Alabama (George Lindsey) Film Fest Hollywood Style by April Shenandoah

What is known as the Shoals area in and around Florence Alabama is an artist’s paradise. A plethora of authors, artists, actors, and musicians call this “Sweet Home Alabama.” Nashville and Memphis are a mere two hour drive away. Sam Phillips of Fame Recording Studios (Sun Records) and Elvis fame, and the majority of the rock & rollers of years past, budded and blossomed right here. California transplants, and there are many, feel right at home because of the varied artistic events and activities.

This year, was the 9th Annual George Lindsey UNA Film Festival (2006) held March 2-5. It wasn’t Sundance, but it was wonderful! More than 100 films and events were held at the University of North Alabama and different locations around the city. The 106 films screened represented 10 countries and 34 states. The films were humorous, educational, entertaining, and a few were let’s say… not ready for prime time.

My two favorites (I didn’t see them all) were Gathering Remnants: A Cowboy Tribute (gatheringremnants.com), and Plagues and Pleasures of the Salton Sea (Professional Documentary Winner - saltonseadoc.com). I’m surprised that “Running Out of Time in Hollywood,” (the one I walked out on) was accepted by the festival board, let alone receive Honorable Mention. It was more disturbing than entertaining, and the vulgar language was over the top -- especially for the Bible belt. The concept was good – A 50-year old woman struggling against overwhelming odds to pursue an acting career.

The festival chair Dr. G. Garry Warren said, “Every year the festival has a different personality.” This year that personality was centered on the regional premiere of the Alabama produced film, “When I Find the Ocean,” written, directed and produced by the president of Cypress Moon Productions Tonya S. Holly (cypressmoonproduction.com). Her first full length feature film stars Lee Majors, Diane Ladd, Bernie Casey, Graham Greene, Richard Tyson, Amy Redford, David “Shark” Fralick, Pace Stoddard, Steve Viall, George Lindsey and introducing Lily Matland Holly. The story is beautiful, and the music composed by Flavio Motalla is exceptional!

Holly is a cancer survivor, a mother of two (Lily and Abby), and a cousin to Elvis. Her husband, Kelvin, is the lead guitar player for Little Richard. Recently she purchased the historic Muscle Shoals Sound building in Sheffield, AL. It is being refurbished for post production services, with sound stages, and a fully operating recording studio. [Muscle Shoals was the “recording capital of the world” in the 1970s. The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Jimmy Buffet, and Percy Sledge recorded at the famous building.]

The star-studded-red-carpet gala held at the Marriott Shoals was done Hollywood style. A packed house for dinner and the film was just the shank of the evening with Holly receiving well deserved accolades, plus the city of Florence designating March 4th as Cypress Moon Day. Holly exclaimed that “When I Find the Ocean,” is a “Work of Heart.” and that she was “full, overwhelmed, and proud.” Daughter Lily said, “I’m speechless!” Los Angeles editors and journalists filled the press room – catching George Lindsey’s joke, “I was just happy to go there (the set) everyday – because we didn’t have much food at home.”

Little Richard in concert was a highlight of the evening. Delightful Diane Ladd, her husband, and I, were hanging out in the vestibule away from the deafening, to our delicate ears, music. The spectacular evening included a VIP party that continued on till the wee hours. Though Lindsey was a bit weary, he still hung in there flashing his “Goober” smile.

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