A new film festival for Mobile was nearing the end of its open-submission period, with the inaugural Azalea Film Festival set for September 24 at the Wynnsong 16 theater in West Mobile. The fest accepted shorts, features, and music videos of any genre.
An emphasis on the little guy
Organizer Joel Knain said the festival was born after he and collaborators submitted a film to another event and came away wanting to do things differently – giving filmmakers a true big-screen experience judged by industry veterans. Entries arrived from as far as India, Spain, the UK, and Canada, alongside local submissions, and panel discussions were planned.
Awards were slated for Best Short, Best Feature, Best Music Video, and Best Overall, with judges Drew Hall, Sam Medina, and Jack Teague.
A mission beyond movies
Knain noted the festival’s ultimate goal: supporting families affected by autism spectrum disorder. Net proceeds were to fund therapy scholarships, communication devices such as iPads for non-verbal children, sensory-sensitive opportunities, and education for caregivers.
The event promised Gulf Coast film-goers a chance to see work they would not find just anywhere else, all on a 40-foot screen at Wynnsong 16, 785 Schillinger Rd. S.