Golf and Rugby Sevens approved for 2016 Olympics

Hey World Family,
Get got back in town, and people are filling our email and various social networks with questions about this Olympic announcement. Here is official word courtesy of the USGA site:


Golf Approved for 2016 Olympic Program On Vote By International Olympic Committee Membership

Competition will be held in Rio de Janeiro, selected as site of 2016 Games

Copenhagen, Denmark (October 9, 2009) – After an absence of more than a century, golf will return as an Olympic sport in 2016 and 2020 along with rugby sevens following their approval by the International Olympic Committee membership during the IOC’s 121st Session.

Golf was approved 63-27 with two abstentions. Rugby was voted in 81-8 with one abstention.

They will be part of the Olympic Program in Rio de Janeiro, which last week was selected as the host city for the 2016 Games by the IOC. Golf was last an Olympic sport at the 1904 Games in St. Louis, Mo., when the United States and Canada were the only two competing countries.

“We are elated that the IOC membership has accepted golf as an Olympic sport, and look forward to seeing the world’s best golfers compete for gold at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro,” said Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the International Golf Federation Olympic Golf Committee, which has coordinated golf’s Olympic bid. “We thank the IOC for its support, and also congratulate rugby sevens for its inclusion in the 2016 Games.”

Votaw and Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R&A and joint secretary of the International Golf Federation, were accompanied by professionals Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Michelle Wie of the United States and Suzann Pettersen of Norway, as well as 16-year-old (British) Amateur Champion Matteo Manassero of Italy, for a final presentation to the IOC prior to the vote.

“We are extremely grateful that Padraig, Michelle, Suzann and Matteo were able to join us to help communicate the genuine interest world-class players of all ages share in golf becoming an Olympic sport,” Dawson said.

Golf and rugby sevens were recommended for the Olympic Program by the IOC Executive Board in August following an extensive review process involving seven sports that were vying to be added to the 2016 Olympic Games. Although they emerged as the finalists, both sports still required final approval Friday by a majority of votes cast by the members of the IOC.

“In addition to those golfers who will have an opportunity to compete as Olympic athletes, we are excited for the national golf federations that will reap the benefits from today’s decision in terms of growth and support within their countries,” Dawson said. “This is a very significant day for golf.”

Leading up to Friday’s final vote, golf and rugby sevens emerged from a year-long evaluation that included formal presentations by the seven sports, the submission of a Detailed Questionnaire and responses to questions raised by both the IOC Programme Commission and the IOC Executive Board. The IOC Executive Board announced its recommendation of two sports following a meeting in Berlin, Germany on Aug. 13.

“We strongly believed that golf deserved to be added to the Olympic Program and felt that we presented a compelling case to the IOC,” Votaw said. “We have received unprecedented support from international golf organizations throughout this process, as well as from the world’s top-ranked men and women players, which was critical to our success. We also stressed the universal nature of golf, with 60 million people playing the sport in more than 120 countries.”

Based on player feedback, the IGF has proposed a format of 72-hole individual stroke play for both men and women. In case of a tie for either first, second or third place, a three-hole playoff is recommended to determine the medal winner(s).

The IGF also has recommended an Olympic field of 60 players for each of the men's and women's competition, using the Official World Golf Rankings as a method of determining eligibility. The top-15 world-ranked players would be eligible for the Olympics, regardless of the number of players from a given country. Beyond the top 15, players would be eligible based on the world rankings, with a maximum of two eligible players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top 15.

Current world rankings from both the men’s and women’s games show that at least 30 countries would be represented in both the men’s and women’s competitions, from all continents, under this proposal

Tsunami slams Samoa islands after 8.0 quake

Hello World Family,
Prayers are needed now for our Family members in Samoa and the region.
UPDATE: Tsunami Advisory for the West Coast of U.S.
STAY ALERT!

This is from The Associated Press:

Dozens reported dead after wave hits following temblor

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa - Towering tsunami waves spawned by a powerful earthquake swept ashore on Samoa and American Samoa early Tuesday, flattening villages, killing at least 34 people and leaving dozens of workers missing at devastated National Park Service facilities.

