New CEO takes over Fairhope Film Festival as lineup grows
The 14th edition of the event will showcase 60 films over four days, including a rare U.S. debut of a Singaporean comedy.
By Yara Nasser ·
Stephen Savage assumes the role of chairman and CEO for the Fairhope Film Festival this week. He steps into the leadership position after working with the organization since its inception. The festival is currently in its 14th year of operation.
Savage said founder Mary Riser invited him to take over during a visit earlier this year. He described the transition in simple terms. “She built a very, very good automobile. And I just have to drive it and keep it safe going forward,” Savage said.
The upcoming four-day event will screen 25 feature films and 35 short films across venues in downtown Fairhope. A major highlight is the U.S. premiere of the Singaporean comedy “Luck My Life.” The filmmakers will travel to the city for the screening. A steering committee member found the film while looking for a story centered on mahjong.
Other titles in the lineup include “Warriors,” which documents the 2009 Mobile Davidson High School football team. The program also features a documentary about professional Santas and a story about a winemaker. A five-minute horror short from Huntsville is also scheduled.
A panel of nine industry professionals will judge the entries. Gerry Byrne, a producer known for “Amadeus,” is part of the jury. Byrne noted an improvement in the quality of submissions. “The difference I’ve noticed this year from the previous two years that I’ve participated, is the films have got so much better,” Byrne said.
Savage emphasized the festival's role in the local community. “The film festival belongs to Fairhope,” he said. “It’s something that makes our community better. It’s something that makes our life more rich. And it’s something we can say we’re proud of.”
The festival runs from Thursday through Sunday. Free filmmaker coffee talks are set for 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Friday through Sunday at Page & Palette. Sunday includes encore screenings of the top award winners. Single tickets cost $15, and full passes begin at $60.
