Going on the MIFF website this afternoon, I discovered that our film, The Last Picture Show, directed by Eric Emerick, has been nominated for Best film in the documentary category. The Last Picture Show is a mini documentary highlighting me and my artwork that was featured at the last exhibition of the Foosaner Art Museum in Melbourne, Florida. To see the full list of films nominated for 2021 Best of Show categories, click here.
Emerick filmed the show during June of this year before the Foosaner's closing. Video was made of the museum and the exhibition, and included vintage photos of my family album taken in the 1950s. Several well-known local artists, educators, and gallery directors have cameo appearances in the film.
The Foosaner, a cultural landmark of Brevard County and the Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) of Melbourne, had a long history of 40+ years before the property was sold to a real estate developer who will build a hotel on the site. Many devoted members of the museum were greatly saddened by this loss.
The exhibition featuring my artwork was titled Abstraction: Retrospective Memories and was curated by Ashley Milliken, the director of the Foosaner. Over 800 people viewed the exhibition between March 20 and June 19 and I gave 5 artist talks during this time.
The premier of The Last Picture Show is being held at the Oaks Theater at 1800 W Hibiscus Blvd, in Melbourne, FL 32901 on Saturday, December 4. Many unique films will be shown during the 3-day festival. You can see the full schedule and buy tickets in advance here.
The Last Picture Show will be shown during the Florida Filmmakers Matinee from 9:00 am. to noon. The 16 short films will be shown one right after the other beginning at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are $10 which allow you to watch all 16 films. All proceeds go to charity. The Last Picture Show will be shown somewhere around 10:30 to 11:00 depending on the timing of the other films.
As a hometown artist and longtime resident, having my work exhibited at the Foosaner Art Museum was one of the highlights of my career as an artist. This film about my career, having its premier showing on the big screen and being nominated for an award by MIFF, is totally unexpected and an honor. I invite all of you who are interested in filmmaking and the arts to come to this opening. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you will come out to support our local filmmakers during the festival dates of December 2—4. I look forward to seeing many of you on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. for the premier of The Last Picture Show!