SCAD Film Festival 2019
As the Editor in Chief of SCAD Savannah’s online news website, I had the opportunity to interview and photograph honored guests at the largest university-run film festival in the nation. While these are the stories where I wrote and interviewed, my team produced more than 65 stories covering the week long sprint. Their grit and passion deserves all the credit.
Outstanding Achievement in Cinema Award recipient Sienna Miller poses for a portrait outside the Trustees theater. [Jordan Petteys/Scaddistrict.com]
Tom Junod discusses how his vulnerability with Fred Rogers impacted his career with District’s Editor in Chief, Jordan Petteys. [Kendra Frankle/Scaddistrict.com']
The line for 7 p.m. gala screening “Knives Out” stretched across the Trustees theater and around the corner. [Jordan Petteys/Scaddistrict.com]
The four Breakout Award Recipients Mena Massoud, Beanie Feldstein, Jharrel Jerome and Camila Morrone during their interview with District Editor in Chief, Jordan Petteys. [Nick Thomsen/Scaddistrict.com]
Honored guest and Discovery Award recipient Aldis Hodge confronts his experience of death row in preparing for his character in “Clemency.” [Jordan Petteys/Scaddistrict.com]
SCAD District Editor in Chief Jordan Petteys poses in front of Debi’s Diner, the restaurant where Jenny worked in Forrest Gump. [Leila Scott/Scaddistrict.com]
SCAD District editors interview Elisabeth Moss about her role in “Her Smell” on the red carpet. [Ben Krueger/Scaddistrict.com]
Exclusive Interview with Mena Massoud, Beanie Feldstein, Jharrel Jerome and Camila Morrone :
In this exclusive interview, the four Breakout Award recipients from the SCAD Savannah Film Festival provided their reactions to viewing their films for the first time, their passions for acting and goals for the future.
The respected and accomplished journalist offers insight on ethical reporting and argues that vulnerability transforms storytelling. His friendship with Fred Rogers kickstarted a movie now 10 years in the making, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”
Tom Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue Interviews :
In their emotional interview, the two writers from “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” discuss why a film regarding kindness over cynicism is more important now than ever before.
Rising Star Director Award recipient Olivia Wilde empowers young people to capitalize on opportunities and express themselves through art.
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Alan Silvestri found his dream while tapping chopsticks on a notepad at 4 years old. He offers the same zest for sound decades later in his interview.
Dawn Luebbe and Joceyln DeBoer Interviews :
Directors and co-stars of “Greener Grass” encouraged viewers to take life with a grain of salt. From awkward pool parties to braces at 40, the up and coming comedy-horror takes ‘suburban moms’ for a spin.
Danielle Macdonald Interview :
Rising Star Award recipient Danielle Macdonald encouraged SCAD students, as the next generation, to meet challenges with bravery.
"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” Movie Review :
This highly anticipated film starring Tom Hanks hit theaters just before Thanksgiving and screened at SAVFF Nov. 2. “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” discovers the redemptive perspective to suffering, following the friendship between Fred Rogers and Lloyd Vogel.
Brennan Brown and Frances Turner Interviews :
Two cast members from “The Man in the High Castle” shared experiences from premiering Season 4 with an audience, and the difference between character prep for TV and film.
Interview with 2019 Coca-Cola Regal Competition Winners :
SCAD students Shayain Lakhani and Devon Solwold, winners of the 2019 Coca-Cola and Regal Films Competition, made their debut on the SAVFF red carpet for opening night. The duo later emceed for the awards ceremony and introduced the night’s films.
Dear Mr. Tom Hanks: You’ve got Mail :
Between movie references and photo evidence, I attempt to convince Tom Hanks to attend the SCAD Savannah Film Festival for the 25th anniversary of Forrest Gump and screening of “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”