Cars and people were swept out to sea by the fast-churning waters as survivors fled to high ground, where they remained huddled hours later. Hampered by power and communications outages, officials struggled to assess the casualties and damage.
The quake, with a magnitude between 8.0 and 8.3, struck around dawn about 20 miles below to ocean floor, 120 miles from American Samoa, a U.S. territory that is home to 65,000 people, and 125 miles from Samoa.

Mike Reynolds, superintendent of the National Park of American Samoa, was quoted as saying four tsunami waves 15 to 20 feet high roared ashore soon afterward, reaching up to a mile inland. Holly Bundock, spokeswoman for the National Park Service's Pacific West Region in Oakland, Calif., said Reynolds spoke to officials from under a coconut tree uphill from Pago Pago Harbor and reported that the park's visitor center and offices appeared to have been destroyed.

Bundock said Reynolds and another park service staffer had been able to locate only 20 percent of the park's 13 to 15 employees and 30 to 50 volunteers. The National Park of American Samoa is the only national park south of the equator, a scenic expanse of reefs, picturesque beaches, tropical forests and wildlife that include sea turtles and flying foxes, a type of fruit bat.

Barry Rose, the owner of the Coconuts Beach Club in Western Samoa, told NBC News that his hotel took a direct hit, with several buildings completely destroyed. He said one guest was unaccounted for and one member of his staff was in the hospital with minor injuries. All guests have been evacuated either to the hospital or to other hotels on the island, he said.
He said the wave hit less than a minute after warning sirens went off.

Quake lasted two to three minutes

Residents in both Samoa and American Samoa reported being shaken awake by the quake, which lasted two to three minutes. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a general alert from American Samoa to New Zealand; Tonga suffered some coastal damage from 13-foot waves.

Mase Akapo, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in American Samoa, said at least 14 people were killed in four different villages on the main island of Tutuila, while 20 people died neighboring Samoa. The initial quake was followed by at three aftershocks of at least 5.6 magnitude.

An Associated Press reported saw the bodies of about 20 victims in a hospital at Lalomanu town on the south coast of the main island, Upolu, and said the surrounding tourist coast had been flattened, with the dead including those who hesitated to leave right after the quake.

An unspecified number of fatalities and injuries were reported in the Samoan village of Talamoa. New Zealander Graeme Ansell said the beach village of Sau Sau Beach Fale was leveled.

"It was very quick. The whole village has been wiped out," Ansell told New Zealand's National Radio from a hill near Samoa's capital, Apia. "There's not a building standing. We've all clambered up hills, and one of our party has a broken leg. There will be people in a great lot of need 'round here."
The Samoan capital was virtually deserted with schools and businesses closed.
Local media said they had reports of some landslides in the Solosolo region of the main Samoan island of Upolu and damage to plantations in the countryside outside Apia.

American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono was at his Honolulu office assessing the situation but was having difficulty getting information, said Filipp Ilaoa, deputy director of the office.

Scene of destruction

Rescue workers found a scene of destruction and debris with cars overturned or stuck in mud, and rockslides hit some roads. Several students were seen ransacking a gas station/convenience store.

Rear Adm. Manson Brown, Coast Guard commander for the Pacific region, said the Coast Guard is in the early stages of assessing what resources to send to American Samoa. Coast Guard spokesman Lt. John Titchen said a C-130 was being dispatched Wednesday to deliver aid, assess damage and take the governor back home. A New Zealand air force P3 Orion maritime search airplane also was being sent.
One of the runways at Pago Pago (Pan-go, pan-go) International Airport was being cleared of widespread debris for emergency use, Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor said in Los Angeles.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it was deploying teams to American Samoa to provide support and on the ground assessment.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of American Samoa and all those in the region who have been affected by these natural disasters," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said.

Dangerous waves in the forecast

The ramifications of the tsunami could be felt thousands of miles away, with federal officials saying strong currents and dangerous waves were forecast from California to Washington state. No major flooding was expected, however.
The earthquake and tsunami were big, but not on the same large scale of the 2004 Indonesian tsunami that killed more than 150,000 across Asia the day after Christmas in 2004, said tsunami expert Brian Atwater of the U.S. Geological Survey in Seattle.
The 2004 earthquake was at least 10 times stronger than the 8.0 to 8.3 measurements being reported for Tuesday's quake, Atwater said. It's also a different style of earthquake than the one that hit in 2004.
The tsunami hit American Samoa about 25 minutes after the quake, which is similar to the travel time in 2004, Atwater said. The big difference is there were more people in Indonesia at risk than in Samoa.

