“FLIFF” It’s a Wrap

THE 33rd ANNUAL FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

WRAPS-UP FOR ANOTHER YEAR WITH

CLOSING NIGHT FILM

THE LATE ROB STEWART’S “SHARKWATER EXTINCTION”

With Special Guests: Rob’s Parents Who Completed the Film 

 

 

CELEBRITY GUESTS INCLUDING:

“The Hunger Games” and “Ocean’s 8” writer/director Gary Ross

Actor & Filmmaker Paul Lieberstein

Renowned Artist Forrest “Frosty” Myers

“Caddyshack” & “Tron” Star, Cindy Morgan

 

 WHAT:   During the last weekend of The 33^rd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, the fest brings in a bevy of celebrity talent and holds one of their most off-the-charts, over-the-top parties, The Wrap Party Extravaganza.

WHO:   SATURDAY, NOV. 17

Gary Ross, renowned writer/director of films including the fantasy comedy-drama film PLEASANTVILLE, the sports drama film SEABISCUIT, the sci-fi action film THE HUNGER GAMES, and most recently the action-crime-comedy OCEAN’S 8.  Ross’s first screenplay that was made into a feature film was the Tom Hanks hit BIG.  FLIFF will present Gary Ross with a Lifetime Achievement Award prior to the tribute screening of PLEASANTVILLE, which will be followed by an audience Q&A.

 

Paul Lieberstein, who starred as the soft spoken, mild-mannered Toby Flenderson in NBC’s THE OFFICE was also the NBC’s hit sitcom writer, director, producer and showrunner.   Lieberstein presents the Southeast Premiere of his comedy SONG OF BACK AND NECK at FLIFF.  The comedy, inspired by his own physical pain, marks his feature film directorial debut which he wrote, produced and stars as Fred, a nice guy who is not taken seriously by anyone. When a beautiful client comes in looking for a divorce lawyer, she and Fred hit it off.  She suggests he see an acupuncturist, who discovers that Fred has a unique talent.

Forrest “Frosty” Myers – in 1961, Frosty entered a rapidly changing art scene in New York. He was one of several artists that pioneered living and working in abandoned lofts that led the urban renewal in what became the downtown scene in lower Manhattan, Soho and ultimately Brooklyn.  Frosty is recognized for his sculpture “The Wall” (aka The Gateway to Soho) and for the “moon museum” the first art placed on the Moon, as well as for his radical furniture that blurred the lines of art and design.  Producer Debra Arch Myers will attend with Frosty Myers.  The Florida Premiere of THE ART & TIMES OF FROSTY MYERS, held this past week during FLIFF, documents his career over the past half-century.

Brian and Sandy Stewart took over the role of producers of their son Rob’s third film, SHARKWATER EXTINCTION, after the 37-year-old died during a diving accident that took place during filming in the Florida Keys in 2017.  The young director from Canada devoted his life to saving sharks and thus, saving our oceans.

 

Brock Cahill, is a Cinematic Activist and Preservation Tactician, aligned with the Intent of Nature, for The SeaChange Agency and Team Sharkwater.  Brock and Rob were dive partners for the better part of ten years, and spent countless hours strategizing how to change the world, and save the ocean

 

Teresa Tico, co-director of the powerful documentary POISONING PARADISE which had its Florida Premiere this weekend at FLIFF.  The film exposes the effects of environmental injustice on a local Hawaiian population and joins the international debate about pesticides as well as the people’s movement to hold corporations and governments accountable for poisoning planet Earth. Tico is a Hawaii based attorney and film producer of environmental documentary films to raise awareness about the cultural and environmental impacts of declining resources and climate change.  POISONING PARADISE is co-directed by Keely Shaye Brosnan and executive produced by Pierce Brosnan, residents of Hawaii.

Steve Kelly, director of funny yet touching coming of age football memoir, THE BROMLEY BOYS, played out to the sights and sounds of late 60’s Britain.  Based on the hilarious novel by Dave Roberts, it recounts the author’s highs and the lows supporting the worst football team in the country.  THE BROMLEY BOYS screened at FLIFF this weekend.   Kelly is known for is known for City Rats (2009), Final Breath (II), Strange But True? (1995-1997).

WHEN:  Saturday, November 17

3:45pm:  Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Gary Ross

5:30pm-5:45pm:  Q&A with Gary Ross

6:45pm-7:45pm:  Red Carpet arrivals

8:00pm:  Film Awards, The Rob Stewart Environmental Award followed by the screening of FLIFF’s Closing Night Film, and Florida Premiere of SHARKWATER EXTINCTION AND Q&A.

 WHERE:  Bailey Hall, Broward College Campus, 3501 Davie Rd, Davie, FL 33314

WHO:   SUNDAY NOV. 18

The 33^rd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival closes with a Caddyshack Themed Extravaganza produced by FLIFF Executive Board Member, Steve Savor.  When you arrive at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club, you’ll be greeted by a Rodney Dangerfield look-a-like.  As you enter the Club House you can take a photo with actress Cindy Morgan (Tron) who portrays Lacey Underall in Caddyshack.  Three will be a bountiful buffet, three bars, models dressed 80’s style, a neon lit putting green, a live band and dancing.   On the 18^th hole, you’ll spot a sea of golf carts fanned out drive-in movie style in front of a 40ft Jumbo Screen for the presentation of the filmed in Fort Lauderdale CADDYSHACK.  The Photo Ops are endless!

WHERE:  Fort Lauderdale Country Club: 415 E Country Club Cir, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317.

WHEN:   Sunday, November 18

6:00pm-6:30pm:   Photos with Cindy Morgan at the Clubhouse

6:30pm-7:00pm:   Grab a bite to eat

7:00pm:   Head to the putting green and the drive-in movie set

7:30pm:   Gregory von Hausch will introduce Cindy Morgan, and Rodney Dangerfield