The Jacksonville International Film Festival
May 15 – 21, 2008

The Jacksonville Film Festival is approaching its 6th year and promises to be bigger and better than ever. It has been recognized as one of the most culturally significant events in the Southeast. In the past five years, Jacksonville has embraced visiting producers, actors and out-of-town enthusiasts of the independent film industry from around the world. The festival’s attendance has grown consistently every year with an unprecedented amount of sellouts resulting in another attendance record. The festival expects to double the attendance this year, hence the festival has been extended to a full week and will be taking place May 15 – 21, 2008. The festival will give attendees seven days to enjoy the best in American and International independent films. Here are some of the showcase films scheduled to make their Southeast premieres at the Florida Theatre. Over 70 other films will be shown at venues throughout downtown Jacksonville.

All Following Presentations Will Take Place At

The FLORIDA THEATRE

To purchase tickets in advance for any of the films mentioned, please call (904) 355-2787

or after April 18, 2008 visit www.JacksonvilleFilmFestival.com

OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION!

Thursday May 15, 2008

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Opening Night Ceremony and screening of CRAZY

10 p.m. – 1 a.m. – Opening Night Party at MAVERICKS

$15 includes Opening night ceremony and CRAZY screening.

$40 includes Opening night ceremony, CRAZY screening and Mavericks party

SOUTHEAST PREMIERE!

CRAZY – USA

“Crazy” is an independent feature based on the life of legendary Nashville guitarist, Hank Garland, who played on recordings by artists such as Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley. As a result of his often conflictive experience with the Nashville Mob of the 1950s and his tempestuous relationship with his wife, Garland barely survived a near-fatal car crash only to be subjected to electro-shock treatments, which tragically ended his playing career at the age of thirty-one. Garland also wrote “Jingle Bell Rock,” and was a long-time resident of Orange Park, Florida, before he died in 2004. Musician and actor Waylon Payne, who played Jerry Lee Lewis in “Walk the Line,” portrays Garland in the film. Actress Ali Larter, who plays Nicki Sanders in the television series “Heroes,” portrays Evelyn Garland. “Crazy” was directed, produced and written by Rick Bieber, who will attend opening night along with actors from the film.

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VIVA CINEMA CELEBRATION!

Friday May 16, 2008

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. – Cocktail Reception at the Florida Theatre

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. – Viva Cinema Ceremony and Screening of METEORO

10 p.m. – 1 a.m. – SAMBA! SALSA! AND SWING! Party at THE JACKSONVILLE LANDING plaza

$15 includes reception, film and after party.

SOUTHEAST PREMIERE!

METEORO – Brazil

In 1960s Brazil, a construction crew is hard at work building a highway deep in the heart of the desert. A military coup in the capital leaves the men abandoned literally in the middle of nowhere. With a good stock of provisions and frequent visits from the local prostitutes, the men are coping just fine. Soon Juliao, an indigenous Indian, arrives. He teaches them his culture’s worship of the meteorites. The workers come to believe fate has abandoned them in a deeply spiritual place and thus the community of Meteoro is born. In a place of good humor, gentle anarchy and free love, the construction crew no longer wishes to be governed and thoughts of returning home soon fade, until one day, the government reappears bringing dark political motives to the men’s makeshift paradise. “Meteoro,” is a truly charming film featuring an international ensemble cast that will have you leaving the theater with a smile on your face.

HOLLYWOOD FILM AND GALA

Saturday May 17, 2008

6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception at the Florida Theatre

7:30 p.m.– 9:30 p.m. -Hollywood Night Film Presentation – THE YEAR OF GETTING TO KNOW US

10 p.m. – 1 a.m. – Hollywood Night GALA – COURTYARD /Jacksonville Public Library

$15 Includes cocktail reception and film presentation

$75 Hollywood Gala – sponsored by Grey Goose and Bacardi

EAST COAST PREMIERE!

THE YEAR OF GETTING TO KNOW US – USA

A successful New York journalist, Christopher Rockett, 36, is a man who feels everything in his work and nothing in his life. When his estranged father suffers a stroke, he’s forced to return to his tiny hometown in Florida, where the events of his dysfunctional past swirl around him. As his charming veneer crumbles, Chris comes to a dramatic realization: If he doesn’t learn how to feel, he’s destined to relive the empty life of his father, who is dying alone. “The Year of Getting to Know Us,” is a story about what we all fear most: Becoming just like our parents. The film stars Sharon Stone, Jimmy Falon, Lucy Liu, Tom Arnold and lleana Douglas. The annual Film Festival Gala will immediately follow.
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HIP-HOP FOR THE MASSES CELEBRATION!

Sunday May 18, 2008

6 pm. – 8:00 p.m. - Ceremony and Screening of INSIDE THE CIRCLE

8 p.m. – 11 p.m. – HIP-HOP FOR THE MASSES street party

$15 Includes film presentation and street party

SOUTHEAST PREMIERE!

 

INSIDE THE CIRCLE – USA
Capturing the raw power of a grassroots hip-hop movement, the multi-award-winning documentary “Inside the Circle,” tells the story of two strikingly talented b-boys (break-dancers), Josh and Omar, best friends who become rivals when they join competing dance crews. Immersed in the b-boy culture of defiant creativity, Omar rises to international renown, while Josh tangles with the criminal justice system. Both of them struggle to keep dance at the center of their lives and the B-Boy City competitive events serve as emotional milestones in their journey to adulthood.

Film presentation will be followed by “Hip-Hop for the Masses,” street party taking place just outside of the Florida Theatre with b-boy battles, live graffiti artists and a hip-hop stage with guest DJ’s and performers.

To purchase tickets in advance for any of the films mentioned, please call (904) 355-2787

or after April 18, 2008 on www.JacksonvilleFilmFestival.com