Download IIFC 2017 Program - Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE AND WELCOME
from Stephen Savage
IFC 2017. Year eight of what indiefilm.com called “The Greatest
Little Film Festival On Earth,” and LA Weekly touted as a “Mini
Sundance.” Seems impossible, given the limitations we were
dealing with while planning the festival way back when. No
budget, no sponsors… but we made up for all of that with a lot of
heart. And so, here we are. Not so little any longer, and definitely
growing out of the ‘mini’ stage. We are now a full fledged film
festival, and I couldn’t be more proud of my partners and the
team who have made it all possible. I had high hopes when I first
started laying out the foundation for the Idyllwild Festival in
2009, but the past 8 years have proven to me that even the
highest hopes can fall short of some amazing realities. IIFC moves
into this new season so strong and so viable, I am literally in awe
of its potential, as every year the quality of filmmaking gets
better, and bigger, and more inspiring.
And to add even more awe to my already overblown exuberance, the audiences keep coming in greater numbers. To say
we have come into our own falls short of the mark. IIFC has come so far in such a short time that I can now say, without
fear of exaggeration, that we are truly one of The ‘Go To’ Festivals for filmmakers and film lovers in California. And we
show no sign of slowing down. So, let’s make 2017, Idyllwild’s 8th season, the best one ever, by ensuring not only the best
selection of independent films ever assembled for a young festival, but also by promising to inspire, thrill, and excite all
who come this January 5th through 15th, as we celebrate the spirit of independent filmmaking world wide.
I look forward to seeing you all at Idyllwild 2017!
Stephen Savage
Director IIFC
IIFC EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!
Filmmaker's Coffee, 9AM daily, Rustic Theatre
Fireside Get Togethers, 8pm nightly, Creekstone Inn
Thursday, Jan 5th • 8PM • Opening Night Party • Creekstone Inn
Kick off IIFC 2017 by meeting filmmakers from all over the globe. Live Music with Moody Blues keyboardist
Julie Ragins. Eat, Drink & Be Merry • $15 cover
Saturday, Jan 7th • High Noon • World Premiere • Rustic Theatre
Join Stephen Savage for the Premiere of Tucker's War. Also meet Trinity Houston and others from his upcoming film "The Wind
of Heaven" along with Veteran Actress, Joan Steiger. Stick around for the After Party with coverage by The Hemet News.
Thursday, Jan 12th • 8PM • Filmmaker's Mixer • Creekstone Inn
Join fellow filmmakers for this second weekenders get together and make great connections. Food & Fun • $15 cover
Saturday, Jan 14th • 11:30AM • An Hour with Anne Archer • Rustic Theatre
The noted Hollywood actress talks about her career and the business of filmmaking in an in-depth Q&A session.
Saturday, Jan 14th • 8PM • Director's Dinner • Creekstone Inn
Nominated finalists for IIFC 2017 are announced and VIP tickets to the Award's Ceremony are handed out.
This is a party you don't want to miss! Food, Drinks & Fun for all. • $15 cover
Sunday, Jan 15th • 12PM • IIFC 2017 Award's Ceremony • Rustic Theatre
Seating is on a first come, first served basis. Nominated films will receive VIP tickets starting at the Director's Dinner the night
before and continuing the next day at the Rustic Theatre up until 10:30am. All nominees must register. All VIP ticket holders
will be allowed in first, with everyone else to follow. Seating is limited.
WOMAN AT THE HELM
TRINITY HOUSTON
IIFC Executive Producer
​ hether it be producing feature films and television, concert DVDs and
W
streaming events for legendary musical artists, or overseeing the
greatest little film festival on earth (we’re referring to the Idyllwild
International Festival of Cinema of course), Trinity Houston does it all
with a style and flare that makes it look easy… even though it’s not!
Trinity’s latest movie venture is the dramatic theatrical film The Wind of
Heaven, written by IIFC’s own Stephen Savage, slated to begin
production in the spring of 2017. The film will feature an all star cast and a
crew of some of Hollywood’s finest. And along with fellow producer
David Minasian, Trinity will be overseeing the film’s post production as
well, working with iconic rock and roll artists like Roger Taylor, songwriter
​and drummer for Queen, and Moody Blues singer/guitarist/composer Justin Hayward. Hayward and Minasian have
already collaborated on the film’s theme song, recently released by Universal, and Hayward has named his new live
tour The Wind of Heaven Tour, 2017. That tour will precede a Moody Blues world trek celebrating the 50th
anniversary of their historic 1967 album Days of Future Passed which contained the classic rock hits Tuesday
Afternoon and Nights In White Satin. Those landmark songs, along with an epic music video for The Wind of Heaven,
which she directed and produced, are featured on a new Justin Hayward DVD titled Live In Concert at the Capitol
Theatre which was produced by Ms. Houston and released through her company IM3Global Entertainment.
