Burt Reynolds to visit Valdosta film fest
Published 6:00 am Friday, June 1, 2018
- Submitted Photo | Dalton CitizenActor Burt Reynolds and Gordon Whitener, a Dalton High School graduate, worked together on Reynolds’ latest movie, ‘The Last Movie Star.’ Reynolds is expected to participate in a Valdosta film festival scheduled for July.
VALDOST, Ga.A — The Bandit is coming to town.
Burt Reynolds is set to attend the first RKDS Film Festival hosted by RKDS Entertainment and Media July 12-14 at Mathis City Auditorium.
Reynolds will make an appearance 3 p.m., July 12, to receive the key to the city, said Roy Kirkland, RKDS writer and producer. Mayor John Gayle will proclaim July 12 Burt Reynolds Day, Kirkland said.
Reynolds will present “Smokey and the Bandit,” “The Last Movie Star” and “Gator” at the festival. “Gator” was filmed in South Georgia.
“I’m just happy Burt Reynolds will be here because I think that will bring awareness to what we’re doing,” said Doug Sebastian, RKDS director.
The purpose for the festival is to highlight the region’s film industry, said Kirkland, who deemed South Georgia as an area that heavily contributes to the film making industry.
“We’re the only ones that’s really tooting the horn and advertising and trying to bring awareness to the film industry in South Georgia,” he said.
Seven filmmakers from across the nation will have their movies shown on a screen 16 feet high and 35 feet wide.
The filmmakers are expected to visit from areas such as Los Angeles, Savannah and Ohio, Kirkland said. Among the group is director and Thomasville native Bradley Wheeler, who will bring his film “Celeste” to the big screen.
Ten movies will be shown at various times during the three-day period, and there will be a 10-minute short movie that will be played.
RKDS will screen two of its productions, “Spook Bridge” and “Grandma’s Blessings.” Kirkland said the version of “Spook Bridge” that will be playing is the PG-13 version.
Kirkland and Sebastian strive to increase general knowledge about the industry. He’d especially like to get the attention of city and county leaders, Kirkland said.
“We want to grow this area in the film industry, and we need help,” he said, “and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing.”
Tickets range from $10-150 and can be purchased online at rkdsfilmfest.com. Information about mailing checks can also be found at this site.
Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.
