Malibu gears up for a festival showcasing award-winning films from around the world.
By Kim Devore / Staff Writer
Malibu is ready for its close up as the city kicks off its first-ever Malibu Celebration of Film. The celluloid showcase of award winning movies debuts next week, bringing “the best of the best” to the beach.
The noncompetitive festival runs Oct. 4-8 with screenings at Pepperdine’s Elkins Auditorium, Alumni Park, Raitt Recital Hall and Smothers Theater in addition to three outdoor venues at Bluffs Park, Calamigos Ranch and the Malibu Pier.
The festival’s program has something for everyone, no matter what the interest, age or outlook. Thirty-seven of the latest and greatest screen gems; handpicked prizewinners include 11 feature films, eight documentaries and 13 shorts.
Documentaries include Al Gore’s eye-opening environmental film “An Inconvenient Truth,” which picked up the top prize at both Sundance and Cannes. Among the other distinguished docs: “Anytime USA” with its look at partisan politics; “Black Sun,” the journey of visually impaired painter-turned-writer Hugues de Montalembert; “Mama Earth,” a story of ecological economics; and Viggo Mortensen’s Native American tale called “Spirit Riders.”
Although first year festivals are never easy, Executive Director Kim Jackson is pleased with the response.
“It’s going amazingly well,” Jackson said. “The support we are getting from the community has been the biggest inspiration for this project.”
Putting together a program and selecting from dozens of award-winning possibilities, was one of festival’s biggest challenges.
“The taste of a community can be hard to gauge,” Jackson said. “We tried to bring in movies that didn’t get a lot of distribution and would be of interest. It’s a very well-rounded program and I’m really proud of it.”
The festival starts off at Calamigos Ranch where film fans can check out Robert Altman’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” The film features an all-star cast, including Meryl Streep and Lily Tomlin, and will be introduced by noted movie critic Leonard Maltin. Altman will also be on hand on Oct. 7 for a special tribute in his honor at Malibu’s Kashan Castle, hosted by Lilly Lawrence.
In addition to the festival coming to fruition, MCOF Board Member Doloris Rivellino is pleased with FILMS “Cool,” an educational outreach program chaired by acclaimed actor Ed Harris and his wife, actress Amy Madigan.
“We are so fortunate to have Ed and Amy lead this group,” Rivellino said. “This town has so much talent to give. We have actors, producers, directors, writers who can act as mentors for these kids.”
The festival wraps up with the world premiere of “Accidental Icon: The Real Gidget Story.” While it’s a safe bet that anything surf-related is going to make a splash, organizers are hoping for success all around.
“I think we’ve done a really great job in getting the word out,” Jackson said. “Now it’s getting people to respond to films and come to the movies.”
If they do, MCOF will have met its main goal, offering five days of compelling stories that educate, entertain and inspire.
More information and tickets can be obtained online at www.mcof.org. See page B6 in the Life & Arts Section for a film festival schedule.