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Film festival brings world to RomeCarolyn Grindrod
In addition to the large turnout, RIFF also had a larger burst in volunteer work from the colleges in the area, including Georgia Highlands College; the number of volunteers more than doubled last year’s with 200 or more volunteers. GHC’s Frank Minor, associate professor of English, and Dr. Laura Mussel-white, associate professor of history, were among these volunteers as they both served on the adjudication advisory board for RIFF. “The one thing that pleased me the most,” exclaimed Allen Bell, executive director for the Rome Council of the Arts and festival liaison, “was seeing people from the community make this festival their own. I would get compliments and comments on how to improve the festival, which just shows how the community interacts and embraces it.”Events began with a special showing of the opening night film, “Bright Leaves,” a documentary by Ross McElwee about the North Carolina tobacco industry. The film was then followed by a large gala in the Forrest Place ballroom at the Forum, where everyone celebrated the beginning of RIFF. This year, along with the 153 movies there were two workshops: the Calder Willingham screenwriting workshop, presented by Minor, and Acting for the Screen featuring actress Shay Bentley Griffin. “In the future, we would like to have a few more workshops so that the audience not only gets to watch films but can also participate in them,” explained Norman. “For example, we would love to have an actual screenwriting contest.”For the remaining three days, RIFF showed a vast array of films varying in length and design. The movies were grouped by artistic style, for example experimental films or animated movies, and the audiences were allowed to vote on the films for their favorites. The winners received a best-in-category Silvia trophy during the award ceremonies at the historic Desoto Theater on Sept. 11. Other awards included the Career Achievement, which was presented to Dan Biggers, a local screen actor. Dr. Harry Musselwhite of Berry College, who is the Festival and program director for RIFF, received the Festival Appreciation award.“It was a total surprise,” said Musselwhite. “I have my own Silvia that sits at home by my computer to remind me of the great RIFF experience. I was more than honored to receive this award.” The idea for the festival came to Norman, who is also an acclaimed filmmaker, while he was at Figuiera Da Foz, a small film festival in Portugal.“I remember how the city just came to life as a result of this festival. Small venues in walking distance and the cultural environment of a small town intrigued me. It just became a nice little community. When I came home, I decided I wanted to bring something like this to a small town like Rome,” Norman said. Norman started a film festival in Dahlonega, Ga., but it was moved to Rome in 2004. The future has many things in store for RIFF’s involvement in Rome.“We would like to get some of the independent films on local television,” stated Harry Musselwhite, “and start a committee to help local independent films.” |
Filmmakers, directors, screenwriters and movie-goers from around the world filled the streets of Rome on Sept. 8-11, as the city hosted the second annual Rome International Film Festival (RIFF).