From the Porch: Seeding Films in Florida
By Deborah Desilets, ARTAngels, 305.310.6331
My first encounter with the Conexión bilingual monthly publication was co-hosting an art event in Tallahassee. Our event was called Off the Wall and brought to light the languishing art effort to restore the Anton Refregier Explorer Mosaics that were rescued from the 1956 Americana Hotel. That midcentury hotel was billed as the Gateway to the Americas and celebrated art from across the world. The vision for the MiMO hotel was conceived by the infamous architect Morris Lapidus, best known for his Fontainebleau Hotel, Miami Beach. The Americana was his first hotel designed for the Tisch Family; there would be 6 total. The last hotel (he was not credited with) but is the Loews Hotel in Monte Carlo.
On the Porch with me today is Alfie Martin, the award-winning actor and dynamic leader of the not-for-profit Teatro de las Artes who took a few minutes via cell phone to discuss his views on the emerging film industry in the Emerald Coast of Florida; his second year in producing The Director Series in Panama City, Florida, and his motivation in bringing directors to Florida.
Always with Lapidus Art, architecture and movies converged as he “dared to dream the dreams other would not dream” he set the stage for people “to act their part”. So, conversations about Lapidus, the architect who wanted to be an actor, and all the arts evolved quickly. I discovered in our conversations a shared passion for film in Florida. Martin and I agree there is good DIRT here: and so many beautiful things come to life; still much to explore. Our efforts come together this springtime -when planting new seeds is a new beginning.
The Director Series is presented by Teatro de la Artes in collaboration with Bay Arts Alliance. In the end, Alfie says, “Life is a circle”, but I say a “filmstrip”! Please enjoy!
Deborah (D): Alfie this is your second director series in Panama City FL Why Panama City, FL?
Alfie (A): This is my second The Director Series in Panama City, FL
D: What can you tell us about the last year’s event and the local reaction?
A: Last year, The Director Series presented a Q & A with award winning film director Gabriela Tagliavini following the screening of Border Run, a film with Sharon Stone, Billy Zane and an international cast. This was an eye opener in the area, although is often done worldwide
D: Why are you interested in bringing LA Directors to FL? FL to LA?
A: USA and international directors can share learning and working experiences from inside the film industry. Florida to L.A. and vice versa. This is the best way to present Florida as an art destination. After all, Panama City Beach, in Bay County Florida and Los Angeles, CA are my homes
D: Historically, in the 1500’s the Spanish missions connected America Pacific Ocean to Atlantic Ocean; from San Diego/Malibu to the Gulf of Florida and her Atlantic coastline dappled with missions. What is your mission now?
A: If we explore all form of arts. we will discover the roots take us to one source. In the Americas and worldwide, different cultures are related and my mission is to bring them to life and share them.
D: Could you expand on the hype surrounding Florida in film? How do you feel in compares to the Florida that you experience?
A: We have great possibilities in Florida, but we need to understand the focus need to be in stories that touch the heart and the roots. We need to present Florida in a different fashion than hard party and drugs. Life is beautiful in Florida.
D: What is your idea of a correct image of Florida?
A: I would not attempt to describe it. Let the beauty, the people, the art and the culture speak for itself. Florida has wonderful roots connected to all corners of the world with a fantastic heritage
D: Why bother?
A: Because I believe Life is a Circle and we need to keep passing the knowledge as we learn.
