The Treasure Coast International Film Society will launch its new summer film series in partnership with the Saint Lucia Cultural Alliance on June 23, from 6-8:30 p.m. The first screening, Celebrating Local Legends, will feature a screening of It is to live! Zora Neale Hurston’s Story, honoring Hurston and the Florida Highwaymen. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Zora Neale Hurston Florida Education Foundation. The public will also have the opportunity to pre-order the official Florida Highwaymen license plate, which will help fund the Highwaymen Museum’s arrival in Fort Pierce.
The July 25 screening will feature Tevye’s daughtersa Ukrainian film adapted from the story that inspired Violin on the roof. On August 25, the Film Society will screen a documentary with Inner Truth Project, a nonprofit dedicated to survivors of sexual assault, alongside “I’m Still Standing,” an exhibit created in collaboration with 12 film partnerships. artists and survivors, before opens at the Elliott Museum in Stuart.
In addition to the new film series, Treasure Coast International Film Society is organizing the sixteenth Treasure Coast International Film Festival. The five-day outdoor festival features events, seminars, meet-and-greets and a televised awards gala for film industry professionals. The company designed the new screening series to further its mission of expanding access to films from diverse cultures and independently produced films.
“For aspiring local filmmakers, seeing that a film can be made here that spotlights local and national cultural influence like Zora Neale Hurston is a powerful experience,” said Joe Garafolo, Executive Director of the Film Society. “So many people are unaware of the extent of his time and influence locally in St. Lucie County.”
Tickets cost $5 to $7.50 and are on sale here, by calling (772) 462-2783, or by visiting the Alliance Gallery in downtown Fort Pierce.
