Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

Robert Redford to direct movie in Savannah this fall

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009 —
“The Conspirator” to be filmed in Savannah

SAVANNAH, GA – The City of Savannah Tourism and Film Services Department is pleased to announce that the feature film “The Conspirator” will be shot in our area this fall. The Civil War era drama will be directed by Robert Redford and produced by The American Film Company. Redford directed “The Legend of Bagger Vance” here in 1999 and we are very excited to have him back in Savannah.

Set against the ominous backdrop of post-Civil War Washington, The Conspirator follows the extraordinary trial of Mary Surratt, the lone woman among those charged with conspiring to kill Abraham Lincoln. Idealistic young war hero, Frederick Aiken reluctantly defends Surratt, eventually coming to believe in her innocence while struggling to find justice in a city bent on retribution

savannah-historicFilming is scheduled to begin in mid October and will continue into December.

We are very excited about the positive impact this project will have on our community. The economic impact of production will be in the millions. The wide exposure such projects bring can pay dividends for years.

Savannah offers a wide range of looks, a competitive State tax incentive and a high level of local cooperation from the City, County, businesses and especially our citizens.

The Savannah location was selected after an extensive scouting process and following the unanimous recommendation of The American Film Company’s historians.

The American Film Company has opened a production office and sound stage in the Savannah area and is currently accepting resumes for local hires via an email hotline: conspiratorasst@gmail.com

Casting, publicist information and other contact information will be posted on the News page at www.savannahfilm.org when it becomes available.

Going to the Ritz in Downtown Brunswick, GA

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The Ritz Theater in downtown Brunswick used to be the place to go for movies. The Ritz remained on top for more than 50 years, from the earliest days of silent film up to the 70’s. This is one of those wonderful old theaters reminding you of Hollywood hay days with deep red velvet, gold and a huge silver screen.

With the arrival of the multiplex theater, cable television and home theaters, times changed for the Ritz. But now, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association has made it possible for us to again experience an old-fashioned movie experience at the Ritz.

When GIAHA brought films back to the Ritz in 2007, the response was overwhelming. Now movies are a regular part of the programming and the Ritz is once again the Grand Old Cinema in downtown Brunswick.

Beginning in July 2009, GIAHA will again present the popular Summer Classic Movies. Escape the summer heat and experience some of the classic films the way they were meant to be seen. If you have young kids or teenagers, this event is definitely something the whole family can enjoy.

The Summer Classic Movies are shown on Thursdays at 7 pm. Tickets are only $5.00 at the door. You can also win door prizes and there’s free popcorn (first come, first served), so make sure to mark your calendar.

Dinner and a Movie
You can even make it a night on the town for the whole family without breaking the bank. Buy your ticket after 5 pm for that night’s show. Go next door to ARTE PIZZA, show them your ticket for any slice of wood-fired pizza, a salad, and a drink for only $5.95. You’ll be back at the Ritz in time for the 6:30 pm short subjects and 7 pm feature.

Here’s the list of the Summer Classics:

July 2 – The Sound of Music (1965)
Do-re-mi…  This is the event for all wanna-be singers and musical lovers. You can be a star too.  Julie Andrews will lead the audience in one  of the most popular musicals ever. The Sing-Along Sound of Music that has packed audiences for years in London, and now Brunswick is next. This film has all the familiar song we love and this time you can watch it on the big screen.  Come in costume (for extra prizes). Dress up as a nun, a lonely goatherd, a drop of golden sun (no Nazis please).

July 9 – All About Eve (1950)
This movie is the winner of six Academy Awards (including Best Picture) and nominated for eight others (including two Best Actress nods). This is one of Bette Davis’s most unforgettable roles (as mercurial, imperious Broadway star Margo Channing). It is also one of the wittiest, most entertaining inside looks at the crazy world of show business.

July 16 – Patton (1970)
Americans love a winner! Those are the words of General George S. Patton (at least according to Francis Ford Coppola’s award-winning screenplay), and audiences loved George C. Scott in his Oscar-winning role as the stubborn, controversial, larger-than-life World War II commander in this powerful screen portrait. It’s all here: the battles, the bravado, the behavior bad and good for which “Old Blood and Guts” was known, brought to amazing life by Scott’s truly remarkable performance.

July 23 – Laura (1944)
Laura is the face in the misty light, the laugh that floats on a summer night, but she’s only a dream…or is she? That’s the question at the heart of this classic 1944 film noir with a twist: the cop investigating a murder falls for the victim! Oozing with atmosphere, Otto Preminger’s “tribute to style over sanity” (according to critic Roger Ebert) takes place in the rarified, decadent world of New York high society, where just about any oily cad could be a killer. And, of course, there’s that unforgettable theme song.