After 26 years, Reading Rainbow reaches its end

Hello World Family,
Here is a story from NPR that touches our hearts here at The Falcon and the Dove.
After over two and a half decades, the hit show, Emmy Award-winning Reading Rainbow has reached its final show.

See the link below:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112312561

G-20 is done; Thank You Protesters and Leaders

Hello World Family,
Well, things are wrapping up here in Pittsburgh; the G-20 leaders and their attaché are leaving and life will get back to normal here in the shire-just in time for the high school football games and Saturday soccer games in the region.

Pamela’s Pancakes once again reigned supreme with a visit from the First Lady, Michelle Obama in Millvale this morning. I understand the Japanese Prime Minister also got some pancakes, but even the President didn’t know how he pulled it off;)

There have been 81 arrests over three days-14 on Wednesday, mostly Greenpeace people who pulled off that daring banner display on the West End Bridge; only a few yesterday until evening where in the Oakland area of the city some folks just got stupid breaking out windows, and some police pushed bicycle riders. Everybody should have behaved better, we think. Just one today during the very large protest of thousands of people, all expressing their concerns in a democratic fashion, and everyone walking away with all parts in-tact.

KUDOS

First to the people of Pittsburgh-you are truly special. The definition of what is really super-you do what you do best: stepping up when needed and working so hard and being so patient during this entire process. From leaders to laborers, everyone did a fantastic job.

There was a broad, diverse group of visitors from around the world, and it seems that a splendid time was had by all. Thank you, visiting Brothers and Sisters for being so kind while you were here. We respect your voice and appreciate your energy. Our blessings go with you as you travel home. We wish you peace, joy, and increased prosperity as you continue your struggles back home on issues we all care about. Be strong, and know that you are never alone.

Thank you security forces who came from everywhere to help keep our house safe. We are gloriously glad that you will go home to your families no worse for wear, and secure within yourselves that you did a great job. Travel safely, and be ever vigilant in your police work where you live. Remember to see each person you meet as a brother or sister, and treat them with respect, even when they forget to do the same. Take the high road.

G-20 Leaders: We are impressed with some decisions you made during this event, particularly with no longer giving subsidies to fossil fuel industries. This is a grand opportunity to begin to transition our global communities into a place where we all can live in harmony with the planet, encourage enfranchisement that respects all people and populations, and enjoins our abilities and creativity to make products and conduct prosperous industry with a heart as well as a head.
This is a good beginning-there is much work to do; let’s all get to work.

The preparations for this week have been exhausting for many. Thank you protest organizers, peace leaders, environmental organization activists, and regional planners for your hard work. You have done an incredible job, and deserve high praise. Congratulations on a job well done.

We would also like to personally thank all of you: those that marched, those that planned, those that prayed, whether here in the region or on the other side of the earth. It has been our continuous prayer that all would be well, and healing would manifest in mind, heart and action. We thank you for your words, thoughts, prayers…whatever you put forth that provided positive energy for the highest, best outcomes is greatly appreciated.

These times are not easy. There is so much to do. Let’s continue to be mindful of our best purposes-to thrive and help others to do so.

We can never in words truly express our gratitude to all who made this event so peaceful. We can simply and with the greatest of sincerity say, thank you. Thank you, all.

Peace,
Falcon and Dove

Book Drive on Your Campus for 'Invisible Children'

Hey World Family,
We received this message from our Brother at the IQA concerning children who desperatly need our help. Please read below.
Peace,
Falcon and Dove
p.s.:Don't forget that the Quidditich World Championships will be held inext month near Boston. Check the IQA Facebook page for more information.

Alex Benepe September 23 at 2:15pm



This message is on behalf of Seth Williams, a member of the organization Invisible Children. The IQA supports groups that promote literacy and education for children, so we hope you will take a minute to read this message.

INVISIBLE CHILDREN began in 2003 as a documentary on the Ugandan civil war. Today it is a non-profit that helps to improve education in the region in which it was filmed. So far the program has put more than 765 Ugandan students through High School and more than 120 through college.

In order to bolster the program, a new group called Schools for Schools was created. Schools for Schools is an organization of high school and college students working to raise money and awareness about civil war and the need for education in Uganda.

