Written by Jonah Azurin
“After very careful planning and adherence to guidelines established for South Carolina related to COVID19, we’ve decided that we can present a safe and enjoyable film festival in February. We’re very optimistic to be able to present this prestigious festival as an ‘in-person’ event, understanding the abundance of caution and preparation that it takes to keep everyone as safe as possible.” – Ron Tucker, President, Beaufort Film Society
Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) will be “in-person” from February 15-19, 2021. With strict COVID-19 protocols in place, BIFF’s 15th year has an impressive lineup with genres ranging from animation, documentary, and Duty & Honor among others.
BIFF, hosted by the Beaufort Film Society, provides all levels of entertainment, education, and outreach opportunities to the Beaufort, South Carolina community. Featured screenings include A Shot Through The Wall directed by Aimee Long (2020), Bastard’s Road (2020) directed by Brian Morrison, and Night Into Day (2020) directed by Ben Hall, all of whom have been named BIFF finalists in their respective categories. There will also be a chance for audience engagement for those attending the festival in person, such as voting for “Best Comedy,” “Audience Choice,” and a special Screenwriter’s Workshop.
Visit beaufortfilmfestival.com for tickets, the full lineup, and COVID-19 protocols.
Below is a rundown of a few of the selected films:
One Moment
Narrative
Director: Deirdre O’Connor
Middle-age siblings struggle to manage their lives while caring for their recently widowed aging father. Welcome to the “sandwich generation.”
Still shot from the film For Your Consideration.
For Your Consideration
Short
Director: Poppy Gordon
Determined to party at Sundance, three entitled young women meet up at an LA member’s only club to make a selection-worthy short film. In an unholy fusion of wokeness and cluelessness, they build a narrative from atop the high perch of their privilege. And piece-by-piece, they almost, almost, almost give a voice to the voiceless – just without ever having any idea what they’re talking about. But they are perfectly positioned to make it happen.
Poster for the film The Hills I Call Home.
The Hills I Call Home
Documentary
Director: Ashton Gleckman
A look inside the small town of Beattyville, located deep in the heart of America’s Appalachian mountains.
Oasis
Student Film
Director: Matthew Wassong
Earth has run out of fresh water. In a world full of dehydration and desperation, a curious young man and a mysterious woman both go to great lengths to get the one thing everyone needs to survive.
Rocky Road
Animation
Directors: Madison Crisp and Victoria Sosa
Rocky Road is the story of a socially anxious foster child, Maní, connecting to her community through her adopted mother’s ice cream stand. As she grows up, Maní learns the importance of family, community, and self-confidence through her foster mother’s teachings.
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