Event returns Nov. 10-12 to local theaters
Morgan Hill – Organizers say this year’s Poppy Jasper Film Festival, returning Nov. 10-12 to local theaters, is “bigger and better” than ever.
“First of all, we’ve gone international this year,” said Kim Bush, chair of the successful Morgan Hill-based festival that started three years ago to spotlight California filmmakers. “We had such a demand from other filmmakers, e-mailing us saying, ‘Can we please enter your festival?’ that we thought we should open the doors this year.”
The festival will showcase 33 independent films by emerging producers, a panel of women in film and workshops on the ins and outs of movie art.
Victor Miller, a filmmaker with experience writing for “Friday the 13th” and television soap operas, will deliver the festival’s keynote address. Previous keynote speakers were Academy Award winning special effects director John Bruno (“The Abyss”) and editor Bud Smith (“The Exorcist”).
“It’s not just to see films you can’t see in a commercial theater, but you get to meet the filmmakers and learn about the processes,” Bush said.
Nine prizes will be awarded, including best in show, best female filmmaker and best student film.
Like the artists it promotes, Poppy Jasper itself is an up-and-comer, having surprisingly turned a profit in its first two outings. Another year in the black is expected, even with a record operating budget of $75,000.
“We’ve been building for it,” Bush said. “There’s a lot more interest in community … great support. We’re going to be around.”
The entries range from 4 to 44 minutes and will be shown in clusters at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse at 17090 Monterey Road, the Granary at 1500 Depot St., and Cinelux Theaters at 750 Tennant Ave.
Times and venues will rotate, giving audiences the opportunity to view all the films.
Festival passes cost $110. Screenings and workshops are also independently priced.
For more information or to buy tickets visit poppyjasperfilmfest.org or call (408) 779-9444.
Tony Burchyns covers Morgan Hill for The Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106 ext. 201 or
tb*******@*************es.com.
