The first Moab International Film Festival will be in September. However, festival organizers are planning a fundraising party and preview of the festival on Wednesday, April 10 at Buck’s Grillhouse.
Entry is $30 and provides both a free meal and entertainment.
“A portion of each ticket sale goes to support our non-profit, affords each person a delicious cooked-to-order barbecue buffet, a full epicurean delight dessert station, and, most importantly, allows them to bid on our silent auction,” said Scott Ibex.
Businesses throughout the community have donated their services and talents for the auction.
“We’ll be featuring original art by James McKew and Megan Kennard, massages, luxury facials, spa treatments, salon styling packages, dinners for two from local restaurants, and much more,” Ibex said.
In addition to the food and silent auction, there will also be live entertainment during dinner.
“We’ll also be showing the first clips from some of the festival selections, including an academy-award nominated documentary film on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Ibex said.
“King: A Filmed Record… Montgomery to Memphis” is a documentary that consists mostly of archival footage of Martin Luther King, Jr. It was nominated for an Academy Award and won admission into the National Film Registry.
“Our mission is to showcase stellar independent films with regard to quality of storytelling and cultural value for film-goers to enjoy,” Ibex said. “We aim to share uniquely powerful stories, concepts and ideas from around the world.”
The festival is making film submissions free this year. The categories include: experimental film, musically inclined, documentary, environmental landscapes, comedy, and outdoor action.
The Moab International Film Festival is still in need of volunteers who love films and Moab.
A Meet and Greet barbecue was held March 3, which garnered some volunteers, but more are needed.
“Putting on a festival takes a lot of hands and we still have a few positions open,” Ibex said. “Opportunities available range from street team members to administrative tasks. Volunteer positions are unpaid but if you’re the right person it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.”
Ibex said that he is still gathering items for the silent auction. He wants to remind the public that by bidding on items, you can receive a valuable prize that is tax-deductible.
“We really need to sell advance tickets so we can give an estimated headcount to the chef at Buck’s a week before the event. Folks will still be able to purchase tickets at the door, but advance purchases are strongly preferred,” Ibex said.
Festival organizers hope to raise $200,000 before the festival begins.
