In the spirit of "everyone else in the world seems to do one, so why don't we?", here is my alphabetical listing of the Top 10 Movies (+1) of 2005 that opened (or at least press screened for their imminent release) in Central Florida during the past calendar year. Keep in mind that a formidable list of films I have yet to see also exists in my brain. Whether due to these titles never opening in Orlando (shameful!), not arriving until first quarter 2006 sometime (frustrating!), or just not enough free time with the task of programming a festival from over 1300 submissions at hand (exhausting!), I will need to play catch-up with: 2046; The Beat My Heart Skipped; Paradise Now; Kings and Queen; Good Night, and Good Luck; Syriana; Munich; The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada; Transamerica, The White Countess; Match Point, and Cache (Hidden). But from what I did see, here's my cream of the crop for 2005:

Brokeback Mountain
Capote
The Constant Gardener
A History of Violence
Howl's Moving Castle
Junebug
Kung Fu Hustle
Me and You and Everyone We Know
Murderball
Oldboy
The Squid and the Whale

See me in a couple of months and I may have some revisions for you! A happy and healthy new year to all of my fellow movie-lovers out there.

-Matthew

Last night I moderated a panel discussion at the Global Peace Film Festival, here in Orlando now through Sunday. I was there as a representative of Women in Film & Television - FL, but I always find it hard not to look at other events from a festival producer's perspective. The panel was Making FIlms that Make a Difference and included filmmakers Michael O'Keefe, Robbie Leppzer (An Act of Conscience), and Antje Beyen. Fascinating folks, all. We discussed the passion and sacrifice it takes to make all films, but specifically what makes you want to tell a particular story. The consensus was an old cliche, but a true one...if you can touch one person...drive them to explore, question, discover, open themselves up to possibilities...the journey is worth it. -- Shannon

The clock is ticking...tomorrow (Friday, December 2) is the final postmark entry deadline for all narrative, documentary, animated, and international films over 40 minutes in length to be submitted to this year's 2006 Florida Film Festival (March 24 - April 2). Those of you still mulling it over should dawdle no more--go to www.floridafilmfestival.com or through Without a Box and send in your cinematic creation to arrive in our offices no later than the middle of next week. Have no fear if your EPK or stills aren't ready yet or if you're only at rough cut stage. You'll be in the same boat as plenty of others, so just send it in...NOW!

Kudos to thembob! The FFF and Enzian staff would like to send out a hometown hello and congratulations to Bob DeRosa, screenwriter, playwright, actor, director, improv comic and former Florida Film Festival Programming Coordinator now relocated to L.A. Yesterday's Orlando Sentinel arts section featured movie critic Roger Moore's piece on Bob's latest activities in Hollywood, including co-writing a film called THE AIR THAT I BREATHE that's about to start shooting in Mexico City. The $6 million+ crime drama stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Diego Luna, and Ken Watanabe, with a rumored Kevin Bacon also joining the cast. The film's director and co-writer is Jieho Lee (A NURSERY TALE), whom Bob met at the 2000 Florida Film Festival. Way to go Bob!

- Matthew