Hollywood Close to Home

Director Martin Scorsese: A presenter at the 2004 Film Festival

Some people, they hear Lake Placid mentioned, think of the Olympics. Still others might associate Lake Placid with Can-Am Hockey tournaments or horse shows. Very few, however, think Lake Placid and Film Festival. But Lake Placid does have its very own film festival. Now in its fifth year, the festival is slated for June 2-6 and will feature over 60 films and numerous presenters. It may not be Sundance or Cannes, but the Lake Placid Film Festival is a success story, to be sure.

Writers, artists, and musicians have gained creative inspiration through the majesty and tranquility of the Adirondacks. Artists such as Georgia O’ Keefe and Winslow Homer have spent time in the Adirondacks. Some equally famous writers, such as James Fenimore Cooper, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Henry David Thoreau have all called the Adirondack home at some point. Realizing the awe-inspiring quality the Adirondacks possess, organizers felt Lake Placid, nestled in the heart of the mountains, would be the perfect place for a film festival.

As film festivals go, this one is relatively small. That, however, is one of its strong points. Festival organizers sought an intimate setting where film lovers and industry professionals could come together in an informal setting and produce meaningful, insightful dialogue. Panel sessions allow for maximum contact between professionals and the public, with discussion ranging from movie content to ethics and media. Also, the Lake Placid Film festival prides itself on providing numerous opportunities for teen filmmakers. Various workshops offer advice to teens interested in directing and producing. Teens who make movies can now enter them in the Film Festival under a separate category.

Although the festival is intimate and low key, there is nothing low key about its guests. This summer’s event will feature director Martin Scorsese. Scorsese has directed films such as Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Mean Streets, and more recently Gangs of New York. Scorsese will personally present a special screening of the 1963 Italian classic The Leopard. This rare, restored version will run 180 minutes and afterward audience members will have the rare privilege to hear Scorsese speak about the film, which Scorsese says has been a “major inspiration” for his filmmaking. Industry insiders compare the subject matter of the film to the American classic Gone With The Wind. “Just being able to listen to Martin Scorsese present his favorite film or talk about his work is a rare treat,” says festival co-founder Kathleen Carroll, “I’m personally thrilled that he is coming to my hometown of Lake Placid and I’m sure North Country residents will be equally excited.”

The 2003 Film Festival included guests such as Debra Winger from the movie Terms of Endearment and Campbell Scott, who directed the movie Off The Map. Scott’s movie was selected as the prestigious opening film at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival.

“The 2004 Film Festival is moving in a new, exciting direction”says Alan Hofmanis, Director of Programming. Along with featuring distinguished guest Martin Scorsese, the film festival is now accepting international film submissions. They have also added an emerging filmmaker competition, which brings feature length and documentary style films to this year’s festival.

The Palace Theatre has been home to the Film Festival for the past five years.

No doubt though, the highlight of the 2004 film festival will be the seminars. Taking place over the course of three days, their aim is to give film students with a serious interest in directing, producing or screenwriting the chance to learn more about their trade. Students will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry. Raoul Peck, whose film credits include Lumumba- Death of a Profit and Man by the Shore, will host the film-directing seminar. Linda Reisman will host the film-producing seminar. Reisman is an independent filmmaker who is credited with producing many films, most notably Paul Schrader’s film Affliction. Screenwriting master Jeremy Pisker, whose projects include warren Beatty’s film Bulworth, will host the screenwriting seminar.

The Lake Placid Film Festival has certainly built quite a name for itself, for it has become one of the favorites among professionals in the industry. The laid back feel of the festival, along with its intimacy and beautiful setting keep people coming back for more. This, combined with a new, fresh vision for 2004, will hopefully continue to keep a little bit of Hollywood in the Adirondacks for a long time to come.

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