Trinity Houston’s life from a very early age has been driven by a single, undeniable force: Creativity. After exploring
an interest in health as a pre-med student, Ms. Houston’s artistic and marketing desires began to pull her in a
different direction, as she embarked on a successful career in entrepreneurship, with business dealings throughout
the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. Her strong background in Entertainment, Publishing, Event Planning,
Trade Show Management and Public Relations, has contributed in significant ways to her success as the current
CEO of IM3Global Entertainment, an international media, management and marketing firm based in Southern
California.
As Marketing Director for a number of renowned Caribbean resorts, one of Ms. Houston’s early creations was
Vacation Entertainment Television, which continues to broadcast daily on travel and leisure channels in multiple
languages globally. She was also the creator and producer of INdTelevision for Time Warner Cable and now
EyeOnIndie, an arts and entertainment programming entity spotlighting talent in Independent Film, Music and
Culture. Her producing, directing, on-camera and voice-over talents have also kept her busy with literally hundreds
of additional commercial and corporate productions.
Ms. Houston’s creative drive has now led her into feature film production with numerous projects currently in
development, pre-production and production. As if her life schedule isn’t hectic enough, she has also taken on the
task of helping local non-profits with their visual presence and marketing endeavors.
The Idyllwild International Festival Of Cinema is proud to boast that this industrious and visionary young woman
has now held the position of Executive Producer for six of its eight years, taking the festival into its eighth season
bigger and stronger then ever, with an eye toward the future, and the same visionary idealism that first launched
her career into the world of international entertainment.
ANDREA CHARLES
IIFC Executive Artist Liason
One of the first things a filmmaker hears upon arriving in Idyllwild to register for the festival,
aside from the mountain breeze and the chattering birds, is the lovely British accent of IIFC
Executive Artist Liaison and Children’s Festival Chairperson, Andrea Charles. Andrea now
enters her fourth season at IIFC in the dual role of the One Woman Welcoming Committee
and all around Festival Guide, as well as the moving force behind IIFC’s Children’s Film
Department. Hailing from Sussex, England, Andrea found herself living in the Californian
mountain top village of Idyllwild purely by chance in 2012. But after a very brief settling in
period, she quickly became a well known “Mountain Local” and soon after met Festival
Director Stephen Savage, who believed her winning personality and organizational skills
would be a huge asset to IIFC. After some pleading, he convinced her to come on board, and
the rest, as they say, is history.
Apart from her tireless work with IIFC, Andrea’s love of animals, kids, and people in general, are her main passion. Not only did she
spearhead the addition of the Children’s Festival portion of IIFC, she is also a Life Coach and bestselling author of the children's book
Harvey’s Favorite Day, a fun adventure as seen through the eyes of her own dog, Harvey. The book is available on Amazon and other
retail sites, and has become a favorite of children worldwide.
IIFC News sat down with Andrea to get her take on the festival as it moves into year 8:
Q: So Andrea, it looks like we’re in for another year of great films and events. How’s it looking from your POV?
A: I'm really excited. The festival’s growing so quickly and the standard of the films keeps getting better and better each year, which
makes it difficult for the judges to make decisions sometimes. But that’s a good problem to have for any film festival, I’d imagine.
Q: You’ve met a lot of filmmakers over the past few years and watched a lot of movies. Anything you’re hoping to experience this
year that maybe was lacking a bit in years past?
A: I have indeed met a lot of filmmakers and forged some great relationships. I would love to see the success these artists have
achieved continue to grow. And for the up and coming filmmakers, I wish them much luck as they strive to reach their dreams in the
industry.
Q: OK, so let’s hear about the children’s festival. How did you launch that, and how much did the publication of your book influence
that part of IIFC?
A: The first year I was one of the screeners of the movies. There were a lot of films that were suitable for children, so I asked why
don't we do a children's screening? With only 2 weeks left before the start of the festival, Stephen told me if I could pull it off, I
should go for it. Fortunately, with the support of Shannon Ng, the manager of the Idyllwild library, we managed to promote the
festival just in time and had about a dozen children with their parents show up. The next year with more time to prepare, the library
was packed. Standing room only. We are hoping this year will be even more successful. It is a free event and anyone can attend.
