Sunscreen gets a shot of Hairspray

Just received this news release from the upcoming, up-and-coming Sunscreen Film Festival:

The Executive Producers of the Sunscreen Film Festival are pleased to announce that this March, actor and Florida resident John Travolta will join local filmmakers and film festival supporters for a reception celebrating the launch of the Film Festival's third season.

"People who know me know that I am a great believer in the creative process, and I am excited to be a part of something that is honoring the next generation of film makers," Travolta said. "I love living in Florida and want to see more films made here – this is what Sunscreen is working toward and I support what they are doing."

The Sunscreen Film Festival shows selections of films made by Florida filmmakers. This year it received 47 submissions for the Florida category among 240 entries.

The Festival will be held in St. Petersburg March 19 – 22 at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel and at the Baywalk Muvico, a short walk from the Vinoy. Tony Armer, Executive Director of the Festival, said that the support of Mr. Travolta and others is taking the Festival to a new level. "Each year Sunscreen grows and attracts more attention," he added.

"We are extremely grateful and honored by this support from Mr. Travolta, an accomplished artist and an industry leader. He is making a tremendous contribution."

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Anyone wishing to attend the March 4 reception will need to do the same. Attendance is limited to festival organizers, filmmakers and assorted VIPs, although a limited number of seats are available for a $500 donation to Sunscreen coffers. Call Harry Chittenden at (727) 420-0566 for information.

Comments

[Steve Persall]

Well said, errr, typed, Kimberly. Best of luck to the festival this weekend.

[Kimberly Heath-Carrico]

It is sad that"Dan" judges people based upon their beliefs and not on how they treat others. If you read Mr. Persall's column on his encounter with Kelly and John at the event, you might view them with different glasses. While I am not a scientologist, I believe this country was founded on Freedom of Speech and religious freedom.I think that tolerance should be practiced. Fortunately for Sunscreen, he supports us in helping the film community. If you met him, you would find that he is a caring and thoughtful individual. He would never judge you for your beliefs, nor would he tear down your beliefs even though he might disagree. He also would never berate your beliefs publically. People who do that lack confidence, self esteem and respect for others. When your opinion is shouted rather than spoken, it appears that you intend to derail the positive momenteum that might benefit a whole city by placing an intent that simply doesn' exist. Why would you not attend an event especially if you love film! Did you ever dance to Saturday night fever soundtrack, watch it or watch grease?Did you feel as if you were being recruited then? He has had his beliefs for along time! The event is a community event, he lives in the community, he supports the community because he has compassion for our cause not because he wants to bring you into scientology, remember he is a member of the film community. It isn't a mystery as to why he wants filming to go on here...HE LIVES HERE!

[Steve Persall]

I really don't think Travolta's religion (or whatever anyone wishes to call it) has anything to do with his participation in Sunscreen. Put it this way: If he's recruiting, he'd be at the Gasparilla parade, or a plug for Super Bowl 43 (sorry, I flunked Roman numerals) or some other event that'll draw more people and attention.

Certainly he hasn't been as pushy about his beliefs as Tom Cruise.

I truly believe that Travolta loves what he does for a living, Florida and helping young talent (maybe he's working on his legacy now, since the Saturday Night Fever/Grease/Pulp Fiction posterity is wearing off).

I'll listen to what he has to say (and how he says it) at the Sunscreen reception before passing personal judgment. But thanks for posting, and stayed tuned.

[Dan]

If John Travolta is involved, count me out. Scientology goons need to stay away.

[Kimberly Heath-Carrico, Sunscreen Film Festival Board of Directors]

What a wonderful time for the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County! We have a source of excellent support for the Film Makers who visit.The Film Commissioner for Pinellas, Jennifer Parramore and the Film Commission Manager for Pinellas, Guy Balson provide a level of professionalism that is impressive to those who visit our beautiful area. With Sunscreen kicking off the 3rd year of successful festivals, it is easy to see why Mr. Travolta is so supportive of our efforts. The talented group of Volunteers who head up the Festival are truly a pleasure to work with on this project. Tony Armer and Derek Minor, Festival Co-Directors are working hard with the committee to make this years festival a success that will make our city proud! On March 20th the State Theater will host a Concert to benefit the Sunscreen Film Festival featuring the band "Fort Pastor" who will take to the stage at 8pm. "Fort Pastor" is being featured on a 2 hr radio broadcast on Sirius Radio. They have been signed by a Label to produce an album to be released sometime late 2008/2009. For event details go to www.sunscreenfilmfestival.com