Film series coming to 30A

ROSEMARY BEACH, FL - If you like independent films — and surprises — Florida State University is planning a treat for you.

In October, FSU’s film school will launch the Torchlight Film Series in the beachside communities along County Road 30A in South Walton.

The first screening is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. Oct. 10 on the St. Augustine Green at Rosemary Beach. And that’s where the surprise comes in.

“They aren’t going to announce which film is showing,” says Kathy Kemp, Town Center marketing director for Rosemary Beach.

“You won’t know until that night. It’s a surprise. It will add excitement and help create buzz about the event.”

So there’s no misunderstanding, don’t go expecting child-friendly fare. Kemp says the movies are likely to be more adult oriented in theme and subject matter.

According to a press release, the Torchlight Program is designed to give film students hands-on experience in the distribution and marketing of feature films. It also strives to create a culture of cinema appreciation through community participation.

Director of the program is Paul Cohen, a veteran motion picture executive, producer and distributor, the release says. He attends film festivals all over the world looking for films that contribute in meaningful ways to independent cinema.

The local film series starts in October and will continue for a year. The idea for having it in South Walton originated during a meeting between Frank Patterson, dean of the film school, and Robert Davis, founder of Seaside, as well as leaders of the St. Joe Community Foundation.

Alys Beach is also involved.

Admission to the screenings is free and open to the public. Funding for the project came from each community and the St. Joe Community Foundation.

Guest filmmakers and other cinema experts will be brought in to speak about the movies shown.

You may find out much more about the FSU Film School online at film.fsu.edu. The Rosemary Beach Web site is rosemarybeach.com.