Funny enough, my book Harvey’s Favorite Day, was in the
process of being published around this time last year, so it
technically wasn't out when this festival took place. I’m hoping
to share it with the kids this time around.
Q: One last question: Tell us where you see the festival going in
the next few years, and how do you think your role will change or
grow as it moves forward toward the magic 10th season - a
landmark for any film fest.
A: I can see the festival steadily growing and achieving it’s goal of
providing a stable platform for up and coming filmmakers to
showcase. The support of our local hotels, restaurants and
volunteers makes this a real community driven event and that's
what makes it so special. Many actors and producers I've spoken
with in the past have said how much they enjoyed the
atmosphere of Small Town America. That's what I love about
Idyllwild.
A TALE OF TWO THEATERS
The Long History of Filmmaking in Idyllwild
​The Rustic Theatre and the Silver Pines Lodge have much more in common
than just their storied histories in Idyllwild. The movie house and the inn, as
well as the town of Idyllwild itself, boast a shared record of film screenings
and movie production in their long dossiers. Yet surprisingly, until WWII, the
act of going to the movies for Idyllwild residents meant driving to Palm
Springs or the neighboring town of Hemet. Quite a haul in those bygone
days. There simply wasn’t a movie theater in the area.
​ ovie making in Idyllwild is nothing new. Cecil B. DeMille, Mary Pickford, Tom Mix and other silent era icons,
M
frequently ventured into the beautiful mountain areas of Idyllwild and Garner Valley to shoot movies far removed from
the over used backlots of Hollywood. They were looking for a certain type of rugged authenticity to double as scenery
for far off places like Alaska, Canada, or the Rocky Mountains. They found it in Idyllwild, only a few hours from
Hollywood. In the 1920s alone, over two dozen films were shot in and around Idyllwild, and by the 30s and 40s, cowboy
stars such as Gene Autry and Tim Holt had made the San Jacinto Mountains a regular fixture as a B movie and matinee
serial backdrop. Film and television production in Idyllwild continued into the 50s and 60s with big studio ventures like
the long running TV western Bonanza, and the United Artists Elvis Presley boxing vehicle, Kid Galahad. A couple of late
60s efforts utilized the town as a setting for independent Biker Movie films (such as Peter Fonda’s pre Easy Rider film
Wild Angels), but by then, Idyllwild’s vast filmmaking history had mostly been lost to memory.
​But here’s where the irony kicks in. Just as filmmaking in
Idyllwild was on the wane, film “watching” became
accessible for the first time to local residents and visiting
tourists through the creation of the first “Rustic Theatre”,
which had its birth in the Grand Room of what is now The
Silver Pines Lodge. Incidentally, this very theater is one of
the screening venues which has been utilized by the
Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema since its second
season in 2011. The story goes that sometime during WWII,
a couple from Palm Springs purchased the old “Rustic
Tavern” building and began showing movies on weekends,
as well as throwing square dances and other events for
​locals. The movie screenings were a hit, but it wasn’t until local entrepreneurs Glenn and Nina Froehlich bought the
building from the couple, installed real theater seating and began ordering first run movies under the new name
“Rustic Theatre,” that Idyllwild would have a true movie theater. The little theater quickly outgrew itself and in 1952,
the New Rustic Theatre was built on the location where it now stands. The original theater was soon converted to an
inn, and is now The Silver Pines Lodge, and the main room is once again been converted into a movie house for the
Idyllwild Cinema Fest. As they say, what comes around goes around.
T​ he film festival, founded by film and television director Stephen Savage, began its life in 2010, under previous Rustic
Theatre owners Shane and Ashley Stewart, who helped to grow the festival (along with festival executive producer
Trinity Houston) into what is now known all over the world as “The Greatest Little Film Festival On Earth.” And 2017,
with the support and vision of Silver Pines Lodge owner Chris Singer, and new Rustic Theatre owners Kevin Nett and
Amy Nyul Nett, the festival is shaping up to be the biggest and best IIFC ever. IIFC is proud and honored to call these two
historic venues home. With state of the art digital visual and sound, we know our guest filmmakers will be just as proud
to showcase their work here at IIFC. In recent years, working hand in hand with the amazing support of the the
Riverside County Film Commission, Stephen Savage’s “Film Idyllwild” company has hosted nearly a dozen feature films,
shorts and commercial productions in Idyllwild with an eye toward making Idyllwild once again a permanent fixture in
independent and studio film production from around the world.
