![\"Appreciating](\"https:\/\/sandiegodowntownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/ChrisandVickiEddy.jpg\")
Two Downtown residents who continue to be longtime passholders for the festival are Vicki and Chris Eddy. They became passholders after Vicki did charitable work with some women involved with Patrons of the Prado.<\/p>\n
One person who is involved with both organizations is Patti Judd. She is both the interim president-elect for Patrons of the Prado, and the co-founder and vice president of the local film festival.<\/p>\n
Since becoming a VIP member, Vicki Eddy has enjoyed her experiences at the insider series.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m happy there isn\u2019t just a single festival for five days,\u201d she said. \u201cThe insider series will create more recognition for the movie industry and films throughout San Diego.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chris Eddy likes the various kinds of motion pictures that are shown throughout the series. \u201cThey are generally very interesting, entertaining, thought-provoking, and fun,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The third 2018 screening of the series featured the U.S. premiere of Michelle Schumacher\u2019s (a former Chula Vista resident) drama, \u201cI\u2019m Not Here.\u201d Following the screening was a talkback with Schumacher, J.K. Simmons (Schumacher\u2019s husband), Executive and Artistic Director, Tonya Mantooth, and others.<\/p>\n
Simmons stars as Steve, a miserable recluse who refuses to leave his home and communicate with the outside world. Steve spends his days mostly drinking and mindlessly watching television.<\/p>\n
He starts to think about his childhood (Iain Armitage plays a young Steve) and as a younger adult, (Sebastian Stan plays Steve in scenes mostly that start in the 1970s).<\/p>\n
Schumacher\u2019s movie is a frequently sad experience, which fits with the specific story being told. While Steve does have happy memories, major events from his life are shaped by tragedy.<\/p>\n
The director cuts back and forth frequently from different time periods. There are instances when several lines of dialogue are repeated a few too many times. Although these moments attempt to reflect Steve\u2019s mental state, they occasionally slow the pacing down.<\/p>\n
Schumacher does feature several long takes that help create an intimate atmosphere. One scene, in particular, featuring a young Steve and a bowl of cereal darkly hints at how gluttony will continue to be a part of his existence.<\/p>\n
Besides the impressive storytelling from Schumacher, Simmons\u2019 intense and wordless performance helps make the movie an emotional watch. The agony and torture that he is able to convey leads to another memorable performance in his storied career.<\/p>\n
Two additional screenings have been announced for the last Wednesdays of May and June.<\/p>\n
May 23 will feature the art heist drama, \u201cAmerican Animals,\u201d while June 27 gives audiences a sneak peek into the Amy Adams-starring HBO miniseries, \u201cSharp Objects\u201d (adapted from Gillian Flynn\u2019s debut novel). A screening for the end of July should be announced soon.<\/p>\n
Vicki and Chris Eddy are going to try to see the remaining screenings in the series. \u201cThey are all different and attract a nice size audience,\u201d she said. \u201cThe people behind the festival do a beautiful job of making you feel like they value everyone who attends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Between the rest of the series and the October festival, there are still a lot of memorable evenings coming up for lovers of the silver screen. Seventeen years after its inception, the festival is still finding new ways to grow and thrive.<\/p>\n
The San Diego International Film Festival Insider Series will have screenings through July 25. For tickets and more information, visit sdfilmfest.com<\/a> or call (619)818-2221.<\/p>\n