First, a bit of history and why are we calling it the Enfield Riot Film Festival
What is the "Enfield Riot"?
Enfield is the oldest town in Halifax County. The area was settled prior to 1725; however, the town was not founded until 1740 and is one of North Carolina's oldest incorporated towns. An event in Enfield's history that helped spark American independence was the "Enfield Riot," one of the earliest political actions against British tyranny. In January 1759, a group of landowners seized Lord Granville's land agent, Francis Corbin, in Edenton and brought him to Enfield. There they forced Corbin to give bond to return illegal fees, which had been collected. On May 14, 1759, a group of citizens in Enfield expressed the same sentiments against British tyranny. Several of the "rioters" were arrested and jailed. However, they were soon released when an irate group of citizens broke into jail and freed them. It is thought that the actions of these men probably encouraged Willie Jones and the other radical leaders of North Carolina to push for independence from England through the Halifax Resolves of April 12, 1776.
Before the establishment of Halifax County, Enfield was the county seat of Edgecombe County. It was also the site of the district court of Edgecombe, Granville, and North Hampton counties. Enfield remained the seat of Edgecombe government until 1758, when Halifax County was formed and the town of Halifax was established. Enfield continued as the temporary seat of the Halifax County court until arrangements could be made to provide a court building in Halifax.
Before the establishment of Halifax County, Enfield was the county seat of Edgecombe County. It was also the site of the district court of Edgecombe, Granville, and North Hampton counties. Enfield remained the seat of Edgecombe government until 1758, when Halifax County was formed and the town of Halifax was established. Enfield continued as the temporary seat of the Halifax County court until arrangements could be made to provide a court building in Halifax.
Now about this Film Festival?
This film festival is a long time coming. Andrew Wirtz, having an absolute love for film, first envisioned showcasing films from around the world when he and his wife Myra first purchased this building back in 2012. They knew then they wanted to host a film festival; an event that would grow to rival Sundance and other mega film events. After several years of interior work and with the help of many friends, they were ready to secure the 501c3 (nonprofit) status, which will lead toward greater corporate, governmental and private benefactors to help realize the dream of a full-fledged arts center in Enfield.
The Enfield Riot Film Festival is the first official fundraiser as a new nonprofit entity and will kick-start the fundraising campaign so that planning can begin for live events in the fall of 2018. By partnering with the Halifax School system and Enfield Middle School in particular, EPAC aims to bring artistic programming to the students of Enfield Middle School.
Are there celebrities? Enfield Riot Film Festival has spoken with several actors and celebrities who have agreed to both showcase some of their film projects as well as attend the event. We are planning a joint program at the Enfield Middle School with these actors to provide motivational and acting instruction to the students.
The Enfield Riot Film Festival is the first official fundraiser as a new nonprofit entity and will kick-start the fundraising campaign so that planning can begin for live events in the fall of 2018. By partnering with the Halifax School system and Enfield Middle School in particular, EPAC aims to bring artistic programming to the students of Enfield Middle School.
Are there celebrities? Enfield Riot Film Festival has spoken with several actors and celebrities who have agreed to both showcase some of their film projects as well as attend the event. We are planning a joint program at the Enfield Middle School with these actors to provide motivational and acting instruction to the students.
What kind of films will you show?
EPAC has secured more than 20 features and short films from directors and producers throughout the US. And some NC-based filmmakers have agreed to showcase their film projects as well.
A sneak peek at some of our featured presentations...
New Announcement of two award winning International films which will be shown.
"Nobody Dies Here" by Simon Panay, a documentary on the illegal gold mining in Benin Africa.
"The Man who Forgot to Breathe" by Saman Hosseinpuor, a Kurdistan filmmaker with an interesting character study of a man in crisis.
"Nobody Dies Here" by Simon Panay, a documentary on the illegal gold mining in Benin Africa.
"The Man who Forgot to Breathe" by Saman Hosseinpuor, a Kurdistan filmmaker with an interesting character study of a man in crisis.
Listen here to Gloria from the soundtrack to The Fallen Faithful sung by Carol Woods, Carol is an American actress and singer best known for her roles in Across the Universe, Sweet and Lowdown and The Honeymooners. In 2008 she received a standing ovation dring the Grammy Awards broadcast with her singing "Let It Be" from the soundtrack of Across the Universe.
What are the Dates of the Film Festival?
Friday, October 6
Friday evening VIP Reception with actors in attendance, introduction and discussion of the EPAC and Enfield Middle School announcement. Plus showcase of our Feature Film of the event.
Saturday, October 7
Full day of feature films and a short film marathon (short films range from 8 minutes to 25 minutes generally).
Friday evening VIP Reception with actors in attendance, introduction and discussion of the EPAC and Enfield Middle School announcement. Plus showcase of our Feature Film of the event.
Saturday, October 7
Full day of feature films and a short film marathon (short films range from 8 minutes to 25 minutes generally).
Is there a cost to attend?
Yes, as this is a kickoff fundraiser, there is an entry cost to attend. With more than 20 films, VIP reception and refreshments:
Package prices include:
2-day all-access pass (including Friday VIP gala): $75.00
Package prices include:
2-day all-access pass (including Friday VIP gala): $75.00
- Included in the 2-day, all-access pass are 2 beverage tickets per day and photo access to our celebrities for a red carpet photo with them.