Readying for a cast of thousands, the second edition of the Malibu Film Festival will take place at the end of this month–and this time not in tents alongside the Pacific Coast Highway.
The new venue for screenings of the more than 30 films chosen for the festival is the New Malibu Theatre.
Started four years ago by founder David Katz, the festival is adjusting to growing pains — shortening days, locations and other such details as parking. The first festival took place over seven days, and it was estimated by Katz that more than 5,000 people attended. This year’s festival has been shortened to three days.
“We wanted the festival to have a stronger presence,” said Katz, of the reason why it was shortened. “If shorter and sweeter is better, then that’s the way we’re going.”
Alanna Tarkington, one of several co-chairs for the event, said organizers are still working with the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, as well as with the lot at Papa Jack’s, the local skate park, to secure parking. Organizers are also looking at parking at Surfrider Beach for overflow and street parking as a last resort.
“We’re trying to make it as safe and convenient for Malibu residents as possible,” said Tarkington. “But it’s going to be an exciting event also.”
To add to the excitement, several major stars have been chosen for lifetime achievement awards.
Shirley McClaine, Charles Bronson, and, posthumously, the late Lloyd Bridges will receive lifetime awards. Jeff Bridges and his wife, Dorothy, and Lucinda Bridges Cunningham will be on hand to accept the award for Lloyd.
Arthur Hiller, screenplay writer, and director of the famed “Love Story” and the more recent “Babe” film, is slated to receive the Achievement in Arts for Directing award. B-movie maker Roger Corman will present the Corman Award for producing to Barry Spiking, who won the Oscar for producing “Deer Hunter.”
Actor Nick Nolte will receive the Achievement in Arts Award. “Titanic” director James Cameron will also be on hand to present awards.
Seven feature films, 25 short films and three documentaries have been chosen to be screened at the festival Feb. 23 through Feb. 25. Out of those, four filmmakers are from Malibu.
“Righteous Indignation” is a short film directed by Malibuite Katie Bronson, daughter of Charles Bronson. “The Rising Place” is a feature length film directed by Tom Rice, and two documentaries come from Malibu residents: “Above A Frozen Sea,” directed by Will Oxx and Dave Barlia, and “A Bitter Sweet Tale of Failure,” directed by Bara Byrnes.
“The Rising Place” stars Frances Fischer, who co-starred in “Titanic” as the mother of Kate Winslet’s character.
“It’s a very blue-ribbon style film,” said Katz. “It’s a very high quality independent film.”
An independent anonymous jury, consisting of Malibu locals, filmmakers in the industry, ranging from directors to cinematographers, selected the films. The festival audience will choose the winners of the festival. A ballot will be handed out and collected at each screening, said Katz. Each film will then be scored in separate categories.
Katz said the festival is formatted just like the Sundance and Cannes festivals. It is scheduled to coincide with the American Film Market (AFM), where all the distributors and producers come together to shop for hot new films. Malibu Film Festival organizers plan to have a shuttle service to and from the AFM.
Co-chairs for the Malibu Film Foundation are Cheree Chapman, Diane Carroll and Tarkington. Sitting on the advisory board are Cameron, Corman, Hiller and Linda Hamilton. M.G. “Mick” Mills and Angelika Katz are the directors of the foundation, and lending a helping hand is Mary Lou Blackwood, former executive vice president of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce, now with the title of director of community relations for the festival.
Tickets for screenings and other events can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the New Malibu Theatre, during box office hours.