The film festival circuit descends upon Key West Nov. 12-16 for this year’s Key West Film Festival with a line-up of nearly 50 films accompanied by a bevy of Q&A’s and special events. Film aficionados can look forward to seeing possible Oscar-nominated films by award-winning directors and stars. Also, about a third of the films will feature a special Q&A with cast or crew following the credits, an added bonus and part of the festival’s mission.
“The increase in Q&A’s and panel discussions throughout the five-day festival is a direct reflection of our mission to always connect our audiences with the filmmakers. Those sessions allow for a deeper insight into the heart and soul of the film and ultimately, the filmmaker’s vision,” said Brooke Christian, founder of the festival.
Actress Marisa Tomei will appear at the festival and present the film she produced and stars in “Loitering with Intent,” directed by Adam Rapp about two guy friends and actors who sell their unwritten script to a producer and their quest to write it while dealing with numerous distractions. Rapp will be on the Stage to Screen panel along with Stephen Belber, director of “Match” starring Patrick Stewart and based on the Tony-nominated play.
Academy award-nominated screenwriter Angus MacLachlan will be on hand with his “Goodbye to All That,” which is also his directorial debut and stars Paul Schneider, Heather Graham and Celia Weston. It tells the story of a divorced dad who starts a new life with his daughter. MacLachlan, who was nominated for “Junebug” will participate in a Screenwriter’s Panel along with writer Lucy Alibar, best known for “Beasts of the Southern Wild.”
Director Sebastian Junger presents “Korengal,” his follow-up to “Restrepo.” The film picks up where the first one left off and features the same men, commanders and valley but with a new perspective about the war experience.
Nia Vardolos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) shows her comedic chops in “Helicopter Mom” produced by Stephen Israel who will follow the screening with a Q&A. “The Life Partners,” directed by Susanna Fogel, stars Leighton Meester and Adam Brody in a story about two best friends, one straight the other a lesbian and the man that comes between them.
“I am proud that through our line-up of films and group of filmmakers, directors and actors that will grace the screen and stage for panels and Q&A’s during the festival, we are presenting an unforgettable experience on an island that has a rich, vast cultural history,” said Michael Tuckman, program director of the festival.
Additionally, there are several Oscar-buzz documentary screenings including Italy’s official entry to the Academy Awards “Human Capital,” documentary “Point and Shoot” by twice Oscar-nominated screenwriter Marshall Curry and feature documentary “The Overnighters” directed by Jesse Moss. Curry received Oscar nods for “Street Fight” and “If a Tree Falls.”
