The third annual Rockport Film Festival got off to a great start this year with a Red Carpet Reception and outdoor screening of CHOPS in Rockport Center for the Arts' Sculpture Garden on Thursday, November 5. Over 100 people enjoyed a high-tech silent auction, Shiner Beer (donated by Shiner and Andrews Distributing), live music by Jimmy Buck, free popcorn and perfect weather for an outdoor film.
On Friday, Texas Film Commission Director Bob Hudgins and Brady Dial, Producer of Friday evening's featured film RIDE AROUND THE WORLD, spoke about the film industry, Rockport's becoming a "film friendly" community, and the importance of small film festivals all over the state. 168 people showed up for the Friday evening screening, breaking an attendance record! Thanks to Artfluential gallery for throwing a nice party on Friday evening.
Directors Brad Kammlah (Purge) and Austin Wilkins (The Dream) were in attendance during Friday Late Night Shorts.
On Saturday, CRAWFORD was featured at the matinee, along with a great selection of short films, and Saturday evening rounded out another great festival year. Chad Matthews, director of CLONES GONE WILD, could not be here, but his parents happen to live in Victoria and drove down for the screening. A wrap party (once again with Shiner Beer) blended right in to the late night shorts... where Stephen Huff and supporting crew were in attendance for his short, LAMBS.
Sunday's Free Matinee at Rockport Center for the Arts had its biggest crowd to date, and YEARS IN THE MAKING received warm responses from all who attended.
Every year gets better, we learn something new, and wear ourselves out. Thanks to all the Rotary Volunteers (led by J.D. Debler) and Art Center Staff.. as well as our PR and Advertising goddesses, Debbie Perry and Yvonne Olvey for their help getting the word out.
The festival couldn't have run smoother thanks to a dedicated Film Festival Crew: Alicia Ross, Karen Ernst Mize, and Taylor and Marsha Hendrix. They were the first ones here when events began, and were the last ones to leave when it was all over!
Thanks to ATX Event Services and Reel Simple for their production support, and to our Producer Level Sponsors: First Victoria Bank, Reel Simple Productions, and the Texas Film Commission. We simply could not pull it off without you!
We look forward to the Fourth Rockport Film Festival in 2010. Keep in touch with us here and on Facebook for 2009 Awards, Photos, and updates throughout the year.
Click here for Photos on Rockport Center for the Arts' Flickr Stream.
Last but not least, great thanks to all of this year's festival attendees.. you are the ones who keep it alive!
-John Aasp, Festival Director
