(original logo by Michael Collazo)2001
The Cape Fear Independent Film Network receives its non-profit status from the IRS. Initial membership is more than 50 people strong. The first annual Sometime In October Film Festival is held in Downtown WIlmington from October 19 - 21. Three venues in three nights and a very impressive turnout for a first year festival. Local morning DJs Bryan & Jim hosted an "Evening Disaster" at Club 131 (now Fat Tony's) and Saturday NIght at the Firebelly Lounge was standing room only. We had short films and a Q & A session with actor, Nick Searcy at Cape Fear Community College and the whole event was capped off with some great music by two of Wilmington's favorite bands.
(poster art by Michael Collazo)2002
This was definitely an expansion year. The film festival expanded out of downtown, with screenings at Hollywood East Cinema Grill, a place we'd continue to enjoy the use of for another 2 years. Here we showed our first feature film, BACHELOR MAN, starring David Delouise (Stargate SG-1). CFFIN also expanded its capabilites by producing it's first short film in house. SIGHTLINES, written by Charles Hall, was the winner of our first screenplay competition. We brought back FILM NITE (a local film showcase created by the Hardin brothers) for a wildly succesful showing in February and we even made an appearance at Wilmington's annual Polo Tournament, just to expand awareness of the organization.
(new logo by Pam Marr)2004
The Sometime In October Film Festival has it's biggest year with more shorts, 3 feature films, and it's first outdoor screening behind the Port City Java on Market Street. Special thanks to PCJ for its sponsorship and keeping the coffee flowing - it was a bit chilly that night! Awards were handed out to SWAN QUARTER (Best Short Drama), REGULAR GUY (Best Short Comedy), THE QUORUM (Best Documentary) and SOUTHERN REDEMPTION PART 1 (Best Feature). The locally produced, PRODIGAL SON, was screened. This short film was written by CFIFN member Irene Slater and directed by One Tree HIll's Craig Schiffer.
2005
Sometime In October joins up with another October festival, the long running Wilmington Riverfest. For nearly 30 years, Riverfest as celebrated life and culture on the Cape Fear River, drawing over 50,000 to Downtown Wilmington every year. Screenings were moved to the Coastline Convention Center and held for 2 days next to the Art Expo. This was another great year for NC film and also showed an increase in animated content featuring two great shorts by Out Of Our Minds Productions from Winston Salem, NC. The last night was capped off by a triple threat of horror from Christopher Alan Broadstone, whose SCREAM FOR ME, had audience members wondering if they would ever get to sleep any time soon. CFIFN also gives out the 1st Annual Wayne Bradley Creative Spirit award to Allison Biggar who's work has shown on the Emmy winning Current TV Network.
(poster art by Kim Bowman)2006
Our second year teaming up with Riverfest saw a slight change in format. Getting back to our roots, Friday's screening was re-christened "Let Us See Your Shorts" and was packed with fantastic films including several by CFIFN members. Tisha Schiavone screened her racially tense, but uplifting drama, MICKA. Rich Gehron presented DIVINING, his eerie prequel to an upcoming feature film, and Charles McNeil snuck in the ultra short and ultra funny SUNDAY DRIVE. Overall, 11 of the shorts screened were made in North Carolina, with Chapel Hill resident, Todd Tinkham, taking home the $1000 Grand prize for his film, RIVERSIDE. Friday night ended with the Wilmington Premiere of David Wade's FOUR THE ROSES. Galvanized Films' David Dunn and Heath Franklin received the Wayne Bradley Creative Spirit Award for their passion and perserverence it getting this film done. A good time was had by all.
Saturday Night saw the introduction of the Indepedent Film Showcase. The featured film was Bobby Field's ode to actors who don't let little things, like lack of talent, get in the way of their dreams: THE GUY IN ROW FIVE. The screening took place at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside and Bobby Field was on hand, all the way from California, to answer questions from the audience. We'd like to thank Bobby for making the trip and can't wait to see his next masterpeice.
2007
The final Sometime In October festival. South African filmmaker Quinton Lavery wins "Best Short" for his film, BARREN and takes home the $1000 Grand Prize . Tim Parker takes home the Wayne Bradley Creative Spirit Award. Thursday night's screening was capped off with Tim's fantastic short, MILK BUM , getting the biggest audience response of the night. Even local Mayoral Candidate, Harper Peterson was on hand to watch Tim receive his award. Another audience favorite was Langley McArol's ONE OF THE GIRLS, which got some of the biggest laughs of the entire festival.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE OWNERS, MANAGEMENT & STAFF OF THE RHINO CLUB and HELL'S KITCHEN.