Boca Grande Film Festival 2023 lineup announced and it is not to be missed
Launch party to be held tonight in conjunction with The Island School Chowder Dinner
Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas. Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner. This year’s lineup for the Boca Grande Film Festival include not only those names, but topics that include a one-handed virtuoso, the music that makes Irish pubs so unforgettable, snow leopards in the mountains of Tibet and more.
Eager to hear more? Make sure not to miss the Film Festival launch party that will be held today, Friday, Jan. 27 at 4:30 p.m. at the Friends pavilion.
Come and celebrate the release of the 2023 BGFF official selections, pick up or purchase festival passes and gear, preview the film trailers and enjoy a live performance by Hot Tonic Orchestra, as they fuse jazz with Latin rhythms, funk and soul.
Bring lawn chairs, blankets or golf carts. Alcohol is permitted, but it is bring your own. Food will also be available for purchase beginning at 5 p.m. at The Island School Chowder Dinner, held from 5 to 7 p.m. Grab some to take out and enjoy on the lawn.
Led by Artistic Director Jonathan Jackson and Lead Programmer Kerstin Larson, this year’s BGFF will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 21 with a drive-in showing of “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” set in 1950s London and featuring a widowed cleaning woman and her quest for her perfect Dior dress.
The Film Festival officially begins on Wednesday, Feb. 22 with the movies “For the Left Hand,” “The Velvet Queen,” “Official Competition” (in-person only) and “Peace by Chocolate” will be shown.
On Thursday, Feb. 23 look forward to watching “Marvelous and the Black Hole,” “The Automat,” “Fire of Love” and “Blind Ambition” (in person only).
The festival will wrap up on Friday, Feb. 24 with a showing of “Juniper,” and of “The Job of Songs.”
The Closing Reception & Audience Award will also take place on Friday.
Festival FAQs
When should I arrive to a screening?
Arrive 30 minutes prior to showtime and no later than 10 minutes prior to start time to guarantee a seat. Beginning 10 minutes before the show, any empty seats will be sold to patrons in the door sale line. No refunds are available and no late entry allowed.
Can I purchase individual film tickets?
Individual film tickets will be sold based on availability at the door 15 minutes prior to each showing.
Why are my passes blue or yellow?
Official festival passes with current show times and film titles are color coded. Yellow tickets grant entry into the Woman’s Club Theater and blue tickets grant entry to the Auditorium Theater. Sponsor badges are also color coded to corresponding theaters.
Where can I pick up my official Festival Pass/Sponsor Badge?
Festival Passes and Sponsor Badges will be available for pick up in the Friends office beginning Monday, Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How do I vote for films?
For on-site viewing, pick up a ballot as you enter the theater. After the showing, you will rate the film on a scale of 1 to 5 by tearing the ballot on your desired rating. Turn your ballot in as you exit the theater. To vote online, select your rating after the film by clicking a number from 1 to 5 (1 signifying poor, 5 signifying excellent).
Can I bring food or drink to the festival?
Complimentary popcorn will be available for all. No other outside food will be permitted inside the theaters.You may pack a lunch or snack and dine on the pavilion lawn between screenings.
How do I access the films through the online film hub?
For in-depth instructions visit:friendsofbocagrande.org/film-fest-faq/
When to watch:
Most films will be available on demand throughout the festival, starting on Wednesday, Feb. 22. A few titles have special restrictions and will only be available for in-person viewing. Those films are clearly marked in the film descriptions. Otherwise, passholders are free to watch films on demand throughout the festival.
Once you start watching your movie, you’ll have 48 hours to complete it.
The Boca Grande Film Festival virtual access turns into a pumpkin after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Feb. 28, so be sure to watch films before then.
How do I vote for a film from home?
After you unlock and watch your film, you will have the option to select your rating on the film hub. For details on how to vote, visit the FAQ section at friendsofbocagrande.org/events/boca-grande-film-festival/
What if I have tech difficulties trying to set up and watch the film?
Call the Friends office in advance of the opening of the festival at (941) 964-0827 so our staff and/or tech specialist can walk you through the set up process.
Note: All passholders have access to watch films through the online film hub.
See next week’s Boca Beacon for a breakdown of the details for each film.
