Naples International Film Festival - 2009

Elam and Nic (son) traveled to Naples to attend the Naples Backyard History event to kick off the 2009 Naples International Film Festival.

The event on 3rd street was for a collection of artists, film makers, musicians, photographers, actors and supporters of the arts.   The event was put together by Dr. Lois Bolin and Lavern Norris Gaynor.   It was great atmosphere to meet new artists, network to share new ideas, and to renew old acquaintances.  

In attendance for the evening was Fred Koenekamp, Cinematographer for Patton, The Towering Inferno, Papillon, the UNCLE series and many other films we all have enjoyed.  It was real honor to meet Mr. Koenekamp and chat with him for a few minutes.  His comment about his career and camera operators, is learn your craft, be well prepared and develop your skills by repetition.   Fred was a two time Academy Award winner and a Lifetime Achievement Award.  Also stopping by to visit was Stephen Bogart, Humprey Bogart's son.

 The NIFF was a master mind effort by Eric Raddatz, Rowan Samuel and Dan Linehan.  Together with a vision for a international festival they put together a great lineup of films from around the world, stellars support of local sponsors, committed board of directors, a ton of volunteers to handle all those little details.  Little items such as a gift bag after arriving at the hotel room, an assigned ambassador, maps, passes, etc.

Kudos to the future of the NIFF events.   One of the best festivals I have ever been a part of.   Thank you Eric for the invitation and all the support the Big Cypress Swamp documentary received from the Naples community.  I was overwhelmed by the hospitality and professionalism displayed for a first annual festival.

Listening to Rep. Mark Hudson talk about his tour over Big Cypress Swamp from an aerial view.  It was pleasure to have Mr. Hudson stop by to show his support to the arts and films.






Chatting with Mr. John Sorey III Council Member talking about Naples along with Don Frinefrock, Executive Director of South Florida International Trust.

Great opportunity to meet Nicholas Petrucci, a local artist with a special interest in the old Naples history.  Nicholas is telling me about the research events with Peter Matthiessen for the Killing Mr. Watson stories.

Thanking Mrs. Lavern Norris Gaynor for supporting and putting on the wonderful event at the Naples Backyard History honoring the local artists and the NIFF.

Before the screening on Saturday evening Nic and I had the wonderful privilege to have supper with Philip and Maureen Hartung.   Maureen had written several articles about the Living Waters and Apalachicola River projects years ago.  It was a great pleasure to meet friends and catch up on all the happenings of life.



Posing with Eric Raddatz with his son Ethan at the Norris Center.
  Fine young man who already has a passion and understanding about film making.

Ambassador Tina and Hostess Carol at the Norris Center before the screening of the film.

A great crowd to screen the film.  Followed by a Q&A.   It was great to see the support and interest about the Big Cypress Swamp.  Questions included:  Is the jetport still there?  How do I do a swamp walk?  Comments: Thanks for making this story and film.  What your going to do next?