Greenville International FIlm Festival Holds First Event This Weekend

The phrase “Win-Win” is one that has been tossed around a lot lately, overused perhaps. But in the case of the Greenville International Film Festival it is apt. Actually, the GVIFF might be a win-win-win. 

(Full disclosure: I’m working as a volunteer this weekend for the Festival, which is a non-profit corporation).

On the one hand, the festival will provide a welcome respite from the steady stream of the “Same Old, Same Old” that appears at multiplexes. You know, gross-out comedies, over-the-top, special effects-heavy action movies, and romantic comedies sorely lacking a spark. Those seeking more challenging fare are sure to be delighted by the 50-plus films being screened.

The second “win” is the support that is provided to the festival by the 30 local sponsors who stretch across all sectors and have chosen to be a part of the next phase of Greenville’s already thriving arts scene.

And that’s the third win. As any visitor to the downtown can attest, Greenville has a multitude of options between theatre, live music and the many options presented at the Peace Center. The city has received plenty of media attention in the last year. Perhaps the International Film Festival can help push the city to the next level.

The festival kicks off with an Opening Ceremony on Wednesday at Zen with dinner and a screening of “Searching for Sonny,” a film from Andrew Disney. One of the film's stars, Michael Hogan, best known for his role on the TV show Battlestar Galactica will also be attending.

Emmy-award winner Harvey Hubbell will show his documentary Dislecksia and sign copies of his book of the same name at Nose Dive and Zen at 2:30 and 4 p.m. on Friday. He’ll also be at Coffee Underground at noon on Saturday to sign his book.

The festival has no shortage of local flavor either. Clemson professor and Academy Award winner Dr. Jerry Tessendorf will hold a workshop on digital movie production on Saturday at Zen. In addition, two of Tessendorf’s students-- Irene Rhindos and Pisut Wisessing—will have their films shown. Both Rhindos’ and Wisessing films are animated and draw on a number of traditions to deliver a powerful message.

Tickets for the films are sold in blocks and can be purchased online or at the venues for $10 each. Tickets are sold in blocks of between an hour and-a-half and two hours. Each block will show at least two films. For more information about scheduling, venues and tickets visit the festival’s official website.