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2005 TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL FORMAT CHANGES, TO
INCLUDE GALA FUNDRAISER AND ONE DAY FEST, DATE TO REMAIN THE
SAME
Wichita
KS, September 8, 2005-
The Board of Directors of the Wichita Association for the Motion
Picture Arts (WAMPA) has announced a dramatic scale back for the
2005 Tallgrass Film Festival in order to focus the remainder of
the year on film events designed to generate interest and set
the stage for funding of a full weekend film festival in October
2006. Board President Randy Phillips said that several factors
entered into this decision including the death of Executive
Director Timothy Gruver earlier this summer.
Mr.
Phillips added, “Tim Gruver, an entrepreneurial visionary, was
our primary contact with many donors and supporters who provided
the cash gifts and in-kind support needed. After his death,
with the assistance of our accountants, we closely examined our
business procedures, financial condition, cost structure and
what it would take in his absence to produce a high quality
event and finish the year without any unpaid bills. We
concluded we needed to pause, get our house in order, begin the
search for a new Executive Director and meet all financial
obligations. The decision was, slow down this year in order to
provide for the future.”
Instead,
the Board has opted to conduct a Fundraising “Dinner and Movie”
event at Warren Old Town Theaters on Friday, October 21 for
friends, donors and supporters of WAMPA and the Tallgrass Film
Festival. Saturday, October 22 would be dedicated to
“Shortgrass: A 12-Hour Tallgrass Film Festival Event”, which
will screen 5-7 quality independent films, followed by an
evening tribute to Founder and Executive Director Timothy
Gruver, and a Saturday night party, all proceeds to benefit
WAMPA’s fundraising effort. More information on both events will
be available in the next few weeks.
Mr.
Phillips concluded, “These changes were necessary to go forward
for the long haul and to become more than just a flash in the
pan. And with the support of Warren Theatres and the generous
donations of many others - we can do just that.”
Lela Meadow, Executive Producer of the
Tallgrass Film Festival added, “We understand why these changes
are necessary in 2005, but we are excited to still be able to
bring a day of high-quality independent film to the community,
complete with all of the festival trimmings and we look forward
to the return of the full-length festival in 2006.”
Those
interested in supporting WAMPA and the Tallgrass Film Festival
can send donations to the Timothy Gruver Memorial Fund, c/o
Conlee Schmidt & Emerson, 200 W. Douglas, Suite 300, Wichita,
67202.
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