On the Big Screen

Fort Myers Film Fe stiv al ope ns We dne sda y

By NATHAN MAYBERG nmayberg@breezenewspapers com

While the prospects for the Fort Myers Beach Film International Film Festival returning this year are uncertain after Hurricane Ian and last year’s sale of the Beach Theater, film enthusiasts have a local alternative this week

The 13th annual Fort Myers Film Festival opens this Wednesday, May 17, with a red-carpet kickoff at the Sydney and Berne Davis Art Center with the Florida premiere of “Bad Behaviour,” starring Jennifer Connelly The film had its world premiere at Sundance in January

The festival runs through Sunday

Wednesday’s kick-off will also include the world premiere of the seven-minute short film “Yacht on the Rocks,” featuring music by Straight No Chaser directed by Sasha Levinson. The evening will also include a performance by members of Straight No Chaser, who will be in attendance for the opening night

Doors will open at 5:30 p m VIP attendees will include cast and crew from movies officially selected for the 2023 Fort Myers Film Festival The event will conclude with a sunset champagne and dance afterparty on Sidney’s Rooftop at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Tickets are $20 for the movie only or $100 for the movie and VIP meet and greet

Fort Myers Film Festival founder Eric Raddatz said the festival is an opportunity for filmgoers to see up-andcoming filmmakers and actors.

There are 71 films being shown in all “We have more films than anybody will have time to see,” Raddat said

“There are a lot of local films, films from a dozen different countries, student films, environmental films, people are drawn from all over the world who see Fort Myers as a cool place to come to,” Raddatz said

Raddatz recommends short film blocks to those unsure what to see

Among the films Raddatz recommends is the environmental film “Deep Rising,” a documentary on the late comedian Bernie Mac titled “Warriors: The Bernie Mac D i s e a s e , ” a n d t h e e r o t i c t h r i l l e r “ P e r f e c t l y G o o d Moment ”

The local film “Worth the Fight” tells the story of Fort Myers resident Steve Canton, current president of the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame The film is from local filmmaker John Biffar

The festival wraps up Sunday with a filmmaker panel and discussion and cosplay competition in the street

“It’s a real labor of love,” Raddatz said "It's a real adventure "

For a complete schedule for the festival, visit https://fortmyersfilmfestival com