Out-of-this-world film festival to debut in Ashland
Sep. 24—ASHLAND — Several local residents are bringing a one-day film festival to town, offering something different to do and attracting visitors to boost the economy.
Cosmic Holler Film Fest, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Oct. 21 at the Paramount Arts Center, will include shorts and features, all up for awards that will be announced that evening, Benjamin Hawkey said.
Hawkey, who brought the Huntington Symphony Orchestra's performance of "Star Wars" and "Cinematic Symphonies" music to the Paramount, said he had the idea for the science fiction film festival for a while.
"After the symphony concerts we had, I thought a film festival would be another good match, something we'd never had before," he said. He talked with the theater director and those at Visit AKY to come up with a theme that would represent Appalachia and science fiction. Organizers also include Brandy Clark, Courtney Hensley, David Miller, Ethan Amerine and Wes Thompson.
The first-time festival received 51 submissions from seven countries; Hawkey said he didn't know what to expect but was pleased with the interest.
Hawkey said he's still working on the schedule of events, but said the festival will premier the film "American Werewolves: The Skinwalkers," produced by Small Town Monsters based in Wadsworth, Ohio. The company focuses on smalltown folklore for its stories and is responsible for "Minerva Monster," about odd events in Minerva, Ohio, in the 1970s.
One of the movies, "Lynn's Fire," was directed by actor and Lexington resident Steve Zahn, who has appeared in movies including "Joy Ride" and the television show "Modern Family."
Guest speaker will be Ltg. Daniel Karbler, commanding general, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense.
The festival will culminate in an awards ceremony.
Hawkey said he's a fan of science fiction movies.
"It's a neat genre. You can tell a bunch of different stories with that theme," he said. Sound quality, video quality and other aspects will be considered when choosing winners. Categories will include Best in Show, Audience Choice, Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary and Cosmic Holler Creative Award, which will go to the top film made by someone living in or from Kentucky.
A pass for the day is $10 and may be obtained at cosmichollerfilmfest.com.
(606) 326-2661 — lward@dailyindependent.com