SCHOOLS FOR SCHOOLS NEEDS MORE STUDENTS to help. Last year they partnered with Better World Books (http://www.betterworldbooks.com/invisiblechildren) and collected over 2 million books for Ugandan schools.

If you are interested in running a book drive at YOUR CAMPUS (or high school) send an email to bookdrive@invisiblechildren.com.For more information, check out http://www.invisiblechildren.com/bookdrive.

Best Wishes,

Alex Benepe

IQA Commissioner

Greenpeace drops banner off West End Bridge in Pittsburgh

Hey Family,
It's Falcon with a bold move by Brothers and Sisters at Greenpeace. Check this out!

The World is Ready for a Strong Climate Treaty
Greenpeace Activists Greet G20 Leaders with Massive Banner on Pittsburgh Bridge

Pittsburgh, United States — Greenpeace activists rappelled off of a Pittsburgh bridge with a massive banner displaying our message to G20 leaders gathering for tomorrow's summit. The banner takes the form of stylized "road sign" that warns of the political maneuvering and delay that have put a international climate treaty in jeopardy as the world enters the final stretch on the road to Copenhagen.



"It is imperative that developed world leaders do not fail again in Pittsburgh. They must put money on the table to support developing countries" said Damon Moglen, Greenpeace USA's global warming campaign director. "It is also critical for G20 leaders agree to kick-start economic recovery through clean energy investment. Both of these elements are vital to achieve a good deal in Copenhagen and avert catastrophic climate change."

Savannah Film Festival selections released!

Hello World Family,
In the midst of the G-20 preparations, Falcon and Dove have been paying attention to the fall film calendar. TIFF had some awesome films, but not a lot of domestic distribution deals were struck. We will post a full review of some of our picks for fall after the G-20, but since this was released today, we wanted to pass it along asap.

Happy Fall Equinox, and for all of you LOTR fans, Happy Bilbo and Frodo's Birthday!
Enjoy these selections...we have seen a couple of these (the student shorts specifically) and they are extremely impressive.

Published: September 21, 2009

SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Savannah College of Art and Design announces the competition film lineup and jurors for its 12th annual Savannah Film Festival, scheduled for Oct. 31-Nov. 7 in historic downtown Savannah, Ga. Featuring the best in independent and innovative film from around the world, the Savannah Film Festival presents a full range of cinematic creativity from both award-winning professionals and emerging student filmmakers. The festival received a record-breaking 525 submissions from 37 states and 27 countries for the 2009 competition.

Jurors for the 2009 Savannah Film Festival are renowned for their work in the film and entertainment industries.

Patti D'Arbanville, winner of the Best Actress Dramalogue Award, has enjoyed an outstanding career in film, television and on stage, with noteworthy roles in "The Main Event," "The Sopranos," "Guiding Light" and "Third Watch."

Award-winning actress Rita Gam starred in more than 30 feature films before launching a second career as an author and documentary film producer. She has won numerous accolades for her documentaries and books, including the Literary Medal of Excellency from the United Nations Society of Writers for her contribution to better understanding between nations.

Ingrid Rockefeller has written, performed and produced original material off-Broadway and wrote and directed the award-winning short film "Melting Ice." She recently started her own company, Light is Sweet Films, and is producing and co-directing a documentary on the life of photojournalist Lisl Steiner.

Michael Sucsy is the writer, director and producer of the Emmy Award-winning "Grey Gardens," a made-for-TV movie starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore. The movie also won the 2009 Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Movies, Mini-Series, and Specials.

David Twohy, both a writer and director, was named by Entertainment Weekly as "one of the most creative people in Hollywood" for his work in films such as "The Fugitive," "Waterworld" and "The Chronicles of Riddick."

The highly anticipated 2009 Savannah Film Festival competition films include the following:



Professional Shorts

Lessons in Self-Defense
USA, 2009, 12 min.

Director/Writer: Lee Miller
Producers: Ayal Miodovnik, David Post
Cast: Ashley Ann-Michaels, Alfred Molina
Synopsis: Ben wants nothing more than to have his estranged 15-year-old daughter, Victoria, back in his life. When Victoria asks to meet with him, Ben eagerly seizes the opportunity, but quickly realizes that his daughter's reasons for coming back have nothing to do with reconciliation.