July 30 – Conrack (1974)
The true story of “one beautiful man.” Based on the memoir by author Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides, The Great Santini), this inspiring drama filmed right here in the Golden Isles (worth a look just to spot familiar places) centers on Conroy’s struggles and triumphs as a teacher assigned to an isolated island off the coast of South Carolina. Martin Ritt directs with his characteristically sensitive handling of social issues, and an acclaimed cast contributes brilliant performances to this beloved 1974 film.

For more information, visit www.goldenislesarts.org

Ritz, Brunswick, GA
Ritz, Brunswick, GA

Free Family Film Festival at Regal Cinemas

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During the summer you can take your whole gang to the cinema for selected free screenings at Regal Cinema. Regal Entertainment Group has a nine week long Free Family Festival going on at selected theatres, now for the 19th year.

Participated theatres show G and PG rated movies for free on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10 am. Examples of movies include; Hotel for Dogs, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar Escape 2 Africa, and Shrek the Third.
Check local theatre listing for film selection, call the theatre or visit the website for schedule updates.

Below you’ll find a list of some of the participating theatres:

FLORIDA

Beach Blvd. Stadium 18
14051 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville ,FL 32250
904-992-4394

06/09/2009-06/10/2009
Everyone’s Hero (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)

06/16/2009-06/17/2009
Charlotte’s Web (G)
Shrek The Third (PG)

06/23/2009-06/24/2009
The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Bee Movie (PG)

06/30/2009-07/01/2009
Space Chimps (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)

07/07/2009-07/08/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Nim’s Island (PG)

07/14/2009-07/15/2009
Curious George (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

07/21/2009-07/22/2009
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G)
Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (PG)

07/28/2009-07/29/2009
Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)

08/04/2009-08/05/2009
Arctic Tale (G)
Igor (PG)

The Avenues Stadium 20
9525 Phillips Highway
Jacksonville ,FL 32256
904-538-3892

06/09/2009-06/11/2009
Charlotte’s Web (G)
Shrek The Third (PG)

06/16/2009-06/18/2009
The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Bee Movie (PG)

06/23/2009-06/25/2009
Space Chimps (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)

06/30/2009-07/02/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Nim’s Island (PG)

07/07/2009-07/09/2009
Curious George (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

07/14/2009-07/16/2009
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G)
Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep (PG)

07/21/2009-07/23/2009
Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)

07/28/2009-07/30/2009 Arctic Tale (G)
Igor (PG)

08/04/2009-08/06/2009
Everyone’s Hero (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)

GEORGIA

Savannah Stadium 10
1132-34 Shawnee Street
Savannah ,GA 31419
912-961-1535

06/16/2009-06/18/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)

06/23/2009-06/25/2009 Space Chimps (G)
Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)

06/30/2009-07/03/2009 P
irates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)

06/30/2009-07/02/2009
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

07/07/2009-07/09/2009 M
r. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G)
Nim’s Island (PG)

07/14/2009-07/16/2009
Everyone’s Hero (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)

07/21/2009-07/23/2009
Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)

07/28/2009-07/30/2009
Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Shrek The Third (PG)

08/04/2009-08/06/2009
The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)

08/11/2009-08/13/2009
Charlotte’s Web (G)
Surf’s Up (PG)

SOUTH CAROLINA

Palmetto Grande Stadium 16
1319 Theatre Drive
Mount Pleasant ,SC 29464
843-216-8150

06/16/2009-06/18/2009
Charlotte’s Web (G)
Surf’s Up (PG)

06/23/2009-06/25/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)

06/30/2009-07/02/2009
Space Chimps (G)
Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)

07/07/2009-07/09/2009
Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

07/14/2009-07/16/2009
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G)
Nim’s Island (PG)

07/21/2009-07/23/2009
Everyone’s Hero (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)

07/28/2009-07/30/2009
Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)

08/04/2009-08/06/2009
Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Shrek The Third (PG)

08/11/2009-08/13/2009
The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)

Charles Towne Stadium 18
2401 Mall Drive
North Charleston ,SC 29406
843-554-6120

06/16/2009-06/18/2009
Charlotte’s Web (G)
Surf’s Up (PG)

06/23/2009-06/25/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)

06/30/2009-07/02/2009
Space Chimps (G)
Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)

07/07/2009-07/09/2009
Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

07/14/2009-07/16/2009
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G)
Nim’s Island (PG)

07/21/2009-07/23/2009
Everyone’s Hero (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)

07/28/2009-07/30/2009
Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)

08/04/2009-08/06/2009
Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Shrek The Third (PG)

08/11/2009-08/13/2009
The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)

Azalea Square Stadium 16
215 Azalea Square Blvd
Summerville ,SC 29483
843-821-1554

06/09/2009-06/11/2009
Everyone’s Hero (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)

06/16/2009-06/18/2009
Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)

06/23/2009-06/25/2009
Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Shrek The Third (PG)

