Island-focused films awarded at regional film fest
Two island documentaries were award winners at the 15th annual Fort Myers Film Festival.
Held from May 14-18, this year’s festival concluded its celebration of independent cinema with a filmmaker panel and award ceremony at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers.
Over 94 films were showcased across six venues, including Alliance for the Arts, Babcock Ranch, BIG ARTS on Sanibel, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, Davis center, IMAG History & Science Center and Luminary Hotel.
“The festival featured a diverse lineup of narratives, documentaries and shorts, highlighting themes of resilience, love, and the human spirit,” the festival shared.
At the closing panel and award ceremony on May 18, “On Sanibel: The Hurricane Diaries” was named the Audience Favorite, while “Untold Stories: Sanibel Island’s Store” took home the Best Local Film.
Directed and produced by island resident and Starfish Lane Production founder Laura DeBruce, “On Sanibel: The Hurricane Diaries” captures the resilience of Sanibel in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
“I was thrilled to receive the Audience Favorite award,” she shared. “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support our film — this story was a tribute to our island’s grit and resilience.”
DeBruce noted the win for “Untold Stories: Sanibel Island’s Store.”
“Our beautiful island was well-represented throughout the festival,” she added.
“On Sanibel: The Hurricane Diaries” features dramatic, first-hand footage from islanders who stayed during Ian, which severed the Sanibel Causeway and left Sanibel devastated. Through intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage, the documentary tells the stories of the islands’ residents, small business owners and community leaders who rose to the challenge.
DeBruce began documenting recovery efforts just days after the storm, arriving by boat and bicycle alongside her husband. Despite breaking her wrist on the first day back — following an alligator encounter — she began filming immediately. DeBruce later recruited a friend, Diana Taylor, to assist and she teamed up with award-winning videographer Chad Hatcher to bring the project to life.
The score was composed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning composer Kat Epple.
Directed by WGCU’s Janine Zeitlin, “Untold Stories: Sanibel Island’s Store” traces the journey of a family, small business and an island determined to rebuild and thrive after Hurricane Ian in 2022.
The worst storm to hit the beloved Florida island in a century, Ian caused catastrophic damage. The documentary highlights the resiliency of Bailey’s General Store, established in 1899, as the family business rebuilds for the third time after Ian. WGCU reported that this intimate portrait of resilience and determination shows how Sanibel’s spirit remains unbroken, despite tremendous challenges.
“Thrilled to announce that ‘Sanibel Island’s Store’ took home the award for Best Local Film,” it shared. “Our WGCU Public Media documentary received a warm reception for the film screening, with a red-carpet celebration and engaging Q&A session with our production team and the owners of Bailey’s.”
“So proud of everyone who helped bring this special island story to life,” WGCU added.
The film crew included: Zeitlin, senior producer, writer and narrator; Tom James, videographer and editor; Susan Gard, associate producer and additional camera; Andrea Melendez, Kevin Smith and Amanda Whittamore, additional cameras; Jess Trueblood, graphics designer; Pamela James, executive producer; Amy Shumaker, WGCU associate general manager of content; and Corey Lewis, WGCU general manager.
The other award winners at this year’s Fort Myers Film Festival were:
– Best Actor: Art Hindle in “The Performance”
– Best Actress: Laurel Marsden in “All There Is”
– Best Director: Melissa Davey for “Climbing Into Life”
– Best Documentary: “Mr. Nobody Against Putin” by David Borenstein
– Best Environmental Film: “Journey Back to Alcedo” by Gianna Haro Vallazza
– Best Feature Film: “Curveballs” by John Biffar
– Best Short: “Attempt 101” by Erika Miyamoto
– Best Short Short: “In and Amongst (on Pell St.)” by Ben Wolf
– Best Student Film: “My Guardian Angel” by Nya Chambless
– Edison Innovation Award: “The Journey” by Jahna Perricone
“Throughout the festival, audiences experienced a wide range of films, including stories of senior cliff climbers, heroic filmmaking in the face of Russian propaganda, cities that are kind, students combating indoctrination, stories from the WWII battlefield, environmental warriors, and communities showing strength while enduring natural disasters,” the festival shared. “Other highlights included explorations of the brain and consciousness, rose-loving seniors, the power of organ donation, humorous films, and Florida mermaids.”
The 16th annual Fort Myers Film Festival will take place on May 20-24.
For more information, visit www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com.
For more information about the documentary “On Sanibel: The Hurricane Diaries,” visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563512172527.
To watch the trailer, visit https://www.facebook.com/61563512172527/videos/983090534031724.