This September would have marked the 10th Anniversary of the Orinda Film Festival, if it were still operating. Founding and running the festival was a real passion for me and I had a really great time seeing it come to fruition and the impact it had on so many filmmakers and spectators.
We have had many Hollywood dignitaries visit our little town of Orinda and its majestic art deco theatre, and several Hollywood friends joined us during the festival's tenure. Some of these guests included Faye Dunaway, Jacqueline Bisset, Ian Somerhalder, William Hurt, Nanette Fabray, and of course, Jonathan Winters, to name a few.
I made some wonderful friends and had some great times and good laughs as a result of this project. It was fun for the city and citizens of Orinda, the surrounding community, and fun for all the the filmmaker participants.
Rummaging through some files this recently, I found some old photos, videos, etc from the late Festival (2002 - 2005) including the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Jonathan Winters at the 2003 Orinda Film Festival. Its great fun and a wonderful tribute to a charismatic comic of our time.
There are a few technical issues with the video, that one can hopefully overlook, but the program played to a sold out crowd of 750 people. Total length 45 Minutes.
The first segment is a 6 minute Introduction of Jonathan Winters by myself, Randy Holleschau, a film producer, Founder and Executive Director of the festival and Hollywood Director, Martin Guigui.
This is followed by a 20 minute tribute (montage of Jonathan Winter's work) from his television appearances and films. He has always been a master of improv and working with props, which are clearly demonstrated on his appearances on the Jack Paar show and Andy Williams shows. Friends my age will remember these shows. The tribute also highlights a few of his commercials and his mastery of comic timing, along with Robin Williams, in a 70's episode of Mork and Mindy.
The tribute is divided into two segments: Part 1 (Run Time: 14:27) and Part 2 (Run Time: 6:06)
Finally, the next segment of the presentation features a short and very funny acceptance of his award by Mr. Winters.
The final part of his presentation and acceptance includes a presentation of the Key to the City by then Orinda Mayor, Laura Abrams. I remember rolling on the floor laughing at Jonathan's quick impromptu wit.
For those 750 of you who were at the event, I hope you enjoy reminiscing with me, and for the rest of you, I just hope you enjoy
We have had many Hollywood dignitaries visit our little town of Orinda and its majestic art deco theatre, and several Hollywood friends joined us during the festival's tenure. Some of these guests included Faye Dunaway, Jacqueline Bisset, Ian Somerhalder, William Hurt, Nanette Fabray, and of course, Jonathan Winters, to name a few.
I made some wonderful friends and had some great times and good laughs as a result of this project. It was fun for the city and citizens of Orinda, the surrounding community, and fun for all the the filmmaker participants.
Rummaging through some files this recently, I found some old photos, videos, etc from the late Festival (2002 - 2005) including the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Jonathan Winters at the 2003 Orinda Film Festival. Its great fun and a wonderful tribute to a charismatic comic of our time.
There are a few technical issues with the video, that one can hopefully overlook, but the program played to a sold out crowd of 750 people. Total length 45 Minutes.
The first segment is a 6 minute Introduction of Jonathan Winters by myself, Randy Holleschau, a film producer, Founder and Executive Director of the festival and Hollywood Director, Martin Guigui.
INTRODUCTION
This is followed by a 20 minute tribute (montage of Jonathan Winter's work) from his television appearances and films. He has always been a master of improv and working with props, which are clearly demonstrated on his appearances on the Jack Paar show and Andy Williams shows. Friends my age will remember these shows. The tribute also highlights a few of his commercials and his mastery of comic timing, along with Robin Williams, in a 70's episode of Mork and Mindy.
The tribute is divided into two segments: Part 1 (Run Time: 14:27) and Part 2 (Run Time: 6:06)
Montage PART 1
Montage PART 1
Finally, the next segment of the presentation features a short and very funny acceptance of his award by Mr. Winters.
Life Time Achievement Award Acceptance
The final part of his presentation and acceptance includes a presentation of the Key to the City by then Orinda Mayor, Laura Abrams. I remember rolling on the floor laughing at Jonathan's quick impromptu wit.
City of Orinda Key to the City Acceptance
For those 750 of you who were at the event, I hope you enjoy reminiscing with me, and for the rest of you, I just hope you enjoy
