Savannah Film Festival honored John Sayles

John Sayles Honored on Oct. 29 Followed by Screening of the Movie “Honeydripper”

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The 10th annual Savannah Film Festival, hosted by the Savannah College of Art and Design and sponsored by Memorial Health, the Savannah Morning News, the City of Savannah and The Talking Phone Book, presented John Sayles with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Directing Oct. 29, 7 p.m., at Trustees Theater, 216 E. Broughton St.

Academy Award-winning actor Chris Cooper, a friend of Sayles’ known for his roles in “Seabiscuit” (2005),“American Beauty” (1999) and “Lone Star” (1996), presented Sayles with the award.

“He’s telling the stories no one else is telling,” said Cooper. “And he does it with intelligence and heart.”

Sayles began his career as a novelist and short-story writer with the 1975 publication of “Pride of the Bimbos.” Since then he has directed, written, or produced 16 feature films and worked on many others. Sayles’ achievements include an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay, “Passion Fish” (1992), and a second Academy Award nomination for “Lone Star,” which he directed. His film, “Men with Guns” (1997), was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. In addition, he directed three music videos for Bruce Springsteen, “Born in the U.S.A,” “I’m on Fire” and “Glory Days,” during a hiatus from filmmaking.

Following Sayles’ tribute, film festival attendees viewed his 1atest film, “Honeydripper,” which tells the story of the origins of rock n’ roll in the Deep South. Filmed mostly in Greenville and Georgiana, Ala., the cast includes Danny Glover, Savannah native Stacy Keach and Austin guitar sensation Gary Clark Jr.

For more information, call 912.525.5050 or visit Savannah film festival