Digital News Report – The 2011 Santa Cruz Film Festival is going on now with 167 films from 33 different countries to be shown between May 5th and 14th. The films will be shown throughout the days at either the The Nickelodeon located at 210 Lincoln Street or the Rio Theatre at 1205 Soquel Avenue.
Tickets should be purchased in advance at the SCFF Filmmaker Hub, that is if you don’t want to miss seeing a particular film. Otherwise you can purchase tickets at the movie theater where the films are being screened.
While the cost of general admission is $10 for general, $8 for students and Seniors (65+), you can get discounted matinées at $8 General, $6 Student/Senior (65+). There is a wildcard weekday at the 11:45 am show Monday-Thursday were all tickets are only $3 each. Two films are at a special rate, the opening night film “Prairie Love” was $20 General, $16 Student/Senior (65+). The closing night film, “Ruffo,” will screen on Saturday, May 14, 7:30 PM at the Rio Theatre with special ticket pricing of $15 general, $12 Student/Senior (65+).
“Ruffo,” is a documentary film about 47-year-old professional surfer, Anthony Ruffo, who is from Santa Cruz. The full length documentary shows Ruffo’s struggle with methamphetamine addiction and how he is trying to lead both Santa Cruz and the surfing community away from the drugs. Ruffo attended drug addiction treatment program back in the Fall of 2010.
There is also a FREE community screening on Tuesday May 10 at 6:45 PM at The Nickelodeon for the film “Freedom Riders.” You need to get the FREE tickets by going in person to the SCFF Festival Hub, at 903 Pacific Avenue, starting this Friday, May 6 at 12 Noon.
“Freedom Riders” is a PBS documentary that discusses the six months in 1961 of protesters who rode on the Greyhound bus in the Deep South to challenge segregation laws and to improve civil rights for blacks in America. The protesters who rode these buses called themselves the Freedom Riders and by doing this, helped to bring national attention to the often violent enforcement of segregation laws. This documentary will also be airing on May 18, 2011 on PBS’ American Experience.
In addition, a special film and concert will be going on this Friday, May 6 at 7:30 pm. The cost for this special event is $30 tickets if bought in advance, and $35 at the door. The first 50 of the 2011 Festival Passholders will get a $10 discount off the of the ticket price. The 61 minute documentary film is called “The Catalyst.” The film highlights Santa Cruz’s music history over the last 40 years. Following the documentary by Michèle Benson, a concert will follow at 8:30 PM. The concert will cover Rock & Roll favorites, with the band SNAIL!. Band members are Bob O’Neill, Ken Kraft, Don Baldwin, and Bret Bloomfield (Jefferson Starship).
To see the complete list of the Santa Cruz Film Festival schedule visit santacruzfilmfestival.org.
By Victoria Brown