she wrote in collaboration with director Aaron Shriver. As the daughter of John Huston — the director of classics like “The Maltese Falcon” and an actor in even more classics like “Chinatown” — she certainly has the pedigree for the art form. “The Mindfield” by Nina Corrado from the TV show “The Mentalist” promises to be another interesting submission.
Like last year, the event will take place at the Panida’s Little Theater Nov. 3 throughout three blocks. The first block from 1-3 p.m. is free of charge and consists of the top submissions from last year’s festival. Considering the quality of some of those films, including the harrowing antiwar film “Ana’s Playground” and the enchanting “The Noise of Snow,” it could be worth showing up for the full festival.
“I really want to encourage people to show up for that first block,” Jarzabek said.
There will be other attractions beyond the films at the festival. Fourteen-year-old cellist will be giving a performance, and artist Lori Reid will have artwork on display in the lobby.
As with last year, films in competition will be evaluated by a panel of judges with prizes being awarded to first, second and third-place films. In addition, audiences will be able to pick two movies for an audience choice award and a separate honor will be given to an Idaho filmmaker.