Love and Roadkill
USA, 2008, 14 min.

Director: John David Allen
Writer: Elisabeth Lewis Corley
Producers: Laura Heberton, James Ivory
Cast: Bill Camp, Madeleine Potter
Synopsis: A scenic ride through the country takes an unexpected turn, resulting in a rare moment of reflection on life and death for a female urban executive. Based on the one-act play by Rose Caruso.

Me, You, a Bag & Bamboo
USA, 2008, 18:40 min., DigiBeta

Director: Lara Everly
Writers: Annika Marks, Padraic Duffy
Producers: Annika Marks, Ceciley Jenkins, Stephen Chbosky
Cast: Kirby Heyborne, Ceciley Jenkins, Amber Elizabeth Ingram
Synopsis: Clifford and Chun Li, two melancholic strangers sharing a park bench, take a quirky journey as they work up the courage to say hello.

Nice to Meet You
UK, 2009, 14 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Will Garthwaite
Producers: Will Garthwaite, Will Misselbrook, Anita Sumner
Cast: Trudie Styler, Jamie Dornan, Mickey Sumner
Synopsis: In London, a mother, a daughter and her boyfriend become entangled in a web of secrecy and sexual tension that leads them from extraordinary circumstances into extraordinary acts.

Ten for Grandpa
USA, Canada, 2008, 7:08 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Doug Karr
Producer(s): Doug Karr, Edward Boyce, Heather K. Dahlstrom
Cast: David Alpay, David Huband, Catherine Black
Synopsis: David Karr: husband, father, White House press reporter, film producer, powerful millionaire, defense contractor, corporate CEO, Renaissance businessman ... Soviet agent? This film-a clear-eyed, comedic take on the life of a complex character and the events surrounding his untimely demise-reaches to understand the forces that push an individual to immerse himself in a nefarious web of danger and infamy.

That's Magic!
USA, 2008, 14:44 min., DigiBeta

Director: Brandon McCormick
Writers: Brandon McCormick, Billy Wilkerson, Charlie Wetzel
Producers: Brandon McCormick, Dave Ronne
Cast: Jackson Walker, Sorrell Sanders, Mark Ashworth
Synopsis: A disillusioned magician seeks his own answer to what is "magic" in the world around him.

Underwear
USA, 2009, 14:53 min, DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Tomer Gendler
Producer(s): Tomer Gendler, Christine Giorgio
Cast: Bernie Lippman, Jean Alexander
Synopsis: Leon and Frida, both deaf, communicate via an old, tethered clothesline that joins their two buildings across a fantastical distance. Leon attempts to convince Frida that although her beauty, talents and everything else have faded, there is plenty of life left in life. He does so by sending messages…. messages written on underwear.

Welgunzer
USA, 2009, 14 min, DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Bradford Schmidt
Producer(s): Bradford Schmidt, Katherine Sharp
Cast: Gary Colon, April Eckfeld, Michael McCartney
Synopsis: Donald was going to build a time machine. He was going to travel into the future... and murder himself.



Animated Shorts


Èikorja an' kafe (Chicory 'N' Coffee)
Hungary, 2008, 8:07 min., 35mm

Director/Writer: Dusan Kastelic
Synopsis: Throughout her marriage, a wife has been making chicory for her ruffian husband instead of real coffee. This story examines how people are unable to express their love to those they're close to … until it's too late.

Gerald's Last Day
USA, 2008, 11:30 min., DigiBeta

Directors/Producers: Shel Rasch and Justin Rasch
Writer: Justin Rasch
Synopsis: Gerald the dog has been scheduled for termination at the pound at 5 p.m. Today is his last chance to seduce a potential adopter. Can he do it before his time runs out?

Horn Dog
USA, 2009, 4:30 min., 35mm

Director: Bill Plympton
Writer: Bill Plympton
Producer: Biljana Labovic
Synopsis: The fourth film in the famed Oscar®-nominated "Dog" series features more adventures from a plucky canine. He fends off an obese dog, attacks oysters and encounters a wayward, killer violin bow, while trying to win the love of his heart's desire.

I Am So Proud of You
USA, 2008, 21:30 min., 35mm

Director/Writer: Don Hertzfeldt
Synopsis: Dark family secrets cast a shadow over Bill's recovery in this second chapter to Don Hertzfeldt's Everything Will Be OK.

