The Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre (BRIFT) recently announced that four films showcasing the talents of BRIFT alumni were featured at film festivals throughout the State. 

Turkles, a kid friendly family feature written and directed by well-known Palm Beach County filmmaker Frank Eberling, garnered special recognition at the Downtown Boca Film Festival, being named “Best Feature Film.” This inspirational tale, which focuses on the efforts of pre-teen campers determined to discover who is stealing protected sea turtle eggs, was also featured at the Sustainability Summit in West Palm Beach. It was screened to the viewing enjoyment of Port St. Lucie residents at the Treasure Coast International Film Festival.

Writer/Director Eberling is no stranger to the awards process. In 2011, Turkles earned much deserved recognition as Best Screenplay from the Tree of Life International Foundation. The film was also earned nominations for Best Screenplay and despite fierce competition from five other feature films, won the Florida Gem Award at Treasure Coast International Film Festival. For the three nights it was screened at the Palm Beach International Film Festival, it played to sold-out audiences. 

A collaborative production effort of the Burt Reynolds Institute (BRIFT) and Palm Beach State College (PBSC), Turkles utilized the talents of many of the Institute’s students as well as being supported by a seasoned crew from both BRIFT and PBSC. For more information: www.turkles.tv.

The Treasure Coast International Film Festival (TCIFF) brought attention to the efforts of three other BRIFT trained filmmakers and many of the Institute’s acting students. On Wednesday, April 28^th, two films by BRIFT alumni – Way Back and Interview with Evil – were shown at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center. Way Back, written and directed by Rick Bennette and featuring Tom Walker and Cooper Getschel, is the story of a homeless war veteran who finds dignity through the kindness of a stranger.

The short, Interview with Evil, written and directed by C. Todd Vittum, stars David Ausem and Robert Tassey. Interview is a crime drama that discovers a story within the story. In the film, a documentary filmmaker talks with a convicted felon and in the process, the filmmaker learns more about himself than his subject.

Faded Photographs, directed by Mary Alice Stewart, had its world premiere on Thursday, April 29^th, also at the Treasure Coast International Film Festival.  The story focuses on a chance meeting between a lonely widow and widower, who help each other to understand that memories of the past can lay the foundation for a happier tomorrow and in the process they find much needed love and companionship.