The day started with an interview with Kyle Prohaska, producer of the feature “Standing Firm.” I had already heard a lot about the film online and was anxious to meet the man behind the movie. Kyle seems like a very focused and determined young man. It is easy to see how he has found the level of success he has thus far as a first time filmmaker. “Standing Firm” screened today—it is nicely done. I’m sure we will be hearing more from this new filmmaker. Of special note, Kyle just became engaged to Denise Rose. He surprised her early Thursday morning when he popped the big question…in public! Of course, Denise did not have trouble coming up with an answer once she got over the initial shock. Congratulations to Kyle and Denise!!!
I had several more exciting interviews on Friday. From the movie “No Greater Love,” I interviewed director Brad J. Silverman, executive producer Russ Rice and writer Brandon Rice. As we hung out by the Riverwalk, I learned more about their work on this film as well as an exciting upcoming new film of theirs in which they will be issuing a public casting call looking for the female lead. I will be posting information of this casting call once I get more information. But for a heads up…you will need to be a an actor and a singer! I had already seen “No Greater Love” with my husband Neill, and I know the festival attendees will enjoy seeing it as well. The Rice/Silverman team were great fun to meet. I also interviewed Skip Moody, the producer of a documentary entitled “Live to Forgive” about a pastor, Dean Smith, who forgives the man who murdered his mother.

Films I saw on Friday include “The Cripple Effect,” a documentary about the suffering Wisconsin rail system by the Leclerc Brothers. I was amazed at the quality of this documentary film produced by two young men in their early 20’s! I also enjoyed the Behind the Scenes of the Brightline Pictures/Advent Film Group movie “Hero” which is currently in production. I was surprised to learn that director George Escobar was making an impromptu appearance and I was happy to run into him only hours after he arrived. We took a few minutes to sit and chat about his projects as well. What an humble man with great vision.
The evening culminated with the the premiere of the director’s cut of “Ace Wonder: Message From a Dead Man” produced by John Moore and starring his 12-year old brother, Gator Moore, who plays a child detective who stumbles upon a real-life crime as he seeks to find a good story for his comic book character Ace Wonder. This is the second feature from the award-winning young filmmaker. I found it to be absolutely delightful! Gator is a adorable character on the screen and in real life!
Tomorrow is the last day of the festival…and the day we learn who the festival winners will be!