The Mouse That Soared
USA, 2009, 5:45 min., 35mm
Director: Kyle Bell
Writers: Kyle Bell, Matthew J. Hayes
Producers: Daniel R. Casey, Steve Emerson
Synopsis: A famous flying circus mouse reflects back on his humble beginnings in this high-altitude adventure in aerodynamics.

Pigeon: Impossible
USA, 2009, 6:12 min., DigiBeta

Director/Producer: Lucas Martell
Writers: Austen Menges, Lucas Martel
Synopsis: Walter, a rookie secret agent, faces a problem seldom covered in basic training: what to do when a curious pigeon gets trapped inside his multi-million-dollar, government-issued nuclear briefcase.

Skylight
Canada, 2009, 4:37 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: David Baas
Synopsis: This animated mockumentary explores the ecological plight of penguins in the Antarctic, possibly foretelling cataclysmic results for the rest of the world.



Student Shorts


Duck Heart Teslacoil
USA, 2009, 5:40 min., Beta SP

Director/Writer: Tyler Kupferer
Producer: Alysha Kupferer
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Synopsis: A young duck learns how to deal with a bus stop menace through the use of high-voltage weaponry.

The Earth in the Air
USA, 2009, 14:50 min., DigiBeta

Director: Jared Hogan
Writer: Michael Bailey, Jared Hogan
Producers: Samuel Eidson, Jared Hogan, Matthew J. Kern
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Cast: Joshua S. Hogan, Robert Conley
Synopsis: On April 14, 1935, widely known as "Black Tuesday," the darkest cloud of the dustbowl rolled across the Midwest. When the storm leaves a man's house uninhabitable, he travels West in an attempt to start anew and escape the worst natural disaster in American history. But what begins as a journey to find life and opportunity becomes a struggle to simply survive.

Even in My Dreams
USA, 2008, 7:53 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Flavio Alves
Producer: Randall Martusis
School: New York University
Cast: Beau Hauser, Burt Panitz, Celia Howard
Synopsis: In his pattern of mundane daily urban meanderings, Michael, an elderly, world-worn widower, happens on a Tom of Finland doll in a sex shop window. His fascination with the erotic doll triggers a belated and reluctant sexual self-discovery. A series of dreams and stream-of-consciousness vignettes move Michael from surprise to hope to a love affair that ends in violence and betrayal.

The Fakers
USA, 2009, 14 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Evan Watkins
Producers: Max Crandall, Aram Kaplan, Evan Watkins
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Cast: Phil Morales, Ali Mohr, J.T. Chinn, Aurora Hiembach, Jeff Hall, Kat Paris
Synopsis: Jerry and Jill Tamlin have become so bored with life in the suburbs that they decide to create their own danger. Things go horribly awry when a few real criminals get into the mix.

Farewell to the Sparrow
USA, 2009, 15 min., DigiBeta

Director: Shane Ladd
Writers: Shane Ladd, Zack Cutler
Producers: Shane Ladd, Jon Spicola
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Cast: Timothy V. Murphy, Eileen Grubba, Lilly Rains, Dey Young, Carmen Argenziano.
Synopsis: Sable, a small town girl, returns home for her mother's funeral. The hard truth unravels as suspicious behavior at the funeral and gossip force Sable to get to the bottom of her mother's death.

Joy in the Morning
USA, 2009, 17 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer/Producer: Gina Atwater
School: Columbia University
Cast: Nedra McClyde, Kaprielle Trenard, Stephanie Parrott
Synopsis: When Nikki Hughes spends an unusual afternoon with her autistic niece, Joy, she is forced to confront her own impending motherhood.

Magellan
USA, 2009, 18 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Sebastian Davis
School: University of Southern California
Cast: Christopher Hobgood, Destiny West, John Ammerman
Synopsis: In industrial Atlanta, the scrawny hero, Magellan, walks to and from middle school every day with his popular, latchkey classmate, Tiana. Their precarious friendship is jeopardized, however, when Magellan works up the foolhardy courage to ask her to the upcoming spring dance.

McDonough
USA, 2009, 2:14 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Kyle Stephens
School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Cast: David Solomon, Chase Arrington, Jenna Paulette, Grace Olsen Davidson, Derrick Parks.
Synopsis: A steampunk stop-motion musical.

