Lifetime Achievement Award co-hosts Malcolm McDowell and Peter Bellwood

When you are honoring an icon like legendary science-fiction writer Ray Bradbury, you know that the reality of having an incredible Film Festival is grander than any fictional piece able to be written by some journalist. And that is my point — the Ojai Film Festival is one to be fully experienced, alive and kicking – not just talked about or written about.

The Ojai Film Festival took place during four enchanting days in the city of Ojai and its lavish and green surroundings. Whether strolling downtown from the main theater, where a brilliant line-up of films were being screened, to the many antique boutiques, to delicious restaurants or other secret hang-outs to be discovered, Ojai has so much fun to offer. Of course, we should mention that, on your way to this paradise-like valley, you should check in for the weekend at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. With its Western and Mexican-style influence, you will be able to indulge yourself with a well-deserved massage just before hitting the jacuzzi, and let the soul drift away on a golf course which now is the setting for Ojai Celebrity Golf Classic, a new tradition offered by the Film Festival. The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa has it all, and be sure to bring the entire family, as they are very kid-oriented with a complete children’s center; perfect to allow mom and pop to take a break from parenthood!

Now on to the Film Festival itself: I have been to many, many festivals in my life, but this one has a catchy tune to its core and printed poster: “Enriching the human spirit through film.” Surely, after screening the controversial documentary The Big Question with Deepak Chopra and Desmond Tutu, or The Big Shot Caller emotionally directed by future Academy Award-winner Marlene Rhein, or again the coming-of-age and rite-of-passage discovery The Flyboys, one can only feel enlightened, enriched, and transformed from the inside out, for it’s in the daring of discovering other people’s genius and talents that your own divinity is triggered with splendor and eternity.

Malcom McDowell and Ray Bradbury

Beyond emotional and intellectual blossomings, the few days spent at the Ojai Film Festival were also full of laughs and humor, especially when an unleashed Malcolm McDowell presented Ray Bradbury with his Lifetime Achievement Award. Malcolm and his British, twisted, wicked intelligence truly made us stand on our heads and fly with laugher like mad little bubbles in a glass of Champagne! Instead of Champagne, we all cheered loudly with endless cocktails made by Brazilian sponsor Cabana Cachaça, with such a perfect rum that I felt, for a short moment, transported onto the gracious shores of Copa Cabana in Rio De Janeiro….

Well, after a night of glorious dreams echoing my many friendly encounters with Ray Bradbury, The Donners (famous producers of the Lethal Weapon series or, lately, X-Men and The Secret Life of Bees), Malcolm McDowell, and many new fellow moviegoers, I emerged totally inspired and wanting to keep alive the “change” that just happened one week prior to the Festival with the historic election of our new president, Barak Obama. Yes we can make life a better ride! Yes we will go back to the Ojai Film Festival next year where, indeed, the human spirit never gives up, always stands, and looks at the future, at God, straight in the eyes with a happy smile full of peace and love.

Bradbury with Edward James Olmos

Bravo to Film Festival mentors David Shor, its chairman, Steve Grumette, its artistic director, and Maureen “Mo” Mcfadden, the executive director for a “home run” edition. Of course, one shall not forget about the many hands and feet of so many volunteers and staff members who made it so unique and special for anyone visiting Ojai.

We’re all looking forward to your 10th Anniversary event next year, dear friends; this shall be a fabulous cause for celebration — celebration of movies, friendship, and peace in the valley of Ojai.

Ojai Film Festival 2008 Award Winners  

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
The Ladies
Christina Voros

Honorable Mention
Pickin’s & Trimmin’
Matt Morris

Honorable Mention
Uncovered
Roger Weisberg  

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
La Americana
Nicholas Bruckman

Honorable Mention
An Unlikely Weapon
Susan Morgan Cooper    

Angels in the Dust
Louise Hogarth

Life. Support. Music.
Eric Daniel Metzgar

The Recruiter
Edet Belzberg

BEST NARRATIVE SHORT
Voor een paar knikkers meer (For a Few Marbles More)
Jelmar Hufen

Honorable Mentions
God Only Knows
Mark Reyes    

The Other Woman
Cornelia Ravenal

BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE
The 27 Club
Erica Dunton

Honorable Mentions
Crazy
Rick Bieber    

Tru Loved
Stewart Wade

BEST STUDENT FILM – LIMELIGHT AWARD
Maine Story
Nina Chernik   Awarded $60,000 Panavision Camera Rental Package

Honorable Mentions
15-40
Christian Bagger    

The Replacement Child
Justin Lerner

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Idiots and Angels
Bill Plympton

Honorable Mention
Viola: The Traveling Rooms of a Little Giant
Shih-Ting Hung

FESTIVAL THEME AWARD – “Enriching the Human Spirit Through Film”
Seeds of Change: The ECO Story
Ava Karvonen