News Article

FSW to Co-Host Eighth Annual Black Maria Film Festival October 24-25

Oct 16, 2014

The Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival returns to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Fla., and the Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus of Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) from October 24-25.

Named after the world’s first motion picture studio built by Thomas Edison to create his own short experimental films, the Black Maria is now an international, award-winning festival touring museums and colleges across the country. Each of the films to be screened at the Winter Estates and FSW were drawn from an annual juried selection of films, a variety of contemporary works that highlight the art of the short film.

“Florida SouthWestern State College is so proud to be hosting this internationally recognized film festival for the eighth consecutive year. As the college looks into the future we are proud to continue our long partnerships with organizations that celebrate our own history as well as the legacy of Thomas Edison,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, President, Florida SouthWestern State College.

Between 40 and 60 films are chosen for the festival’s annual tour at more than 65 institutions across the United States. It has been named as one of the “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by MovieMaker Magazine and is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an Academy Award qualifying festival for short films.

The featured films will be screened at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates on Friday, October 24 at 7:30 p.m., and inside the Richard H. Rush Library’s Auditorium on FSW’s Thomas Edison (Lee) Campus on Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are now on sale at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

Cost:

October 24, Edison Ford Members $10, FSW Students $8, non-members $15;

October 25, FSW Students FREE, general public $15;

$25 for both nights

For reservations call 239-334-7419.

For more information visit: www.edisonfordwinterestates.org; www.fsw.edu; www.blackmariafilmfestival.org

Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: October 16, 2014