A plethora of Malibu residents from the film industry are supporters and organizers of the Malibu Celebration of Film, a new festival that premieres in October.
By Ryan O’ Quinn / Special to The Malibu Times
“Malibu is without doubt the most talented city in the world.”
The sentiment was echoed time and again as celebrities, city leaders and supporters gathered last week on the Malibu Pier for the announcement of a new annual film festival to be held in the city beginning in October.
The Malibu Celebration of Film will be the first of its kind in the world, organizers say, as it will honor the winning films of film festivals from throughout the world. In addition to numerous screenings, there will be filmmaker discussions, special guests and educational programs available to the public.
“This will be the first film festival on earth that will screen only the winners of the world’s major film festivals,” said actress Kathleen Quinlan, an organizing committee member, in welcoming remarks.
Bob Klein, one of the founders of MCOF, said: “This event will not only celebrate the achievements of filmmakers, but will give our audiences the chance to see what festival juries have judged to be the best of the year’s entries into competitive festivals throughout the world. And, as Malibu is home to many motion picture academy members, it will also give them an early opportunity to see some films they may be voting on when the Academy Awards ballots are ready.”
The festival will annually honor a recipient of the “Courage Award,” named for Malibu composer-arranger Alexander “Sandy” Courage. Press conference attendees were treated to a short film highlighting Courage’s extensive musical career including “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Show Boat,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Gigi,” “My Fair Lady,” “Hello Dolly!” and “Star Trek,” just to name a few.
The first recipient of the Courage Award will be award-winning director and Malibu resident Robert Altman, who will be honored at a gala on Oct. 7 at “The Castle” home of Lilly Lawrence.
Altman was not present at the event, but Klein read a short statement from the filmmaker: “I am flattered to be given this award and when I found out it was in my own backyard, how could I resist? Go Malibu Celebration of Film,” Altman wrote.
The festival has received the encouragement and support of the city of Malibu throughout the planning stages, Klein said. The city will also donate an inflatable movie screen for use at a screening venue at Bluffs Park.
“This event was a natural for this city and it’s great for Malibu,” Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Jennings said last week. “It’s great for the residents, many of whom are in the industry. It’s a win-win for everybody. There is no event like this anywhere in the world. We are excited to be able to bring these great festival-winning films to our community of filmmakers and film lovers.”
Speaking on behalf of one of the festival’s sponsors, Pepperdine University, Michael Gose, professor of humanities and film, pledged the school’s support and Alumni Park as a screening venue.
“Pepperdine is delighted to support this new venture. We celebrate our place in the Malibu community, our growing role in film study and the great opportunities this event will provide,” Gose said. “It’s difficult to believe this idea is not already in existence. We expect to make a small, but significant contribution to this festival and the world.”
Doron Weber, program director of the Sloan Foundation, was also in attendance to announce the foundation’s support as a major sponsor. The philanthropic institution is named for Alfred P. Sloan, former president and chief executive officer of the General Motors Corporation.
“We are excited to be part of this ‘festival of festivals,'” Weber said. “Film is the common language. We all speak it. We are delighted to get to know this storied film community.”
One educational aspect of MCOF will be the filmmakers’ mentoring program, which is part of the event’s educational outreach program. The project, known as “Filmscool,” is directed by Denise Ritchie and co-chaired by Malibu residents Ed Harris and Amy Madigan.
“I’ve lived in Malibu my entire life,” Ritchie said. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to create a community that not only works together in times of fires and floods, but also for the children here. Malibu is home to the largest collection of filmmaking talent in the world. Our goal is to mobilize them to help teach the next generation of Southern California filmmakers.”
The mentoring program will work with the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, and help to educate and give first-hand experience in all aspects of filmmaking. Each year, MCOF will have the Filmscool awards ceremony that will honor young creators of outstanding films.
“I think for a lot of people like myself who work in the film industry and who live in Malibu, I’ve always considered Malibu more of a refuge away from the business and a place where I can mind my own business; aside from the occasional paparazzi at the grocery store,” said Academy Award-winning actor Ed Harris. “There’s a lot of us here that have worked in the industry that have a lot to offer and have been asked to participate in this program and to help younger filmmakers learn. I think it’s a great opportunity for all of us professionals who do live here to give back to the community and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
The Festival’s Organizing Committee includes Lilly Lawrence, Kathleen Quinlan, Bruce Abbott, Lisette Ackerberg, Robert Altman, David Arquette, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Brian Helgeland, Harry Hamlin, Norman Jewison, Lora Kennedy, David Lyons, Téa Leoni, Ali MacGraw, Grace Slick, Douglas Stewart and Dick and Michelle Van Dyke.
The Malibu Celebration of Film will take place Oct. 6 – 14 at various locations in Malibu including the New Malibu movie theater, Alumni Park at Pepperdine, Bluffs Park and the Malibu Pier. More information can be obtained at the Web site: www.celebrationoffilm.org