The Naples area is full of culture, and there are tons of fun events happening year-round. If you’re planning to visit in October, you cannot miss out on the Naples International Film Festival. By staying on Marco Island, you’ll have close access to this one-of-a-kind event that will put you in touch with the most talented young artists.
Naples is Passionate About Film
For the past eleven years, filmmakers have gathered in a warm environment to exchange ideas and share their artistic perspectives. The Naples International Film Festival (NIFF) is now part of Artis – Naples, which gives more aspiring young filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their films. It is also a great way to network with others in the filmmaking business and experience different forms of art that have been incorporated into the film.
Marco Island is one of the most stunning and relaxing towns near Naples, Florida, which makes it an ideal location for filmmakers to stay. Select one of the Marco Island pet-friendly rentals and bring your furry muses along with you! Just a short drive from Naples, Marco Island boasts a number of beautiful luxury resorts that are situated along the shoreline, where the stunning white sands reach the turquoise Gulf waters.
Naples Film Festival Opening Night
Opening night is always exciting. This year, it will kick off on October 25th at 6:00 PM in Hayes Hall. Take a stroll down the red carpet and make your way to the screening of Princess of the Row at 7:00 p.m. Directed by Van Maximilian Carlson, this film stars Martin Sheen and follows a budding writer looking for a better life for herself and her homeless veteran father, Bo Willis. This touching tale is a must-see and makes for a fabulous kick-off to the Eleventh Annual Naples International Film Festival.
Afterward, writers, directors, actors, and film fanatics alike will gather for a spectacular after-party. This is the perfect time to get to know the other filmmakers in attendance and ask them about their work. While this is a cocktail attire event, it sure is a fun one, so be prepared to interact with other filmmakers before heading back to the comfort of your rental in Marco Island.
Throughout the Season
There are plenty of events going on throughout the 2019-2020 season. Four O’clock at the Movies will be going on December 16-17, January 13-14, February 24-25, and March 9-10. Other events happening this season include Reel Stories (January 8 and March 25), Hooray for Hollywood (January 17 & 20), and Art in Film (January 15, February 12, and March 11).
The Naples Philharmonic Orchestra will be putting on productions of Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the Naples Philharmonic Pops will hold a concert featuring the music from the 1951 Oscar Award winner An American in Paris.
As you can probably already guess, this year’s NIFF is centered around how all types of art can be showcased and emphasized in films.
Closing Night of the Festival
The Film and Wrap Party concludes the Naples International Film Festival on October 27 at 5:00 p.m. Not only do you get to take in a Raiders of the Lost Ark concert, but you can attend the awards show and after-concert Wrap Party.
Awards include $7,500 for Best Documentary Feature and Best Narrative Feature (which are juried awards), $2,000 apiece for the Audience Award winners in those two categories, and the $1,000 Audience Award for Best Short Film. There is also a new $5,000 Focus on the Arts Award, which will be awarded to either a Documentary of Narrative film that demonstrates the importance of performance and visual arts.
Filmmakers can then head back to their Marco Island vacation rentals to kick back and chill.
This is an opportunity that does not come around all the time. Answer the call for young filmmakers and be part of something spectacular while enjoying life in beautiful Marco Island. Who knows; perhaps you will find the inspiration for your ‘big break’ while walking the warm white sands of Florida’s sole developed area in Ten Thousand Islands!