PinkGoldThe Fort Myers Film Festival presents a screening of Pink Gold Rush, a production of WGCU Public Media, at the Alliance for the Arts on Friday, July 11 at 7:30PM. Awarded the People’s Choice Award at the 2014 Fort Myers Beach Film Festival, the one-hour documentary explores the history of shrimping in Southwest Florida, and the impact the industry has had on the region’s economy, development, and environment. It also explores the stories of the men and women on Ft. Myers Beach whose livelihoods are tied to this succulent crustacean.

Doors will open at 7:00PM. A $5 suggested donation supports educational programming at the Alliance. Join us as early as 5:30PM to view the new exhibit “Majestic Places / Majestic Faces” which opens that evening. The Fort Myers Film Festival will also present screenings of feature length independent films at the Alliance on Friday, August 8 and Friday, September 12.

The Fort Myers Film Festival’s 5th annual festival will be held March 25-29, 2015 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Alliance for the Arts and Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Visit www.fortmyersfilmfestival.com for more information.

DW Chillin' with Kathmandu Sadhus_David WhiteOn Friday, July 11 an exhibit will open at the Alliance for the Arts that is far more than a collection of photographs taken by Fort Myers native David White during his 9 years living and teaching in Jakarta, Indonesia. “Majestic Places / Majestic Faces” includes 300 photographs and maps strung together in an installation representing a walkthrough scrapbook. White grew up in Fort Myers but has lived abroad since 1999. He says he wants to give his family, friends and hometown community a glimpse into the diverse destinations and peoples that have enriched his life while living in Jakarta. “Majestic Places / Majestic Faces” features the cultural and natural beauty of Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.

“I am blessed to live and learn overseas. I hope to foster understanding between my Eastern and Western worlds through sharing moments of the truly, majestic places and faces of South East Asia. My intent, as always, is to seek and share positive, compassionate connections in all my worlds and with all peoples.  It is an honor to be shown at the Alliance for the Arts.  I look forward to seeing how the installation impacts my friends and the Lee County community. If a picture truly speaks a thousand words … imagine what 300 can say?”

The “Majestic Places / Majestic Faces” opening reception is from 5:30 to 7:30 on Friday, July 11. White will host a Gallery Walk on Saturday, July 12 from 10-11AM. It’s free and open to the public. The exhibit goes on display on Thursday, July 3 and remains on display until Friday, August 1.