St. Augustine Film Festival returns for its third year

By Ashley Goodman | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The St. Augustine Film Festival is celebrating its third year this month. The film festival will showcase eclectic films from all over the world and is not only open to Flagler College students, but to the public as well. The festival will run from January 17-20.

Gregory Von Hausch, president and CEO of the Ft. Lauderdale and St. Augustine Film Festival, has been fascinated with film since 1973, when he founded the Hippodrome Theatre in Gainesville.

In 1989, Von Hausch heard about an opening for the Executive Director of the Ft. Lauderdale Film Festival and immediately applied.

“I always loved film and had a very cinematic way of producing theatre, so, I took the job. After 24 years, I’m still hanging in there,” said Von Hausch.

Barbara and Arnie Grevior sponsor the St. Augustine Film Fesitival (SAFF) and Von Hausch has organized it every year. Von Hausch is hoping for better attendance at SAFF than last year.

“I don’t have a lot of money to promote the event, word of mouth is our best promotional tool. In this, our third and perhaps final year, I really want the students to attend in great numbers, as if it were in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or Toronto,” said Von Hausch.

Kelley Cottrell, a Flagler College alumni, became involved with the festival her senior year and is now Head of Communications. Cottrell is hoping to make it more of an event this year rather than just watching the film screenings.

“This year we want to reach a broader audience, especially students. We will have really great films to view, and a red carpet, so fashion will be something to think about. There will be three parties and social gatherings, some of the actors and film makers will be present, There will be filmmaker panels. The festival is a really great opportunity for those who have an interest in films or how they’re made to ask questions, make contacts, get to know the filmmakers on a personal level,” said Cottrell.

The opening night film is “The Story of Luke” which will premier at 7:00 p.m. in the Flagler College auditorium. The opening party will be at the Markland House. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Gypsy Cab and wine by Barefoot. The closing night film will be “Sex, lies and surgery” which will premier Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. followed by a closing night dinner catered from Carrabbas with wine by Barefoot. Tickets for the closing parties are $25 which includes admission to all films. General admission tickets are $7, $5 for seniors and $3 for Flagler students, faculty and staff. For more information on the film schedule, please visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Saint-Augustine-Film-Festival/201759186556728