The 5th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF) presented by Charliewood Pictures, will kick off Opening Night on April 11 at the Sottile Theatre. A reception with Mayor Riley will begin the evening from 5-7 p.m., with Sundance Award winning film ‘Robot and Frank’ immediately following.

Films of all lengths and genres will be showcased from the Lowcountry and across the globe at Sottile Theatre and Cinebarre, including an outdoor screening under the stars. There is also a screenplay competition, nightly after-parties, and an awards gala.

This year, CIFF is working in cooperation with Mark Bryan and Carolina Studios to announce a “Stuff the Music Bus” art supply drive in support of Yo Art! Carolina Studios provides at-risk students with a creative outlet outside of the public school system by giving them the opportunity to write and record their own original compositions in their Charleston-based studio on wheels, allowing for a natural organic cooperation between the groups. Yo Art provides children living in public housing and attending Title One schools the opportunity to explore their aptitude in the arts by ensuring that they have access to the proper art supplies, and education to do so. The group is working in eight public schools that are predominately in low income districts and they are filling the gap where funding has diminished for art related education.

“Our programs expand on the arts by relating to global and local issues such as recycling, good nutritional habits and community service,” says Gene Furchgott, founder of Yo Art.

Local artist Douglas Panzone will also be on site painting a street mural live during the festival. In addition, the SC Film Commission presents the Young Filmmakers Project on Saturday April 14, at 11 a.m. at the Sottile Theatre. The Young Filmmakers Project gets kids out into state parks across S.C., learning creatively through media arts.

“The union between Yo Art, Carolina Studios, SC Film Commission and the Charleston International Film Festival is the perfect collaboration to expose at risk kids and teens to traditional art, music, and film and we are proud to be a part of it.” says Ron Krauskopf, Marketing Director for CIFF..

The Carolina Studios Bus will be parked outside of the theater each day during the festival, April 11-15, and will be available for people to tour and admire. It will be parked outside the theaters at these specific times: Sottile Theater: Wednesday & Friday 5-7PM, Saturday 11AM-7PM. Cinebarre: Thursday 5-7PM, and Sunday 11AM-5PM.

Get a glimpse of the bus at CarolinaStudios.net. Anyone leaving art supplies behind during their bus tour will receive a coupon for $5 admission to any CIFF film block throughout the festival. Please provide only newly-purchased art supplies.

Tickets for CIFF are available online at CharlestonIFF.com or by contacting the CIFF office at (843) 817- 1617. Price per screening block is $10.00, but special promotions and giveaways will be done through CIFF’s Facebook & Twitter pages. Festival passes are available good for access to all screenings, panels and parties (excluding the awards dinner) for $99.

For more information on Yo Art go to YoArtInc.org. For more information on Carolina Studios go to CarolinaStudios.net. For more information on the Young Filmmakers Project and SC Film Commission go to FilmSC.com. 

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On a perfect St. Patrick’s Day Saturday on Folly Beach, Charleston SUP Safaris and Flipper Finders hosted the First Annual Shamrock SUP Race, raising $600 for Pet Helpers and the Emerson Rose Heart Foundation. Congratulations to division winners Caroline Rossi, Bubba Catoe, Sammi Arnold, and Tyler Cross.

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Boating is a popular pastime for many Lowcountry residents.

Imagine yourself relaxing on a boat in harbor, being lulled into serenity by the motion of the waves. You are taking in all the sights and sounds that our glorious oceans provide. That dream can become a reality.

Since we are fortunate to live near the water, it is easy to make boating an important part of your life. Once you’re out enjoying the water and fresh air, you’ll wonder what took you so long. Whether you like to water ski, fish, sail, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride, saltwater boating is a great way to connect with friends and family. You can spend the entire day on your boat just talking, laughing, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Other activities that are becoming popular with saltwater boaters include snorkeling and scuba diving. If you are an experienced diver, there simply is no better way to wash away the stress of life than by going into the water and seeing all the nature has in store under the sea.

Saltwater fishing is also an activity for novice and experienced fishing fans alike. The various types of fish that are available in our oceans, the different rods, reels and bait, and the different venues all make this activity available to anyone.

Just in case you have no idea how to navigate a boat, you will find that there are many boats for rent, and many that come complete with a captain, throughout the Lowcountry. From deck boats perfect for entertaining to fishing and skiing boats, you can find boat rentals that will cater to all your boating needs.

Even if you have never been on a boat, you will likely enjoy saltwater boating. Whether you want to fish, swim, and dive, just simply lie on the deck and soak up the sunshine, or rent a charter boat with some of your closest friends to explore the Charleston waters, being out on the clear blue sea has a calming effect that helps to relax you, improve your mood, and even help you to feel healthier.

