The Art of the Short
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Opening Night Film and Party
2021 Naples International Film Festival
Experience the best of independent film with the Naples International Film Festival’s Opening Night Film and Party. The evening begins with free soft drinks, popcorn and candy for all guests as they sit back and watch the opening night film in Hayes Hall. After the film, Party ticket holders will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres from a variety of local eateries, free house wine, beer and a signature cocktail as they party the evening away in Norris Garden. VIP ticket holders will also have exclusive access to the Baird Terrace on the third floor of The Baker Museum where they will interact with NIFF filmmakers and enjoy premium hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and cocktails.
Red Carpet Arrival — 6pm
Film Presentation — 7pm
Film Only $39
Film and Party $99
Film and VIP Party $200
The Art of the Short
Opening Night Presentation
Boxbalet
2020, NR, Russia, Animation, 16 minutes
Florida Premiere
No dialogue
Director: Anton Dyakov
Producers: Aleksandr Boyarskiy, Sergey Selyanov
Writers: Anton Dyakov, Andrey Vasilyev
One day, a delicate ballerina named Olya meets the rough, surly boxer Evgeny. The contrast between their worlds and their philosophies is so sharp that even the possibility of their paths crossing seems incredible.
Roy
2021, NR, UK, Dramedy, 16 minutes
Florida Premiere
Directors: Tom Berkeley, Ross White
Producer: Bryony Pulizzi
Writers: Tom Berkeley, Ross White
Cast: David Bradley, Rachel Shenton
Trapped in a lonely existence, reclusive widower Roy passes his days searching for brief moments of companionship by cold-calling strangers from the phone book. But when he accidentally calls adult hotline worker Cara, an unlikely friendship is born that will help them both rediscover the joy of life. From the Academy Award-winning team behind The Silent Child, Roy is a funny, heartwarming tale of two lost souls who find companionship just when they need it most.
Like the Ones I Used to Know
2021, G, Canada, Drama, 18 minutes
Filmmakers in Attendance
French with English Subtitles
Director: Annie St-Pierre
Producers: Sarah Mannering, Fanny Drew
Writer: Annie St-Pierre
Cast: Steve Laplante, Lilou Roy-Lanouette, Larissa Corriveau, Amélie Grenier, Jérémie Jacob, Laurent Lemaire
December 24, 1983, 10:50pm: Julie and her cousins ate too much sugar, Santa Claus is running late… and Denis, alone in his car, is anxious at the idea of setting foot in his ex-in-laws’ house to pick up his children. Les Grandes Claques is an early coming-of-age story that is as squeaky as it is poetic.
Miss Alma Thomas: A Life in Color
2021, NR, US, Documentary, 20 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Cheri Gaulke
Producer: Jonathan Gann
Writers: Cheri Gaulke, Sue Maberry
Cast: Alfre Woodard
Miss Alma Thomas is the first documentary film to explore Alma W. Thomas’ incredible life through the lens of curators, art specialists, scholars and her family. Featuring award-winning actress Alfre Woodard as the voice of Thomas and released in conjunction with a major four-city museum retrospective, thousands will have the opportunity to learn of her life, work and continuing influence.
Photo Op
2020, NR, US, Comedy, 3 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Dava Whisenant
Producers: Dava Whisenant, Steve Young, Dave Spalding
Writer: Steve Young
Cast: Erin Eagleton, Steve Young
People often say, “My life is in my phone.” Photo Op is a comedic take on the modern-day nightmare of losing control of your life by losing control of your phone. Filmed in Taos, New Mexico, this unsettlingly funny short film was written by Steve Young, directed by Dava Whisenant and was itself shot on an iPhone.
To ensure the health and safety of our patrons, Artis—Naples has established procedures for your visit to the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus. Please review our COVID-19 Protocols for detailed guidance about our enhanced safety protocols.