06/30/2009-07/02/2009
The Tale Of Despereaux (G)
Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)

07/07/2009-07/09/2009
Charlotte’s Web (G)
Surf’s Up (PG)

07/14/2009-07/16/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Journey To The Center Of The Earth (PG)

07/21/2009-07/23/2009
Space Chimps (G)
Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)

07/28/2009-07/30/2009
Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

08/04/2009-08/06/2009
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G)
Nim’s Island (PG)
film reel

Slow Food First Coast Hosts “Meal and a Movie Night” – Jacksonville

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Slow Food First Coast is hosting a “Meal and a Movie Night” on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at the St. Johns County Agricultural Center at 6 PM.  The event will coincide with both Earth Day festivities and the celebration of Women’s History Month.  The meal will feature an all-vegetarian buffet of fresh, local produce catered by Johnny’s Kitchen of Hastings, followed by a pre-release limited screening of “A Sense of Wonder,” a documentary style film about Rachel Carson’s pioneering work as the founder of the contemporary environmental movement.  Cost for the event is $20 and tickets may be purchased by calling (904) 692-1800 weekday mornings.  Seating is limited.  The film is only being shown in a small number of communities across the country.

“What better way to celebrate both Earth Day and the contribution of women to our society than to eat a delicious, local, vegetarian meal where the produce was pulled from the ground that very morning and follow it up with a fascinating film about Rachel Carson?” remarked Slow Food First Coast leader Richard Villadóniga.  “This event is a celebration not only of how far we have come as a society, but where we are headed.  Rachel Carson was ahead of the curve, but today, right here in St. Johns County, people are doing tremendous things to protect our natural resources and the future is bright.”

According to the film’s website, “A Sense of Wonder” is “an intimate and poignant reflection of Carson’s life as she emerges as America’s most successful advocate for the natural world” as she battled cancer in her final year of life.   The film was shot in HD by Oscar-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler at Carson’s cottage on the coast of Maine.  For more information regarding this remarkable film, visit http://www.asenseofwonderfilm.com/.

Slow Food First Coast is a non-profit organization that promotes local food production, the preservation of our community’s culinary and cultural heritage, and public education and discourse on a system of food production and consumption that supports equity, sustainability, and quality.  Slow Food is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.  For more information visit www.slowfoodusa.org.

Jewish Film Festival – Savannah, Georgia

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The 2009 Joan and Murray Gefen Memorial Savannah Jewish Film Festival will be held from February 25-March 8, 2009.

Bye Bye Braverman
February 25, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 7:30 pm
Co-sponsored with The Psychotronic Film Society

When idealistic author Leslie Braverman, 41, dies suddenly from a heart attack, his four best friends decide to attend his funeral together. The centerpiece of this almost forgotten classic comedy is a discussion about philosophical observations of death relative to the merits of a classic comic book.

Comedy, 1968, 94 minutes. Starring George Segal, Jack Warden. English.

Toots
February 26, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 1:30 pm; March 6, 10:00 am

Toots Shor was a well known saloonkeeper in New York from 1940 to 1959, and his midtown Manhattan bar was the place to be seen. His granddaughter, documentary filmmaker Kristi Jacobson, takes us on tour of her famous grandfather’s world.

Documentary, Unrated, 2007, 85 minutes. English.

The Case for Israel: Democracy’s Outpost
February 26, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 7:30 pm; March 6, 12:00 pm

A point-by-point defense of the Jewish State, led by Dr. Alan Dershowitz. Utilizing archival footage and compelling interviews with top experts, the film presents a stirring rebuttal to growing criticism from the media and academic and international communities. Nearly thirty commentators lend their points of view, including: former Israeli Prime Ministers Barak, Netanyahu and Peres.

Documentary, Unrated, 2008, 77 minutes. English.

Praying with Lior
Festival Grand Opening, February 28, 2009, Trustees Theatre, 8:30 pm.

A touching documentary about a special boy with Down syndrome during the months leading up to his much-awaited Bar Mitzvah.

Winner of the National Media Award of the National Down Syndrome Congress and Audience Awards for Best Documentary at the Seattle, Vancouver, San Diego & Washington Jewish Film Festivals.

Documentary, 2007, 87 minutes. English.

Encounter Point
March 1, 2009. Trustees Theatre, 3:00 pm.

This award-winning documentary depicts different families that have been affected on all sides by the violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Director Ronit Avni will give a Q&A afterwards.

Documentary, 2006, 89 minutes. Arabic, Hebrew, English subtitles.

Song of David
March 2, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 7:30 pm; March 6, 2:00 pm

A sixteen year old soul-searching yeshiva student is studying to become a rabbi. Alienated by social boundaries, he reaches out to the broader world. He becomes obsessed with hip-hop music, wherein he discovers artistic freedom and honest self expression. He then must choose between diverging worlds.