The next time that you feel life getting you down, just go boating. There are millions of people throughout the world who feel that the only real way to relax is to head to the beach and sail away. I am one of them and hope you sail away on your own adventure very soon.

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Redfish and trout have been active during the past winter.

What a winter! Or rather, what winter? Day after day of unseasonably warm weather has been an angler’s dream. Our fishery has remained active throughout the last few months and is building towards what should be an awesome spring.

Redfish remain in massive schools numbering in the hundreds as they try to avoid dolphins and stay warm. You’ll find these schools on mud flats as well as shallow banks that provide cover. On sunny days, redfish are especially drawn to the flats as the mud retains an extra few degrees of warmth. You’ll find the best fishing tends to be around low tide when these reds are balled up tight together.

Artificial jerk shad lures are a very popular option when casting to these schools. Bigger 4”-5” lures in darker tones that imitate the natural bait in the water have been quite effective. We’ve been particularly lucky with grey lures that have some sparkle or pearl white. I always pair these lures with a flutter hook, usually size 3/0. The flutter hook when combined with a loop knot provides great action and really entices those redfish.

For trout aficionados, this winter has been a welcome change to the past two winters that had very cold temperatures that pushed the trout bite back weeks if not months. We’ve been catching trout in modest numbers and often while targeting reds. It really feels like trout will be flourishing in March as opposed to May this year.

As trout become more active, popping corks cast along grass banks and over oyster beds will be a good bet paired with mud minnows. I usually use a 18”-24” leader and a size 1 circle hook. When working the popping cork, always try to keep slack out of your line and when that cork drops just reel tight to set the hook. You’ll find that the circle hook will do most of the work for you.

This a great time of year for fly fishing. Sight fishing abounds and stalking a school of a hundred plus fish is so exciting you almost fall off the bow with anticipation. Smaller flies in darker colors are working best and a black clouser minnow is a fine example. Remember when the fish hits, resist the temptation to lift your rod tip and strip strike instead.

See you on the water!

Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing fly fishing and light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com  or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.

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Narrowing down the entries to the top three was a tough job for our three judges, but they did their best. We wish we could publish them all.

If you sent the Folly Current physical copies of your photos, they’ll be available to pick up from Marlene Estridge at City Hall on March 19. The winners will be contacted with their prizes — gift certificates to the Brick House Kitchen and to Cinebarre.

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and look out for the 2013 contest coming next December.

ABOUT THE JUDGES

Hunter McRae is a professional photographer based in Charleston, specializing in  weddings. She worked for seven years as a photojournalist in Boulder, Colorado Springs, and the Savannah Morning News before moving home to Charleston. Her work can be seen at www.huntermcrae.com

Justin Morris photographs to explore his creative side. “Photography is a never ending road and there is always something new to learn or shoot, which I really love,” he says. His work can be seen at www.follyhood.blogspot.com

Lindsey Graham works as a wildlife photographer specializing in birds. “I am always striving to capture subjects in motion,” she says. “Those split seconds highlight fascinating detail and movement you wouldn’t normally be able to see with the naked eye.” Her work can be seen at www.facebook.com/FlyWayPhotos

BEST SHOT BY A FOLLY BEACH RESIDENT

FIRST PLACE

St. Hilda’s Abbey, Whitby, England

John Appleby

The judges felt that overall, this photograph told a story, between the sky, the castle, and the pond. “You can see the wind. There’s a lot of depth,” says Lindsey. “There’s color popping off of everything,” says Justin. Hunter appreciated how the viewer’s eyes are led in a flow around the photograph.

SECOND PLACE

Dog and Kayaks

Jim Crow

“This gave me an emotion. It’s a simple, nice idea,” says Hunter. Justin liked the simplicity of the two kayaks, and liked that the boats were solid colors without writing — “that would have taken away from the composition.” It made Lindsey yearn for summertime.

THIRD PLACE

Sailor’s Delight

Diana Joan Vincent

“This is a tough picture to get,” says Lindsey. “The boat is exposed nicely and the background isn’t blown out.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Prayers in the Wind, Japan

Diana Joan Vincent

The judges found this photo striking and intriguing, partially due to the mystery of what they were seeing.

BEST PICTURE TAKEN AT FOLLY BEACH

FIRST PLACE

Beach Crossover

Raphael Koenig

The dramatic color of this picture led the judges to believe it was an HDR photograph. Justin admired the vivid, sea-warped lines in the wood. “Your lines lead you to the guy at the end,” says Hunter. “Your eyes know right where to go.”

SECOND PLACE

Sunrise on the Pier

Bill Noel

“Simultaneously dramatic and peaceful and a beautiful image all around of Folly Beach,” says Hunter, pointing out that the photographer took a cliché image and creatively gave it life.” Justin was impressed with the timing capturing the angle of the sun, and the ability to capture the right exposure.