Quality Time
USA, 2008, 15 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Colin Marshall
Producers: Gilana Lobel, Joshua Greenberg, Martin Teevan
School: Columbia University
Cast: Charlie Tahan, David Alan Basche
Synopsis: Estranged brothers Tucker and Ray are forced to spend Christmas afternoon together while their father Harold lays comatose in a hospital bed. As they struggle to come to terms with his impending death, they're reminded of the sweet and sour taste of familial bonds.

Sebastian's Voodoo
USA, 2009, 4:07 min., DigiBeta

Director/Producer: Joaquin Baldwin
School: University of California, Los Angeles
Synopsis: A voodoo doll must find the courage to save his friends from being pinned to death.

There Once Was
USA, 2009, 2:18 min., DigiBeta

Director: Fay Helfer
Writers: Fay Helfer, David Leonard

School: Savannah College of Art and Design
Cast: Kate Helfer, Rose Ibiama, Rhianna Helton
Synopsis: A series of three short, animated limericks includes a comedy between bats in the air, a romance among turtles on land, and the horror a giant squid faces at sea.



Narrative Features

Bomber
USA, 2008, 84 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Paul Cotter
Producers: Paul Cotter, Maureen A. Ryan
Cast: Shane Taylor, Benjamin Whitrow, Eileen Nicholas
Synopsis: An 83-year-old man returns to Germany for a long-planned journey of atonement. When his useless son agrees to drive him there, a nightmare family road trip ensues.

Dear Lemon Lima
USA, 2009, 107 min., DigiBeta

Director/Writer: Suzi Yoonessi
Producers: Melissa M. Lee, Jonako Donley
Cast: Savanah Wiltfong, Shayne Topp, Zane Huett, Melissa Leo
Synopsis: Vanessa believes that a victory in the Snowstorm Survivor championship is the only way into Philip's heart. Unlike the Native Olympics, which bring together people of all sizes and shapes to celebrate Native Alaskan culture, Snowstorm Survivor perverts the traditional Eskimo games in order to foster an antiquated class system. Vanessa discovers the true meaning of love and must embrace her Native heritage to reclaim the spirit of the World Eskimo Indian Olympics.

Love Hurts
USA, 2009, 95 min., 35mm

Director/Writer: Barra Grant
Producers: Laura Hopper, Sara Mattison, Brian Reilly
Cast: Richard E. Grant, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jenna Elfman, Janeane Garofalo, Camryn Manheim
Synopsis: Ben (Richard E. Grant), a successful doctor but an obtuse husband, is finally left by his wife (Carrie-Anne Moss). Befuddled by life and romance and obsessed with winning her back, Ben receives tutoring from his extremely popular 17-year-old son. To his amazement, Ben becomes the most desirable single man in town.

Mercy
USA, 2009, 87 min., 35mm

Director: Patrick Hoelck
Writer: Scott Caan
Producers: Andrea Bottigliero, Scott Caan, Sean Gowrie, Vince Palomino, David Albert Pierce
Cast: Erika Christensen, Whitney Able, Troy Garity, Scott Caan, James Caan, Dylan McDermott
Synopsis: For novelist Johnny Ryan (Scott Caan), writing about love is the easy part. Believing in love is a different story; he's not entirely sure it exists. However, his lifestyle of seduction and bachelorhood forever changes when a single critic writes a biting review of his latest book, cutting through his charming persona and straight to his arrogant core. Thrown off course, Johnny does what comes naturally: He asks the critic on a date, which leads him on a rocky path of self-discovery as he realizes that love is much more real (and perilous) than he ever imagined.



Documentary Films

45365
USA, 2008, 90 min., DigiBeta

Directors/Producers: Bill Ross, Turner Ross
Synopsis: This film follows lives and stories in a small town as they coalesce into a mosaic of faces, places and events. The county fair, a barber shop, the retirement home, a football team, a judge's race for re-election, a father and son, young love lost, and arrest and sentencing are all explored in this sweeping survey of life in Sidney, Ohio.

An Unlikely Weapon
USA, 2008, 85 min., DigiBeta

Director: Susan Morgan Cooper
Producers: Susan Morgan Cooper, Cindy Lou Adkins
Cast: Eddie Adams
Synopsis: Eddie Adams photographed 13 wars, six American presidents and every major film star of the last 50 years. History was changed through his lens … but the person Eddie found hardest to impress was himself.

