FILTHY TAKES TOP HONORS AT THE MELBOURNE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL (M.I.F.F.)
WINNER - BEST PICTURE
2003 CRYSTAL APPLE PEER AWARD
FILTHY was one of two Grand Prize Winners at this year's MELBOURNE INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS FESTIVAL, a prestigious, 3-day cinematic event held annually in the town of Melbourne, Florida. M.I.F.F. was founded and is hosted by 3 BOYS PRODUCTIONS, a talented production team out of Melbourne: DR. TERRY CRONIN, PAT MARTIN, JEFF HALL, and BOB LIZEK (yes, technically there are 4 boys in "3 Boys Productions"!)
In attendance from Team Filthy were: actress SHERI LAWRENCE and her husband LARRY, actor JOHN BIEBRICH ("Rocky"), Costume Designer JULIE BARTEL, and Special Effects Make-Up artists JOY PATRICOSKI, BRIAN ANGELOFF, and STACI LAUGHLIN. Although the festival kicked off on Thursday (9/11), the FILTHY crew arrived Friday afternoon, just in time for the FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHTS festival held at the PREMIERE THEATERS OAKS STADIUM 10, where FILTHY played at 11:02pm to an enthusiastic, sold-out audience. The response to the showing of FILTHY was phenomenal, thanks to the supra-excellent efforts of 3 BOYS PRODUCTIONS who made the night unforgettable for us.
The following day, Saturday (9/12), the audience was treated to a filmmakers' press conference in which ANDY LALINO and SHERI LAWRENCE represented their work in "Filthy" . Sheri was the only actress to have two films in competition at MIFF: FILTHY and PERSPECTIVE a short film in which she served as Associate Producer. Perspective was directed, produced, and written for the screen by KATHERINE LEIS. Joining Andy and Sheri were an army of filmmakers, all commenting on their respective works. The press conference was incredibly fun and a pleasure to be a part of. Topics included: "What inspired you to make your films" and "How much did it cost to make your films?".
"Filthy" creator Andy Lalino accepting the Crystal Apple Award from master of ceremonies Terry Cronin and Pat Martin; Andy Lalino and Sheri Lawrence speak at M.I.F.F.
After the press conference, the festival's celebrities were introduced: actor JAMES BEST ("Rosco P. Coltrane" from "The Dukes of Hazzard", "Death Mask", "Ode to Billy Joe", "The Savage Bees", "The End", "Hooper") PATRICK GALLO ("American Wedding", the upcoming "First Time Caller"), Producer/Director/Editor ALEXANDER PELET NARBONNE ("Mantrap"), director MICHAEL BAUMGARTEN ("10:30 Checkout"), and PAUL & TED SULLIVAN, two talented brothers who have a new independent film soon-to-be-released entitled "First Time Caller". Paul served as director, brother Ted, an Emmy Award-winning screenwriter, produced. The celebrity panel had a lot of great stories and interesting insights on independent filmmaking. A major topic was the advent of HD camera technology in the indie film arena. The panel also discussed the great experiences they had working on their projects in Melbourne, a very film-friendly community.
Finally at 7pm the big gala took place at the HENEGER CENTER FOR THE ARTS where guests were treated to a generous dinner buffet featuring an excellent sampling of Melbourne's finest restaurants. After the meal, everyone made their way to the theater for a three hour showing of the finest short films from all around the world, some featuring noted actors such as JENNY AGUTTER (a personal favorite!) and SEYMOUR CASSEL. The last film shown was a 4 minute preview of Paul & Ted Sullivan's FIRST TIME CALLER, which received an enthusiastic response from the crowd.
L Pic: Audience Choice Award winner Todd Thompson with Pat & Terry; Middle Pic: Actor Patrick Gallo; R Pic: Director Alexander Pelet Narbonne
After the marathon showing, awards were handed out at MEG O' MALLEY'S pub approximately at midnight, which is when Master of Ceremonies TERRY CRONIN announced the festival's two winners: FILTHY received the CRYSTAL APPLE peer award, voted by the filmmakers themselves. Winning the Audience Choice award was Orlando filmmaker TODD THOMPSON for his excellent short film TIME & AGAIN (I swear I almost cried, Todd!). Congratulations to Todd and all the other filmmakers who participated in this terrific event. I know I'll never forget the great time we had!
The producers of FILTHY would like to personally thank once again 3 BOYS PRODUCTIONS for hosting such a fantastic annual event that allows independent filmmakers from all over the world to exhibit the films to a mass audience. M.I.F.F. has been a tremendous success since its inception and continues to be a vital element of the film scene in the state of Florida. Governor Jeb Bush personally welcomed attendees of the event in a stirring letter which is featured on page 3 of the official MIFF program book. The team that is 3 BOYS PRODUCTIONS are the nicest people you ever want to meet, and could not have been more gracious to the filmmakers who attended. Thank you so much!
A special thanks to BILL WILLIAMS of A CUT ABOVE VIDEO for the excellent exhibition/projection of all films in the festival!
L to R: Actor Patrick Gallo, filmmaker Katherine Leis, and screenwriter Ted Sullivan; Filmmaker Michael Baumgarten; Emcee Jeff Hall "Cradling Independent Film"; Katherine Leis about to speak
L Pic: Filmmaker Alex Pelet Narbonne & his lovely wife; Middle Pic: screenwriter Ted Sullivan; R Pic: Actor/filmmaker James ("The Dukes of Hazzard") Best
L Pic: Filmmaker/Comedian Paul Sullivan; Middle Pic: James Best & his lovely wife; R Pic: Entertainers Robin & Eddy
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- 9/14/03 *UPDATED WITH PICTURES 9/22/03