This October at the third annual Key Largo-based Humphrey Bogart Film Festival, film fans heading to the Florida Keys can celebrate the iconic performer Humphrey Bogart, who appeared in 75 movies during a 50-year career. The festival is set to take place from 21 – 25 October.
Although the annual event – formerly held in May – celebrates Bogart’s life and films, this year, it will also honour the life of his wife, Lauren Bacall. Bogie and Bacall famously brought Hollywood to the Florida Keys when they teamed up to star in ‘Key Largo’ in 1948. This was the fourth and final film that paired the married actors made together.
Returning to co-host events and film screenings is Bogart and Bacall’s son, Stephen Bogart, who will be joined by Eddie Muller, an acclaimed novelist and film historian nicknamed ‘Czar of Noir’. Monika Henreid, a documentary filmmaker and daughter of ‘Casablanca’ star Paul Henreid, who played Victor Laszlo in the famed movie, will also appear as a special guest.
Festival highlights include indoor and outdoor single- and double-feature showings of several Bogart classics, as well as special events including the Costume or Casual Cocktail Reception, Bogart Block Party and Seaside Soirée.
Throughout the weekend, fans can view Bogart memorabilia, find festival collectibles and book canal cruises on the fully restored African Queen, the original boat from John Huston’s 1951 film of the same name that starred Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. The venerable vessel is docked at the Holiday Inn Key Largo, at mile marker 100.
All-access and single-event passes and merchandise can be purchased at www.bogartfilmfestival.com.
In addition, the 2015 festival has partnered with the faculty and graduate students of the University of Miami’s Department of Cinema & Interactive Media to host a student short film competition and festival.
Student film submission categories include film noir, crime, thriller, comedy, documentary, action-adventure and more. The winning films are to be shown during the festival.
The student film festival will also feature workshops on ‘Filmmaking in South Florida’ as well as ‘Floridian Noir Storytelling’, a seminar hosted by award-winning directors Billy Corben and Tom Musca.
Travel to the Florida Keys: America As You Like It offers a seven night package to the Florida Keys from £1,121pp including return flights from London Heathrow, seven days car hire, four nights’ accommodation in Key Largo at the Ocean Pointe Suites and three nights in Key West at the Best Western Key Ambassador Resort Inn. Price based on two people sharing. To book call 0208 742 8299 or email sales@americaasyoulikeit.com.
For further information on the Florida Keys & Key West, visit www.fla-keys.co.uk