THIRD PLACE

Magical Kayaking

Jan Buffington

The judges were immediately moved by the proximity of the photographer to the dolphin, giving them a feeling that they were in the water with the animal. “It’s hard to capture that split second when they emerge, and to get it while the sun is setting is impressive,” says Lindsey.

HONORABLE MENTION

Tide Pool

Raphael Koenig

“You can tell the photographer was trying to be creative with viewpoints, layering the image,” says Hunter. Koenig, a German exchange student who vacationed on Folly Beach with his host family, took the image before sunset on the beach.

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Just when you thought it was safe to venture out on the charming, bohemian, one-of-a-kind Folly Beach, author Bill Noel uncovers another (fictional) mystery to make you think twice about who you can trust!

South Carolina’s Folly Beach is again prominently featured in the new novel GHOSTS, the sixth installment in the Folly Beach Mystery series. Folly, the debut novel in the series, was released in 2007; The Pier published 2008; Washout in 2009; The Edge in 2010, and, The Marsh released last year. Author Bill Noel weaves the charm and character of the small barrier island and nearby Charleston throughout the pages of his new mystery novel. There’s also a side trip or two to the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.

Those of you who have read one or more of the first five books will be familiar with Chris Landrum and his merry band of misfits who stumble, bumble, and somehow manage to catch killers who appear almost as often on Folly Beach as sunburned tourists. Charles, Karen, Dude, Mad Mel, Heather, and William will be returning to help Chris solve the mystery.

“Folly Beach is a magical and mysterious place,” said Noel. “I’ve tried to capture the charm, character, and characters of the island in the Folly Beach Mystery series.”

The Folly Beach Mystery series has been described as the “perfect beach read.” The novels are light, humorous, and feature a group of characters who are nearly as quirky as the setting.

Noel lives in Louisville, Kentucky but feels at home on Folly. “I’m not privileged to live on Folly Beach, but have been positively welcomed by everyone I’ve had contact with there the last six years. Residents have offered me valuable insights, information, and more than a few potential plots. If I bumped off everyone Folly residents have suggested, the population would be drastically reduced!”

The Folly Beach Mystery Series is available in Bert’s Market, Piggly Wiggly, Michelle’s Salon and Spa, Mr. John’s Beach Store, and the Sugar Shack in the Tides Folly Beach. The books are also available for order through your local bookseller or on the Internet at www.billnoel.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

Noel will be on Folly Beach in March to sign and talk about GHOSTS as well as have copies of the first five books for sale. He will be at the following locations:

RELEASE PARTY Michelle’s Salon and Spa, Saturday, March 17, 3:00-6:00 p.m.

The Lost Dog Café, Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Bert’s Market, Tuesday, March 20, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

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Are you an artist who enjoys creating works that convey the “look and feel” of the lowcountry’s unique life, culture, or environment? If so, then the Griffith/Reyburn Lowcountry Artist Award of Coastal Community Foundation invites you to submit your application for their annual grant. This $5,000 grant is intended to support the artist during the creation of a work of art, which will then be the personal property of the artist to keep, show, or sell at his or her own discretion. This is the ninth year of what is expected to be an annual competition.

Applicants must be citizens or residents of Charleston County in South Carolina and must be at least fifteen years of age. The proposed work of art may be done in oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, drawing, or a combination of those media, or it may be a work of three-dimensional fine art sculpture. Specific guidelines and applications may be downloaded from the Community Foundation website at www.coastalcommunityfoundation.org or requested directly from richard@coastalcommunityfoundation.org. The application must be postmarked on or before March 15, or hand-delivered to the Foundation’s office downtown at 635 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 201 no later than 5:30 p.m. on March 16, 2012.

There will be an open meeting to give prospective artists the opportunity to ask questions about this award at the Community Foundation’s office at 635 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 201 on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Seating will be limited, so please contact Richard Hendry, Program Officer, at richard@coastalcommunityfoundation.org or 723-3635 if you wish to attend.

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“Serena is one of the most popular and recognizable athletes in the world, as well as an overwhelming fan-favorite at this event,” said Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome another former champion to our player field as we prepare to celebrate our 40^th year in women’s professional tennis.”

Throughout her illustrious 17-year career, Williams has made an indelible mark on the sport of tennis. With 39 singles titles, including thirteen majors – the most among active players, this 30-year-old superstar has notched 501 singles victories. She leads the WTA with over $34.8 million in career earnings, the most of any female tennis player in history, and more than any other female athlete in any sport. Williams has also won Olympic gold for the USA in doubles (w/ Venus Williams) at the 2000 and 2008 games.

