VALDOSTA, Ga. — The 1st Annual RKDS Film Fest is pleased to announce the full lineup of film and special events that will take place from July 12-14.

The three-day festival will highlight the film industry of South Georgia, feature 10 films, star appearances and special events, according to a press release from RKDS.

Legendary actor, Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Burt Reynolds will headline the event starting at 3 p.m. July 12 at the Mathis City Auditorium Multi Purpose Annex. The gala event will consist of Valdosta Mayor John Gayle presenting Reynolds with the Key to the City and proclaiming July 12, 2018 as Burt Reynolds Day.

Reynolds has made more than 50 films but is most widely known for his portrayal as the Bandit in the hit movie, “Smokey and the Bandit.” Another beloved movie, “Gator,” was filmed in the South Georgia area. His latest film is titled “The Last Movie Star.” These three films will be shown at the RKDS Film Fest with Reynolds introducing each.

Also appearing at the film fest will be an actress with a Valdosta connection. In 1973 Simone Griffeth portrayed a teenage girl in the movie, “Like A Crow On A June Bug.” However, the name of the title was changed to “Sixteen.” It was filmed in Lake Park and Valdosta. Griffeth has continued acting and will be presenting this film along with her latest film, “Untouched,” a movie that was produced in Savannah by executive producers Chip Lane and Angelique Chase, who will also be presenting.

More special guests include Brad Wheeler, director of the film “Celeste,” which was produced in Thomasville. Alexander Kane, a Fitzgerald native who has made an acting career in California, will be on stage to talk about his role in the film “Potter’s Ground,” directed by Michael Butts, who will be presenting his film.

Other notable films to be shown include “Brother’s Keeper,” a faith-based movie produced in Bainbridge; two Early County films, “Dismal” and “Savage”; and two RKDS Entertainment productions, “Grandma’s Blessings,” filmed in Valdosta, Nashville and Sparks, and “Spook Bridge,” a movie based on the legendary Brooks County bridge and filmed in Quitman and Valdosta.

The press release said the three-day event will delight festival goers featuring an exclusive VIP Wine and Dine Gala, 10 marquee screening events, Burt Reynolds Historic Ceremony, Eastbound and Down Replicars Bandit’s Trans-Am and Smokey’s Pontiac Lemans with Bandit and Smokey lookalikes.

“The RKDS Film Fest was created to highlight film-making in South Georgia and to raise awareness of the film industry here. Georgia’s rising film industry has made the state number one in the nation. However, the benefits of Georgia’s success seems to go no further south than Macon and Savannah. By showing off our locations, actors and films, we are showing the world that South Georgia is truly a remarkable place to film,” RKDS Film Fest Director Roy Kirkland said.

“The RKDS Film Fest is pleased to have Mr. Burt Reynolds as a very special guest. When we were discussing films to show at the event, there was no doubt we wanted Burt Reynolds movies included,” filmmaker Doug Sebastain said.

“I took it a step further and went after the legend himself,” said director Roy Kirkland. “After three weeks of negotiating we made the deal and then I started going after sponsors.”

Coca-Cola is a main sponsor and will be providing Coca-Cola soft drinks that will be served along with free popcorn. Many other businesses have jumped on board as well.

“Without the support of businesses and community leaders, the film industry cannot survive. On the other hand businesses and the entire community will thrive even more as the film industry grows in the area,” Kirkland said.

Festival VIP passes and individual tickets are now on sale now and available online. For a full lineup of films, or to purchase passes, please visit www.RkdsFilmFest.com.