2006 was the first year that the Jacksonville First Coast chapter of the
FMPTA partnered with Melt Into Arts, The Springfield Improvement Association and
Women's Club and Shands Jacksonville to present the 9th Annual Manhattan Short
Film Festival (MSFF). The MSFF is one of the most unique film festivals in
the world for two distinct reasons; every one viewing the films votes for the
winner, and all twelve films are shown all over the world during a two week
period in September. That means while the audience is watching here in
Jacksonville, there are other audiences watching in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Des
Moines, and other cities all over the world.
Check out the pictures below, there are 32 of them, and make
plans to attend the 2007 version in September. You can keep up with
progress by checking the MSFF page on this site.
One of the reasons the event was such a Huge Success, Amy
Copeland
(shown with her main squeeze and hubby Charlie Beyer). Amy was an Integral
part of the planning and promotion. We couldn't have done it without her!
THANKS AMY!
Charlie was also very helpful, he made sure we had all the
equipment needed
for all the musical performances. Charlie also played a couple of Smoking
Sets
of cover tunes and original songs.
Some of the Silent Auction Baskets that Amy amazingly got donated
to the event.
Thanks to Amy's work and diligence our chapter earned over $600.00 from the
auction alone.
Amy wasn't the only hard working member of our chapter that
evening.
JFC members and MSFF volunteers, Grey Duncan and Bill Stewart.
Another JFC member and volunteer, Art Riccio.
Here Art is telling us how much better looking he is than "Oscar".
Lots of members apparently felt like standing next to Oscar.
Maybe it has something to do with us being Film people, I don't know.
Here Bob Clifford mugs with the statue.
Amy covers Oscar's "Ken Parts" stating "Oscar doesn't have a
groin".
Meanwhile, Amanda proves you can pick your friends, and their nose.
(They are so both gonna kill me for this, but I couldn't resist. It's just too
funny)
Mac McDonald poses with Oscar and Art.
"The Manhattan Short Film Festival was brought to you by:
The letter "O" and the number "10".
(Dear Amy and Amanda, Look I made fun of me too)
Amy, Oscar and Amanda.
(See much better, no cupping groins or picking noses)
One of our newest members, Kathy Ford (LaVilla Middle School) and
fellow teacher Cory Savage, checking out the many wonderful baskets in the
auction.
Here is another view of the Silent Auction table.
The Springfield Woman's Club also participated in the auction and provided many
wonderful baskets.
(Photo courtesy of Ingrid Damiani)
Here is Bill again.
Bill volunteered both nights and was the guy who directed all the lost souls
outside the event into it.
He was quite the trooper standing out on the corner of 8th and Jefferson with
the MSFF sign.
The audience at the beginning of the film screenings.
Tom Patton (L), From WJCT, was the host of our screenings for the
second year in a row.
I already mentioned Charlie Beyer performed music. "Code of
Light" is Charlie's music name.
In this picture you can see Charlie's fancy finger work.
(Charlie sent me this picture with his head cut off.
I think it is pretty artistic with the paintings in the back and the picture on
his shirt)
Indie-Country Singer/Song Writer, Laurel Lee, also performed both
nights.
Here is Laurel singing her hit "Why Don't We Don't Get Married".
MoonDancer Performed on the Opening Night
MoonDancer performed Movie Themes
The First Coast Jedi Knights (a local non-profit group that does
fund raisers for local charities and regularly visits the children's wards of
Shands) also appeared both nights.
Here Obi Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker get ready to duel.
Isn't he a little short to be a Storm Trooper?
Everybody was Jedi Fighting, Huh. Those cats were fast as
lightning, Huh.
It was a little bit frightening, Huh.
Let's Get Ready To Rumble!
(Photo courtesy of Ingrid Damiani)
All kidding aside, These Guys and Gals ROCK!
Check out their website:
www.firstcoastjediknights.org.
Simone "The Arabian Princess" was another highlight of the live
performances held both nights.
The audience really enjoyed Simone's performance.
And Simone appears to be enjoying it too.
Simone also brought a few of her best students
"Stars of The Night".
This is Star Yasmine.
Star Fatimah with Tuma on drums.
Star Ahlam (pronounced A-ha-lam).
You can see Simone, Tuma and The Stars of The Night appearing all
over Jacksonville
at places like the Casbah and Sahara.
For more information about Simone, The Stars of the Night
or to find out about taking Belly Dancing lessons
go to:
www.simonebellydancing.com
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