The Lakedance International Film Festival, a four-year event started in Sandpoint, Idaho, has moved to Edmonds.
The film festival, which began in 2006 as a three-day event, grew to a nine-day event by 2009 and hosted dozens of independent films, filmmakers, and stars per year, in addition to side events such as workshops, panel discussions, and film industry luncheons. The festival was started and will continue to be run by a filmmaking father and son team, Fred and Trevor Greenfield. To coincide with the permanent move, the festival will change its name to the Edmonds International Film Festival, and will be the only film festival the Greenfield’s will run.
“We are exited to make this move, it will offer us far greater opportunities to achieve the level of event we want to create, and Edmonds is a perfect match for our event.” Festival and Programming Director Trevor Greenfield said.
Stephen Clifton, Community Services and Economic Development Director for the City of Edmonds has been a key facilitator of the move, and commented, “Hosting an international film festival will add to Edmonds’ reputation for cultivating artistic expression. Investing in cultural events also contributes economic benefits by attracting visitors who will support the local economy through expenditures on lodging, meals, local products and other leisure activities.”
Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager for the city of Edmonds, also feels this will fit the city well. “For more than half a century Edmonds has been home to vibrant festivals – from visual arts to jazz to travel. A small town venue where the arts are a way of life, Edmonds is the perfect place to showcase an international festival of films integrating visual, performing and literary arts. The Edmonds Arts Commission is excited to welcome the Edmonds International Film Festival!” Frances adds.
“To think that in such a short time, Stephen and Frances from the city, Jon and Michelle Mayo, owners of the Edmonds Theater, the Executive Director of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce Jan Vance and the manager of The Edmonds, Jonquil Sherman would collaborate with us and we could move ahead with practically no ramping-up time to structure this multifaceted event is absolutely incredible. The support and encouragement has been phenomenal. They have rolled out the red carpet for us, and now we will do the same for them in October.”
The team will look to take the film festival to new heights, and create a high profile event with premiere feature and short films, and spend more time with individual filmmakers. Their goals are to discover and nurture new talent, provide maximum exposure to movies and their creators, create a festival with many intensive, entertaining and educational events that are located throughout the city, and most of all, choose amazing new world premiere films for audiences to enjoy.
The Edmonds International Film Festival will take place October 20th-23th at The Edmonds Theater and other venues. Schedule information and tickets will be available at www.edmondsfilmfestival.com.
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This has been 365 things to do Edmonds, WA—See you next time and remember….It’s an Edmonds kind of day.
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