Local movies, ‘Forrest Gump’ and Gary Sinise star at this year’s Beaufort film festival
The annual Beaufort International Film Festival that kicks of Tuesday and continues through Sunday could break attendance records, according to the festival directors. Two movies filmed in the city are helping to drive interest. So is a Hollywood star who will stop by to pick up a lifetime achievement award.
BIFF, now in its 18th year, is a platform for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals to showcase their work and engage with audiences in the historic city.
Tickets are available but organizers say the sales are brisk and some of the showings are sold out.
“It may be the biggest festival we’ve ever had as far as attendance goes,” says Ron Tucker, president of the Beaufort Film Society and the festival director.
This year, 80 feature films from 40 countries were submitted for consideration, which is twice the normal number for that category, says Tucker said.
Six feature films were selected and will be judged during the festival. Documentaries and short films and entries in other categories also will be judged.
Actor Gary Sinise will receive the Pat Conroy Lifetime Achievement Award Saturday night for his lengthy career achievements, which includes roles as Lt. Dan in the 1994 blockbuster film “Forrest Gump” and an astronaut in 1995’s “Apollo 13,” in addition to his foundation’s support for veterans and first responders.
Sinise, who also is widely known for his leading role as Detective Mac Taylor in the long-running CBS series “CSI: NY,” is scheduled to speak prior to his lifetime achievement award but that event is “at capacity.”
On Friday night, Sinise’s Lt. Dan Band will perform a concert at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
“The Final Run,” will be making its premier on Friday evening is also is sold out. It was filmed in the Beaufort area and is about a former drug-runner’s return to smuggling to save his family. The story loosely based on the so-called “gentlemen smugglers” in Beaufort County who were swept up by law enforcement in the 1980s.
Tickets will also be hard to come by for “The Spirit of Beaufort: Remembering Forrest Gump,” which debuts Saturday. The 90-minute documentary features interviews with residents who had behind-the-scenes roles during the filming of “Forrest Gump.”
The 2024 BIFF may set attendance records because of the Gump documentary and “The Final Run” film, in addition to Sinise’s appearance, Tucker said.
A third South Carolina-made film also is drawing interest and competing for top honors in the feature film category. The drama, directed by Thomas Torrey, is titled “Long December” and follows a struggling artist pursuing his dream of music over a period of one month.
And Matthew Modine, who starred in 1987’s “Full Metal Jacket,” which follows marine recruits through training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, is up for the festival’s best acting role for his performance in the feature film, “The Martini Shot.” The existential drama follows an ailing movie director as he begins to shoot what he believes to be his final work of art. Modine is not expected to attend the festival.
Dr. Marlena Smalls, a world-renown singer who played Bubba’s mother in “Forrest Gump,” will kick off the festival Tuesday, by performing with the Hallelujah Singers in a show called “Bubba’s Mama Sings the Blues.”
Ron and Rebecca Tucker launched the film festival in 2007 to highlight the work of aspiring filmmakers of all genres — and as a way to lure filmmakers to Beaufort. The area has been the backdrop to approximately 20 films including “Forrest Gump,” “The Prince of Tides” and “G.I. Jane.” Almost two decades later, the international film showcase in a small city with Southern charm attracts thousands. Directors from all over the world premier their independent feature and short films and documentaries during the event, which is held at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
For tickets or a listing of the films go to https://www.beaufortfilmfestival.com/tickets.