IIFC Celebrates its 8th Year With
A VERY SPECIAL OPENING WEEKEND EVENT!
a preview of the upcoming film the wind of heaven & a talk with the producers
a talk with the hollywood icon joan steiger
the world premiere of tucker’s war & a talk with the cast
Saturday, January 7th at High Noon in the Rustic Theatre
The Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema opens the first
of its two big weekends on Saturday January 7th, beginning
appropriately at High Noon. The Rustic Theater will serve as
host to the world premiere of the brand new western
television pilot Tucker’s War, written and directed by IIFC
founder Stephen Savage.
The afternoon will kick off with a screening of a new music
video titled The Wind of Heaven featuring the legendary
Vocalist, Composer and Guitarist of the Moody Blues, Justin
Hayward. The song will serve as the theme for the upcoming
Stephen Savage penned feature film of the same name which
goes into production this coming Spring here in Idyllwild. The
film’s producers (who also served as the music video’s
directors), Trinity Houston and David Minasian, will provide
an update on the production and answer any questions you
might have.
Next up will be a Q&A session, hosted by film history
aficionado Stephen Savage, with Hollywood legend Joan
Steiger; actress, author and widow of Academy Award
winning actor Rod Steiger. Ms. Steiger will speak about her
long career in television and film, her relationship with her
late husband Rod, and her work with countless Hollywood
icons including Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope and Mickey
Rooney. Ms. Steiger began her career as a regular on the
original Steve Allen Show and would go on to land recurring
roles on such television classics as Candid Camera, General
Hospital, Fantasy Island, TJ Hooker, and Hotel. Ms. Steiger has
a new book out about her life called Brooklyn Baby, which
was co-authored by Wind of Heaven producer David
Minasian.
​ lso on hand to speak will be two of the stars of the new
A
western television pilot Tucker’s War: Wolfgang Bodison (A
Few Good Men, Bones) and Oscar Torre (The Hangover III, CSI
Miami). This will be followed by the World Premier of the
Tucker’s War pilot. .
A VERY SPECIAL OPENING WEEKEND EVENT!
Tucker’s War writer/director Stephen Savage’s new television
pilot was produced in concert with the Summerhawk Film
Institute, a new filmmaking trade school conceived by Mr.
Savage and actress Irene Bedard (Longmire, Smoke
Signals,Disney’s Pocahontas), with the aim of training Native
American youth in the art of movie production. With the
blessing of the Riverside County Film Commission, and a large
allotment of land from Cahuilla Tribal member Mara Rose
Costo, Summerhawk will be an ongoing educational and
entertainment entity set up to provide practical, hands on
instruction from working Hollywood professionals in
filmmaking techniques within an actual production
environment.
Tucker’s War takes place in Southern California during the
1920s; a period of significant historical context. Prohibition
was the law of the land, women had just won the right to vote
and men returning from the Great War in Europe were
struggling to bridge the divide between the wild west lives
they knew before the war and the rapidly changing culture
they had returned to. Along with some of Hollywood’s
favorite film and television stars, the series also features
members of the world famous cowboys from California’s
Official State Play, Ramona. The play has been running each
spring since 1923, and Mr. Savage was commissioned in 2014
to write a new script for a new millennium. Tucker’s War and
the Ramona Cowboys are a match made in heaven, which can
be witnessed at the World Premiere screening of this exciting
new pilot.
Joan Steiger
Oscar Torre
Wolfgang Bodison
A reception will immediately follow the event where you can
meet and talk with Stephen, Trinity, David, Joan, Wolfgang,
Oscar, and other cast members from Tucker’s War. Copies of
Joan’s book Brooklyn Baby will be available for signing as well.
L to R - David Minasian, Doug Dibert, Jr., Justin Hayward, Trinity Houston
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ANNE ARCHER
​ Closing Weekend Set To Shine with the
8th Annual IIFC Awards Ceremony and an
On Stage Talk with Legendary Actress
Anne Archer
​Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA nominated
actress and newest IIFC Grand Jury member, Anne Archer,
graces the Rustic Theatre stage on Saturday January 14th
at 11:30 am with and in depth discussion about her
impressive career, her approach to acting for the screen and stage, her iconic leading men and her working relationship
with some of Hollywood’s greatest directors. Her notable films include Fatal Attraction, Clear and Present Danger and
Patriot Games, just name a few. Hosted by IIFC founder and director Stephen Savage, this one on one discussion
promises to be one of the highlights of the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema’s 2017 season. Don’t miss it.
