By Donna Campbell Smith, Franklin County Arts Council
The kick-off for the Second Annual Franklin County International Film Festival held at the Franklin County Arts Council center in Franklinton NC was a hit.
FCAC volunteers served soft drinks and popcorn to a full house of film viewers. They were excited to welcome Adam Renkovis to the event, who traveled from South Carolina to attend the screening of his film, A Beautiful Silence.
Gauri Sigh, founder and organizer of the Franklin County International Film Festival, reported, “It was a triumphant day as the film festival experienced its share of colorful moments as the emphasis on diversity seemed pronounced. The celebration of oneness came about in the warm and homey environment of Franklin County Art Council’s center as culturally diverse conversations soared.”
She went on to say, “The movie, A Beautiful Silence, takes an A+ as people of diverse religious background could relate to the topic.” Singh pointed out there were other diverse topics covered by the other five films screened at the FCAC center including aging, religion, family, and women’s issues.
Films screened at the festival came from filmmakers in the United States, Iran, Italy, Sweden, and Russia.
The festival opened with a Red Carpet, reception, and screening of a sample of the films on April 2, 2016, at the Franklin County Arts Council headquarters in Franklinton NC. Additional screenings followed on April 3, 2016, at the Norris Theater on the Louisburg College campus in Louisburg NC.
Mac McCord, FCAC member and a volunteer at the event said, “I was honored to participate in the 2016 Franklin County International Film Festival sponsored by the Franklin County Arts Council. Short films were shown and covered themes of longing, aging, immigrants dealing with life in a new country, loss of faith, woman’s rights, and finding hope in loss, love, and the search for home.”
He went on to thank Gauri Singh for helming the film festival. “And thanks to Gauri and the members of FCAC” he said, “for championing independent filmmakers; in this time of uncertainty for the film industry in NC, it is even more important to promote films of all kinds for all people. I was thrilled to have had the opportunity to see these films and meet some of the filmmakers.”
“This is the epitome of what the Arts Council is all about – sharing with the community, and artists showcasing their craft,” remarked Pamela Andrejev, FCAC events coordinator.
The Franklin County International Film Festival is online at www.fciff.org.
More information on the Franklin County Arts Council and activities including the film festival, visit www.fcacarts.org.
