On September 18, 2018 the Global Peace Film Festival opened here in Orlando. On that evening there was a screening of the film, “Every Act of Life” which profiles the world renowned playwright, Terrance McNally‘s pioneering five decade career in theater focusing on the struggle for LGBT rights and his pursuit of love and inspiration at every age. The festival is in its 16th year. In these times of deep division, the festival focuses on our resources which are just an arm’s length away in our family, neighbors, friends and throughout our communities. All week films are being shown in venues at Rollins College, The Winter Park Public Library, The Center, Valencia College, and Downtown Orlando.
Pam Schwartz and I got a table with a view at the Enzian Theater on opening night. The film had not let out yet, so the Eden Bar was half full. Then the theater doors opened and the festival goers filled the bar. There were light bites and the room was suddenly a buzz with activity. At a table in front of us, photographer Peter Morey was having a discussion with Jim Lussier. Peter spent ten years shooting photos of Nelson Mandela and an exhibit of these photos is opening on tonight, September 20, 2018 at City Arts Factory. 2018 marks the 100 year anniversary of the birth of Nelson Mandela. Photos in the exhibit feature Mandela’s inauguration, meetings with dignitaries, and even shots of Nelson at home with his family.
I intend to get to a screening of “Uprising: Pulse to Parkland” by local film maker Vicki Nantz. The film is about two Florida communities united by grief and anger from deadly mass shootings. It is about the national uprising against the gun industry and the politicians who profit from gun violence in America. That screening is on Friday September 21, 2018 at 6pm in the Bush Auditorium at Rollins College.
Check the online Film Festival Schedule to find other amazing thought provoking films.