Documentary short, 2007, 20 min. English.

Yippee
March 2, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance 8:00 pm; March 6, 2:30 pm.

Famous American Jewish film director Paul Mazursky follows an annual Chassidic pilgrimage to Uman, Ukraine on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, for his first documentary. Mazursky, a proclaimed secular Jew, wants to understand why so many people feel connected to Uman and returns with this humorous examination of a “journey to Jewish joy.”

Documentary, 2006, 74 minutes. English.

Powder and the Glory
March 3, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 2:00 pm

Join us for tea and the story of two of the first highly successful women entrepreneurs in America, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. One hundred years ago these women immigrated to the United States and created what is today the $150 billion global health and beauty industry.

Documentary, 2007, 96 minutes. English.

First Basket
March 3, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 7:30 pm; March 5, 1:30 pm

David Vyorst explores the impact that basketball had on modern Jewish history, as well as the profound influence that unsung Jewish pioneers had on the evolution of the sport. Bob Weinhauer, former head coach of the University of Pennsylvania and assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves will introduce the March 3rd screening.

Documentary, 2008, 86 minutes. English

Advice and Dissent
March 4, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 2:00 pm.

A frustrated businessman, Jeffery Goldman (John Pankow) tries to end his hopeless marriage to his wife, Ellen (Rebecca Pidgeon) by asking his local Rabbi (Eli Wallach) to place a curse on her.

Comedy, 2002, 21 minutes. English.

The Schwartz Dynasty
March 4, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 2:30 pm

The tale of two women, joined together by their common struggle to determine their own destiny, in a small town torn apart by religious extremism, petty power struggles, and bigotry

Comedy, 2005, 99 min. Hebrew with English subtitles.

Surfwise
March 4, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 7:30 pm

Co-sponsored with The Psychotronic Film Society

Surfer and doctor, Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz decided in the 1950s to leave success behind, heading for a life on the beach, taking with him his wife and nine children (he wanted to “repopulate the world with Jews”). The New York Times calls Surfwise a “wonderfully engaging look at love and family and the relentless pursuit of happiness, personal meaning and perfect waves.”

Documentary, 2007, 93 minutes, English. Rated R for sexual content and language.

Black over White
March 5, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 7:30 pm

Director Tomer Heymann followed the famous Israeli music group, The Idan Raichel Project, on their 2006 concert tour to Ethiopia. Enjoy the exotic scenery and groove to the different and exciting world music that will have you dancing in your seats as the most popular Israeli group travels through uncharted territory.

Documentary, 2007, 54 minutes. English subtitles; Hebrew and Amharic dialogue. Some strong language and adult content.

888-Go-Kosher
March 7, 2009 at the Westin Hotel, 7:30 pm

Who knew there was such a thing as a rapid-response kitchen koshering service? This short documentary follows a day in the life of Rabbi Sholtiel Lebovic as he helps NYC clients go kosher from scratch as he arrives at the scene with his energetic team.

Documentary, 2007, 11 minutes. English.

Circumcise Me
March 7, 2009 at the Westin Hotel, 7:30 pm

“Is it hot in here, or am I the only one dressed for Poland in the 17th century?” Yisrael Campbell (Born Chris Campbell) converted to Judaism not once, but three times – Reform, Conservative and Orthodox – each one requiring a circumcision. Ouch!

Docu-comedy, 2008, 48 minutes. English.

Making Trouble: Three Generations of Funny Jewish Women
March 7, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 8:00 pm.

Directed by Rachel Talbot and produced by Jewish Women’s Archive, this is a tribute to Molly Picon, Fanny Brice, Sophie Tucker, Joan Rivers, Wendy Wasserstein and Gilda Radner.

Documentary, 2007, 85 minutes. English.

Sixty Six
March 8, 2009, Victory Theatre, 4:00 pm.

It is the summer of 1966, and England is about to be consumed by World Cup Fever. For 12 year-old Bernie though, the biggest day of his life is looming: his Bar Mitzvah — the day he becomes a man. The Cup Final is scheduled to take place on the same day

Comedy, 2006, 93 minutes. English, PG-13 due to some suggestive language and some mild adult content. Starring Helena Bonham Carter..

One Day You’ll Understand
March 8, 2009, Jewish Educational Alliance, 7:30 pm

Veteran French actress Jeanne Moreau stars in this dignified French film helmed by rising Israeli director Amos Gitai. As the trial of Gestapo head Klaus Barbie plays out in 1987, businessman Victor Bastien (Hippolyte Girardot) finds himself distracted from his work and increasingly obsessed with piecing together his family’s history.

Drama, 2008, 90 minutes. French with English subtitles.

For more information, please go to www.savj.org, or contact Programming Associate Benjamin Kweskin (ben@savj.org or 355.8111).
Savannah Jewish Film Festival