Sunday afternoon finds IIFC closing out the year with its annual Awards Ceremony and presentation of the prestigious
Golden Coyote Paw awards in major categories such as Best Film, Acting, Musical Score, Cinematography,
Screenwriting, Documentary, as well as the always outstanding Mary Austin Awards for Excellence in Filmmaking by
women. The 2017 nominees have a great deal to be excited about, as this year has proven to be the best for top rated
and entertaining independent films.
ANNE ARCHER’S LOCAL CONNECTION
Anne Archer played the lead role of Ramona with Frank Sorrell as Alessandro in the Ramona Pageant in 1969. Timeless
and iconic Ramona is celebrating its 94th season. It is California’s official outdoor play and our Nation’s longest running
outdoor drama. With the new updated script it’s a great reason to see Ramona again for the First Time!
Ramona
CALIFORNIA’S OFFICIAL OUTDOOR PLAY
April 22 & 23, April 29 & 30,
May 6 & 7, 2017
www.ramonabowl.com
The Three Muses of the IIFC
Chris Singer, Pam Allen & Laurie Gillette
With each passing year, The Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema goes through a series of
changes that keep organizers on their toes; such as last year’s move to take over the layout of the
festival program after years of great work done by the Idyllwild Town Crier newspaper, or this
year’s decision to extend the festival to 11 days from its long standing 6. But one thing hasn’t
changed throughout the entire history of the IIFC, and that’s the dedication of three specific
Idyllwild women who have been in our corner, strongly encouraging and supporting us, since day
one.
Chris Singer, owner and operator of The Silver Pines Lodge, has been a driving force in IIFC’s lodging
coordination efforts since the festival’s planning stages 8 seasons ago. Chris has not only been our
main lodging advisor and strategist, but with her understanding of logistics and ability to bring the
innkeepers of Idyllwild together to help meet the needs of our guests, she has designed and
molded our lodging schematic into a well-oiled machine. Always pragmatic and generous beyond
measure, Chris Singer is a treasure not only to the festival, but to the town itself; as witnessed by
her receiving the IIFC Faulkner award for community spirit in 2016.
Pam Allen, who along with her late husband and stalwart festival supporter Larry Allen, began her
history of support for the festival back in 2010 when they offered up a number of comp rooms as
VIP accommodations at the Fireside and Bluebird Cottage Inns. Then in 2012, after the festival’s
hats and tee shirts were destroyed in an unfortunate fire, Pam stepped in and provided a new lot of
hats, shirts, beanies and hoodies to replace the lost inventory through her amazing shop,
Wooley's, Idyllwild’s most famous clothing outlet. Wooley’s is only a few feet from the Rustic
Theatre. Pam and her staff keep the doors open for extended hours during the run of the festival,
making sure all IIFC guests have access to warm gloves, scarves, coats and caps; as there are always
some who come a bit unprepared for the colder climate of Idyllwild’s nearly 6000 foot elevation.
We couldn’t imagine IIFC without the support and encouragement of Pam Allen.
If there was ever a human who fit the description of guardian angel, it would be Laurie Gillette.
Laurie, who runs the beautiful Creekstone Inn, home to some of IIFC’s most prodigious yearly
events, has also been a festival supporter since its inception. With a smile and a laugh that are
infectious, and a keen ability to foresee problems and their solutions far ahead of everyone else,
Laurie is one of the festival’s key figures. Together with her always cheerful husband Darrell,
Laurie’s Creekstone Inn have played host to Hollywood big wigs and up and coming filmmakers
alike with a flare of hospitality that stays in people’s minds long after their festival experience is
over. Everyone loves her and we can’t blame them.
These are three of the key reasons IIFC has grown into the great event that it has, and why it will
continue to grow for years to come. Chris, Pam and Laurie believe in us, and in the town of
Idyllwild. Bravo! We thank you! You are part of what makes us great!
THANK YOU!
Screening Schedule
Screening Schedule
Screening Schedule
Screening Schedule
CREATIVE FINANCING FOR YOUR FILMS
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SYNOPSIS
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REACHING OUT
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IIFC WELCOMES
THE
RAMONA
CAST AND
COWBOYS