The Big Bear Lake International Film Festival is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing the emerging talent of screenwriters and independent filmmakers within the idyllic setting of Big Bear Lake. Our goal is to nurture a festival, which is highly creative, filmmaker friendly and which provides an educational experience for those people interested in all aspects of the film industry. The 2008 Festival is Sept. 11 thru 14 at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center and Pine Knot Theater.
The festival screens independent feature films, short films, student films, high school student films, documentaries, animation and family films. The Grand Jury, made up of film industry professionals, and Audience Awards are given in each category, in addition to a Student Cinematography Award. Awards are given at the Big Bear Lake Performing Arts Center Saturday night following the nine local restaurant Wrap Party. Celebrity presenters of awards to filmmakers will be Jim Pike, the founder of the musical trio, “The Letterman,” which won 46 consecutive hit record albums; Ralph Hodges, who started acting as Stinky in “Our Gang” and acted in over fifty films including “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” and “Holiday Inn”; and Noel Blanc, who as a producer and performer has kept alive his father Mel Blanc’s Loony Toons characters.
Each year there is a special sidebar or cultural showcase – This year’s sidebar is to showcase films relating to mountain activities with an outdoor sports theme and the relationship of people with nature. We also hold a topnotch screenwriting competition with agents, managers and producers as jurors, in addition to seminars on filmmaking, screenwriting, marketing scripts, and production of films during the Festival.
On Friday, September 12th at the Opening Night Gala in the BBL Performing Arts Center, the festival is presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to cinematographer, Janusz Kaminski. His films include "Saving Private Ryan," and "Schindler's List". John Savage is being given the 2008 Acting Award of Excellence. John’s break-out role was as Steven in Academy Award winning film, “The Deer Hunter.” He has appeared in several other Oscar-nominated films, and also served as a film co-producer.
Following the Friday night awards will the pre release showing of DreamWorks Pictures’ “Ghost Town.” This romantic -comedy is directed by David Koepp, and stars Ricky Gervais, noted for his acting in the British version of the television series, “The Office.”
Ty Warren, Vice President of Productions of DreamWorks Pictures, is the president of the Festival. Monika Skerbelis is Vice President, Artistic and Programming Director. Sandy Steers is Vice President & Screenwriting Competition Director.
For more info go to the BBL Film Festival Website. Passes/Tickets can be purchased during the Festival at the Performing Arts Center. For advance sales go to the Festival website.
