By RANDY WILLIAMS Special to the Daily Press
PACIFIC PALISADES The Fifth Annual Pacific Palisades Film Festival has grown to include an impressive roster of alumni who have gone on to direct feature films and in some cases even earning Oscar nominations.
Westside resident Bob Sharka, a rocket scientist at Northrop Grumman by day and full-time cinephile, is the festival’s founder and program director who attributes the festival’s success to following a mission statement he presented to his non-profit board of advisors from day one.
“I wanted to get aspiring filmmakers’ work seen by the public who likely won’t be able to view it at the local AMC,” Sharka said. “One day their emerging talents just might get to that level.”
Jason Reitman is just one example. Before he directed the major motion picture hits, “Thank You for Smoking” and “Juno,” he began his career presenting his short films at places like the Pacific Palisades Film Festival.
Santa Monica-resident and filmmaker Leslie Iwerks, who was nominated for an Academy Award with her documentary, “Recycled Life,” attributes the festival’s location and format for separating it from the sea of regional film festivals.
“Santa Monica offers a community supportive of local filmmakers and Bob saw early on how getting an independent filmmaker in front of people can sometimes make a difference in their career,” said Iwerks, whose grandfather was a leading animator and co-created Mickey Mouse.
The location and format also appeals to the local movie-going public.
“I really like that we’re given an opportunity to ask questions of the filmmakers after a screening. I always have questions,” said John Grogan, a local resident and manager of a local adult baseball team, the Santa Monica Suns. “One of my favorite features was a documentary on the history of Catalina Island. I finally got to see footage of the Chicago Cubs conducting spring training there, something I heard about but had never seen.”
Another attraction is the proximity to Hollywood decision-makers, more than a few reside on the Westside.
“Many film festivals allow you exposure and feedback, but a lot of industry people come to these screenings so you get supportive, professional feedback you can take away that you might not get at other festivals, “Iwerks said.
Just like feature films, word of mouth plays a role here for the general public.
Long-time resident Amanda Lovejoy is looking forward to attending the festival for the first time because she was told about a story that intrigued her.
“A friend told me about South Central Farm and its story of urban farming and the intense views of public figures involved has drawn me in,“ Lovejoy said.
The festival continues through Saturday. For complete screening times and dates, visit www.friendsoffilm.com.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 7, 2008. Read the original PDF.