The Studios of Key West Inviting Local Film and Video-makers to Create a New Twist on the 30-year Old Home-grown Classic
The Studios of Key West, inspired by B. J. Martin’s classic look at Key West in the late 1970’s, has announced a new project for local film-makers. The Return of The Key West Picture Show will encourage the creation of new short film documentaries as deliberate attempts to capture the cultural aspects of our present-day island community. Local media artists, working in film or video, are invited to a special meeting at the Armory building, 600 White Street, planned for Tuesday December 11. Details are available by calling The Studios of Key West at 296-0458.
“I moved here six months ago,” said executive director Eric Holowacz, “and discovering this film was like going back in time, yet it provided me with a better understanding of the special people, history, and features of my new home at this far corner of America.” Holowacz immediately screened the 45-minute film for his staff, who came up with the idea of commissioning new short films and documentaries to reveal the present-day qualities of Key West.
The project began to take shape in mid 2007 when Holowacz approached the original film’s producer, B. J. Martin, after getting a DVD version from his son (Key West artist Cayman Smith-Martin). The two discussed a project to revive the spirit of the original, but through an open call and multitude of film-makers. Martin gave his blessing for the project and whatever it might spawn as an updated study of contemporary Key West.
“We are all about developing forms of expression, nurturing the creative process, and finding ways to connect with the community,” said Holowacz. “These are core to our mission as the island’s newest non-profit organization.”
The Studios of Key West was established in late 2006, and is presently building a creative base at the historic Armory building in Old Town. More recently, the organization launched an ambitious slate of workshops, public programming, residencies, and new cultural initiatives for the coming season.
Holowacz remarked that Key West possesses a rare sense of place, made rich by an abundance of extraordinary characters and interesting stories. This project invites local film and video makers to study the unique cultural aspects of Key West—then asks them to train their cameras on local people, places, and things over the next two months.
“It’s a great idea to produce a new series of short films that complement the 30-year old 16mm film original,” said Martin, who now resides in New Smyrna Beach. “We hoped to capture something special for posterity, and that’s what new films and local documentaries will do.”
The premiere of these home-grown documentaries, as The Return of the Key West Picture Show, will be screened in early March at The Studios of Key West. For details of this and other cultural partnerships, or to become an annual member, contact the office at the historic Armory, 600 White Street, at 296-0458 or info@tskw.org
