The World's First Flash-Mob Video Award to be Given at the Peace River Film Festival in Punta Gorda

By now most people have seen flash-mob videos.   These are filmed unusual moments in usually an extraordinary place for the event with a crowd (of seemingly strangers) suddenly bursting out into  performance mode then quickly dispersing. One of the more  famous flash mob events took place in the old John Wanamaker (now Macy's) grand hall in Philadelphia when the crowd (really members of the Philadelphia Opera Company) broke out in the Hallelujah Chorus (nearly 8 million views on you tube).

In September, right here in Punta Gorda, the first flash-mob video award will be presented at the first Annual Peace River Film Festival which opens September 9 at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center.   Festival-goers will screen flash mob juried videos and then the the world’s first Flash Mob Video Award will be given. Audience participants will also select a People’s Choice award for the best flash mob video submitted.

The festival running through September 11 will feature, in addition to the Flash Mob event,  the screening of the 10 best films by independent film and video makers from the U.S., Canada, Germany and England out of the 700 submitted to the Black Maria Film and Video Festival, the best of Florida Short Films, and an Open Short Film competition.  Michael Uslan, the Executive Producer of the Batman movie series, will be present and will receive a lifetime achievement award as part of opening night activities.

Entries for the Flash Mob, Florida Shorts and Open Shorts competitions must be submitted by Aug. 1. There is a $15 fee for each entry.

If you go:  

Tickets:  $15 for each competition event Friday, Saturday, and the Open Shorts on Sunday; $10 for Florida Shorts on Sunday; $45 for an all-event pass ($35 for youth) and $100 for a VIP pass, which includes a private reception with Michael Uslan, a signed copy of his autobiography and special seating for the events. Tickets are on sale now at the Visual Arts Center, or online at www.peaceriverfilmfestival.org  , or by phone at 941-639-8810. The Visual Arts Center is located at 210 Maud St., Punta Gorda.

For more information on the events, tickets and submitting videos, visit the festival website,www.peaceriverfilmfestival.org  .