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St. Augustine Film Festival kicks off THIS WEEK

Brian Nelson
By Brian Nelson
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The wait is over! This year’s St. Augustine Film Festival kicks off THIS WEEK—January 9–12—with a lineup packed with Festival Favorites & Crowd Pleasers. These films captivate, inspire, and move audiences. From breathtaking stories to quirky comedies and heartfelt journeys, this collection celebrates the power of cinema to bring diverse narratives to life.     . Learn More About Passes
🎬 Featured Films in This Lineup:                

TURTLE WALKER This award-winning documentary tells the inspiring story of Satish Bhaskar, India’s pioneering sea turtle conservationist. In the late 1970s, Bhaskar uncovered vital nesting beaches along India’s coastlines, sparking global efforts to save these endangered creatures. With its stunning visuals and compelling narrative, the film earned the prestigious Grand Teton Award at the Jackson Wild Media Awards, making it a must-watch for nature enthusiasts.   Directed by Taira Malaney

BUTTERFLIES This delightful comedy has been a hit on the international festival circuit, charming audiences with its heartfelt exploration of family and self-discovery. Siiri, an ambitious advisor, returns to her hometown for work and reunites with her optimistic yet unlucky father, Petri. Amid a chaotic tango festival and her boss’s antics, this sweet and hilarious comedy explores family, self-discovery, and facing long-avoided truths.     Directed by Jenni Toivoniemi
Starring: Aksa Korttila, Jani Volanen, Leea Klemola, Hannu-Pekka Bjorkman

BOOKS & DRINKS This crowd-pleasing rom-com has been praised for its witty screenplay and endearing performances. David’s struggling Brooklyn bookstore gets a lifeline when he inherits a Caribbean mansion from his estranged father. With the help of a charming realtor, he plans to sell the house and save his store, but the island’s vibrant people and his father’s legacy make him question where his heart truly belongs in this quirky, heartfelt rom-com.   Directed by Geoffrey Cowper   Featuring: Jackson Rathbone, Clara Lago, Hector Anibal, Carol Halstead

BLACK DOG This poignant film has garnered critical acclaim for its blend of humor and pathos. Set against the stark beauty of the Gobi Desert, Lang returns home to a remote town after being released from jail and is tasked with clearing stray dogs from the area ahead of the Olympic Games. Amid this bleak task, he forms an unexpected bond with a black dog. Together, these two lonely souls embark on a bittersweet journey filled with dry humor, heartfelt moments, and profound emotional depth.   Directed by Hu Guan   Featuring: Eddie Peng, Jing Liang, Zhangke Kia, Liya Tong
COMANDANTE This gripping historical drama, selected as Italy’s official entry for the Academy Awards, recounts the bravery of Commander Salvatore Todaro during WWII. In October 1940, at the onset of the war, Todaro made a decision that changed history after sinking an armed merchant ship in the Atlantic. This haunting true story, brought to life with ethereal visuals and a gripping narrative, delves into the loneliness and courage of a submarine crew.   Directed by Edoardo De Angelis
Featuring: Pierfrancesco Favino, Massimiliano Rossi, Johan Heldenbergh, Silvia D’Amico, Arturo Muselli
Whether it’s the daring quest to protect sea turtles (Turtle Walker), a bittersweet bond formed in the Gobi Desert (Black Dog), or a romantic rediscovery in the Caribbean (Books & Drinks), these Festival Favorites showcase resilience, humor, and human connection at their finest.   Don’t wait—the festival starts on January 9! Get ready to laugh, reflect, and experience unforgettable moments on screen. This lineup promises something for everyone!
See you at the movies,   The St. Augustine Film Festival Team   P.S. Looking to maximize your festival experience? Festival passes unlock access to more screenings and exclusive perks.              
SAINT AUGUSTINE FILM FESTIVAL 844 Ocean Palm Way St. Augustine. FL 32080   BOX OFFICE Phone: (904) 209-3746 Facebook Instagram. Learn More About Passes

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