The third annual Indie Fest USA, The International Film and Music Festival of Garden Grove, co-sponsored by the Garden Grove Community Arts Society, concluded a four-day celebration of independent film makers and artists over the weekend.
The third annual Indie Fest USA, The International Film and Music Festival of Garden Grove, co-sponsored by the Garden Grove Community Arts Society, concluded a four-day celebration of independent film makers and artists over the weekend.
It was a unique and exciting experience that was shared by local community members as well as people from around the world. When “film festival” comes to mind, you may think of Cannes or Sundance; however, the lovely historic downtown Main Street hub of Garden Grove is putting Southern California on the map as the newest landmark for the celebration of movie makers of tomorrow and the artistry of their films.
With an eclectic mix of 65 independent films from the United States and international film makers, 14 local and regional musical acts, special guests, and celebrities, this is an event that should be programmed into every film lover’s annual “must see” of things to do.
Each day, in addition to viewing the films, there were special themes and events to enjoy. Opening night, Fiesta de las Peliculas (Festival of the Films), included film screening on a huge inflatable outdoor screen, candy-filled pinatas, and delectable food samplings. Local rock and Latin-flavored band, The Red Ties, and the sweet sounds of South County’s Blind Ruby’s original songs set the festival in motion at Village Green Park.
“I feel that it was very smart idea to get Garden Grove involved, and it’s a great event,” said Mayor Bruce Broadwater. “I’m glad that we’re having it here in Garden Grove.”
He also said would like to see the event grow and hoped that everyone would tell their friends about it.
City Council members Christopher Phan and Kris Beard expressed their pride and excitement about Indie Fest as one of Garden Grove’s annual attractions.
Councilman Phan said that he is honored to be part of Indie Fest.
“When I ran for council last year, what I liked about it [Garden Grove] was that it was a diverse but unified community,” Beard said. “I hope Indie Fest works out great and gets busier each and every year and continues to grow.”
The theme for Friday was A Classic Car Show – Drive in Style, with classic car films, ‘50s and ‘60s musical performances, and contests and giveaways.
It was that evening, with a slight chill in the air that many discovered Jim Schwartz’ delicious Wilson Roasted Coffee Company, and Schwartz said he purchased the company from Tony Wilson a year ago. “Star-you-know-who” has a new rival, and Wilson’s organic coffee really hit the spot!
Saturday was a day of the Asian Cultural Celebration and Asian Film Showcase which included fusion and traditional foods and dance performances.
Sunday was the Awards Show featuring the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients, veteran actors, Sally Kirkland and Ray Wise. The film screenings were held at The Globe, Seven Seas Restaurant, The Festival Outdoor Amphitheater, and The Gem Theatre.
The Gem is under the management of One More Productions, and OMP’s co-founder, Damien Lorton, said, “As executive producer by One More Productions, I am honored to be a part of it. I love movies, and I’m happy with anything that we can do to help with the growth of the community. I think it’s starting out small, but with the right people and the right organization, this film festival could grow into something really great.”
Lorton hosted several of the workshops and discussion groups at the lovely Gem Theater, and he went on to say that he was really interested in learning about the process that film makers go through as he compared it to the trials and tribulations of producing a live theater production.
He found it interesting that so much of it is finding the funding for the independents in the arts, regardless of the medium.
Along with many others, Festival Director Don Taylor, Festival Organizer Ray Gibb and Emcee and DJ Joshua McIntosh worked tirelessly to put Indie Fest on the map, and until 2014’s Indie Fest comes around, grab your popcorn, get a comfortable seat, and maybe you'll see some friends and neighbors at the movies.
For information about the festival and its films, go to http://communi77.wix.com/indiefest2013.