No. 4 Street of Our Lady
Israel, USA, Ukraine, 2009, 90 min., DigiBeta

Directors: Barbara Bird, Judy Maltz
Producers: Judy Maltz, Richie Sherman
Cast: Herb Maltz, Eli Kindler, Fay Letzter Malkin
Synopsis: If your neighbors were being hunted down and came to your door begging for help, would you risk your life to save theirs? This film tells the remarkable yet little-known story of Francisca Halamajowa, a Polish-Catholic woman who hid 16 of her Jewish neighbors during the Holocaust, while cleverly passing herself off as a Nazi sympathizer.

So Right So Smart
USA, 2008, 93 min., DigiBeta

Directors: Justin Maine, Michael Swantek, Guy Noerr
Producers: Guy Noerr, Leanne Robinson-Maine
Synopsis: As environmental awareness increases in customers, business leaders like Ray Anderson are learning that sustainability is an ethical imperative for the future; in the process, they're finding that money just might grow on trees.

Media inquiries and image requests may be directed to 912.525.5231.



About the Savannah Film Festival

The Savannah Film Festival brings world-renowned filmmakers, producers, actors and journalists, as well as other film enthusiasts, to SCAD and Savannah for eight days of feature films, lectures, workshops, panels and competition films from a range of genres. Now in its 12th year, the festival was started by SCAD President Paula Wallace to provide students with opportunities to network with, meet and learn from entertainment industry leaders and to showcase the university's talented students and unique resources.

More than 40,000 people from around the world attend the festival to celebrate film, network, and immerse themselves in the inspiring artistic environment of SCAD and Savannah. On average, more than 500 studio and independent filmmakers submit a range of films-including documentaries, narratives, animations, professional shorts and student projects-to the festival each year.

The Savannah Film Festival also plays a significant role in preparing talented students for creative careers. From dramatic writing and performing arts to animation and sound design, almost every department at SCAD-and every student-benefits from the multifaceted festival experience.

Each year, distinguished honorees are presented awards for excellence in the entertainment industry. Past recipients include Michael Douglas, Natasha Richardson, Jane Fonda, Alec Baldwin, Sydney Pollack and Kathleen Turner. Invariably, these guests remark on the wealth of talent and enthusiasm at SCAD, as well as their excitement at seeing a university so dedicated to the art of film.

Highlights of the festival include workshops, special screenings and evening receptions. Each day is packed with workshops about a variety of topics, such as entertainment investments, the latest film technology, sound design and acting for the screen. Every evening features a special screening at Trustees Theater, followed by a star-studded after-party where celebrities and industry professionals mingle with students, faculty and select pass holders.

Passes to the Savannah Film Festival are available for purchase through the SCAD box office, 216 E. Broughton St., or by phone at 912.525.5050.

A limited number of individual tickets to screenings and workshops will be available at the SCAD box office beginning Oct. 1. Morning and afternoon screenings and panels will be $5 for the general public; $3 for students, seniors and military; and free for SCAD students, faculty and staff with a valid SCAD ID.

The price for tickets to the evening screenings will be $10 for the general public and $5 for SCAD students, faculty and staff with a valid SCAD ID.

Group discounts are available.

The Savannah Film Festival schedule is subject to change.



SCAD: The University for Creative Careers

The Savannah College of Art and Design is the most comprehensive art and design university in the world, offering more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design university. SCAD is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor's and master's degrees in distinctive locations and online to prepare talented students for professional careers. SCAD offers students a choice of degree programs in 46 majors and more than 50 minors at locations in Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia, in Lacoste, France, online through SCAD eLearning, and soon in Hong Kong.

The diverse student body of more than 9,500 comes from all 50 United States and nearly 100 countries worldwide. The education and career preparation of each student is nurtured and cultivated by a faculty of more than 600 professors with extraordinary academic credentials and valuable professional experience. Through individual attention in an inspiring university environment, and with advanced, professional-level technology, equipment and learning resources, SCAD is uniquely qualified to provide an exceptional education and unparalleled career preparation. SCAD has garnered acclaim from respected organizations and publications, including the Los Angeles Times, American Institute of Architects, DesignIntelligence and U.S. News & World Report.