Sandpoint Film Festival is Saturday
SANDPOINT - Another international lineup awaits local film lovers at the fifth annual Sandpoint Film Festival.
A yearly highlight for local cinephiles, the Sandpoint Film Festival brings some of the world's finest short films to the Panhandle for a day of drama, comedy, education and fun. With animation, documentary and narrative categories this year, the festival boasts offerings from Spain, Argentina, Italy, Iran and, of course, a few made right here in Idaho.
The festival will be held all day Saturday in the Panida Theater, taking full advantage of the big screen. According to festival director Janice Jarzabek, this year will have a lot more than movies to keep attendees busy. The day is packed with intriguing special events, all of which are available to those who purchase the $20 full-day pass.
"It's a good, all-inclusive price we're offering this year," Jarzabek said
From 8-10 a.m., filmmakers will gather at Cedar Street Bistro for coffee. At 10 a.m., curious filmmakers or cinema enthusiasts can learn all about the art of set lighting at a class taught by Mark Watson at the Little Theater. As a lighting technician for the TV show "Grimm," Watson will detail all the tricks of the trade in making actors and scenes look terrific from the big screen or the small screen.
"It was very generous that he offered to do this for us," Jarzabek said.
Attendees can also meet the featured filmmakers at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the Little Theater or at an after-party meet-up 9 p.m. at Trinity.
Of course, the heart of the experience are the movies, and there will be plenty on hand throughout the festival's three screening blocks. Beginning at 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., the festival will feature dozens of short films from all over the world.
"Some of our animation submissions this year are amazing," Jarzabek said.
Tonight, be sure to drop by the just before midnight Halloween showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Panida, too. An 11:30 p.m. costume contest will test attendee's creativity and flair.
As usual, the judging team will select the evening's finest submissions, with first prize winners taking home a $200 award. The evening will also feature a lifetime achievement award for Coeur d'Alene resident and legendary actress Patty Duke. It's unclear whether or not Duke will be able to accept the award in person, but Jarzabek said she was honored to be recognized.
Get tickets at The Panida, Monarch Mountain Coffee or Sweet Lou's in Ponderay. Individual film blocks cost $7, or buy an all-access pass for $20. Visit www.sandpointfilmfestival.com for more information.