In 2012, Williams reached the quarterfinals at Brisbane and the fourth round at the Australian Open. Her 2011 season was highlighted by singles titles at Stanford and Toronto, a fourth round result at Wimbledon, and a finals appearance at the US Open. She also captured the US Open Series Championship with an 18-2 US Open Series record.

“The Family Circle Cup’s 40th year celebration is an important milestone in women’s tennis,” said Serena Williams. “This tournament has a key place in history, so I’m always happy to compete in Charleston.”

Williams has made five previous appearances in Charleston where she accumulated $336,540 in prize money, boasts a 12-4 record, and returns to this event with an active five-match win streak in progress, stemming from her 2008 Cup championship. Her Charleston earnings rank her at No. 7 among all-time Family Circle Cup money leaders.

“I’ve always loved Charleston. The fans are very knowledgeable, and the intimate atmosphere makes this tournament one of my favorites,” added Williams.

Cultivating her philanthropic influence, Williams opened a much-needed secondary school in Kenya in 2008. Her efforts to bring education to as many children as possible remains an ongoing initiative through the Serena Williams Foundation, which provides collegiate and entrepreneurial grants to high school students entering college and trade schools, as well as aspiring business owners. She has also become a co-founder of MISSION Skincare™ (missionskincare.com), the first line of products designed by elite athletes designed to meet the demands that athletes face during training and competition. MISSION Skincare™ product sales support the Serena Williams Foundation.

On September 20, 2011, Williams was appointed as UNICEF’s newest international Goodwill Ambassador, where she will use her popularity and personal interest in children’s issues to support UNICEF’s mission to provide a quality education for the most vulnerable children through the Schools for Africa program and the upcoming Schools for Asia initiatives. More information is available on her official web site at SerenaWilliams.com.

For information on Ticket Packages, Individual Session Tickets, Travel Packages, Team Getaways, visit FamilyCircleCup.com/Tickets.

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From the sophisticated seared diver scallop, porcini mushroom risotto at The Dining Room at Woodlands Inn to the savory seafood platter at the family-owned Starfish Grille, participating restaurants range from elegant dining rooms to more casual establishments. Tickets are not required; however, reservations are strongly advised. Menus vary at every restaurant.

Restaurants offering three courses for $20 include Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Charleston Crab House, Daniel Island Grille, FISH, Folly Beach Crab Shack, Hyman’s Seafood Company, J.Paul’z, Gilligan’s, Locklear’s Lowcountry Grill, Noisy Oyster Seafood Restaurant, North Towne Grill and Seafood, Old Towne Grill and Seafood, Palmetto Ale House, Queen Anne’s Revenge, Social Restaurant +Wine Bar, Southend Brewery & Smokehouse, Starfish Grille, Sunfire Grill, T-Bonz on North Market Street, T-Bonz on Old Towne Road, Tabbuli Grill, Toast of Charleston, Vespa Pizza, Wild Wing Café Downtown, Wild Wing Café Market at Oakland, Wild Wing Café North Charleston, Wild Wing Café on Coleman and Zeus Grill.

Restaurants offering three courses for $30 include 82 Queen, Amen Street Fish & Raw Bar, Atlanticville, Bambu, Bocci’s Italian Restaurant, Blossom, Blu Restaurant & Bar, Boathouse at Breach Inlet,Carolina’s, Charleston Grill, Circa 1886, Cypress, Eurasia Café & Wine Bar, Firewater Grille, Fleet Landing, Grill 225, Hall’s Chophouse,High Cotton Maverick Bar & Grill, Hucks Lowcountry Table, Husk,Iacofano’s, Il Cortile del Re, La Fourchette, Lana, Liberty Tap Room,Magnolia’s Uptown Down South, McCrady’s Restaurant, Muse Restaurant & Wine Bar, Oak Steakhouse, Oscar’s of Summerville, O-Ku, Old Village Post House, Palm Tree Grille at the Embassy Suites Airport Convention Center, Pearlz on East Bay Street, Pearlz on Magnolia Road, Red Drum Gastropub, Red’s Ice House Bohicket Marina, Red’s Ice House Shem Creek, Rice Market, Rita’s Seaside Grille, Saffire at the Charleston Marriott, Slightly North of Broad, Swamp Fox Restaurant & Bar, The Atlantic Room at the Ocean Course, The Dining Room at Woodlands Inn, The Jasmine Porch at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Library at Vendue Inn, The Ocean Room at the Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Tristan and Wentworth Grill.

To continue whetting appetites, the Greater Charleston Restaurant Association’s annual Oyster Festival is slated for January 30, 2011, a wonderful epilogue for Restaurant Week. For more information please visit www.charlestonrestaurantassociation.com.

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