Jane MusgraveWe couldn’t wait until Tuesday to bring you Jane Musgrave’s deconstruction of last month’s contentious Palm Beach International Film Festival. Plus, we may have a state attorney’s race.
🎬 The Palm Beach International Film Festival that never was
Turning to filmmaking to fill his empty days during the pandemic, William McNeice was ecstatic when his third movie was accepted into what was billed as the 28th annual Palm Beach International Film Festival.
Boarding a plane in Spain last month, McNeice stifled feelings of growing unease as he read an email from festival organizers that all-important screenings in theaters had been canceled and the films would only be shown online.
Once he arrived in West Palm Beach, McNeice and other filmmakers from around the world began suspecting they had been duped.
Not only were their films not going to appear on big screens in front of large audiences, but there were none of the typical trappings of film festivals.
There were no panel discussions with celebrity actors, producers, directors and distributors, who could help boost the filmmakers’ careers. There were no red carpet galas. When filmmakers asked to see posters or other materials that had been produced to promote the festival, they were told there were none.
Ultimately, when they raised their concerns, they were attacked by festival organizers and told their films were being disqualified. During a raucous online chat with organizers, they weren’t even offered a refund of the $25 to $70 each paid to enter what was supposed to be an eight-day celebration, featuring more than 150 films.
“It’s been such an awful experience,” said the 45-year-old McNeice, shortly after returning to Madrid last week. “The more I think about it, the more upset I get. Just to think people could treat other people like that.”
How did this happen? Keep reading.
🗳️ Lawyer Gregg Lerman wants to be your state attorney
Seven years after Gregg Lerman lost a nasty judicial race that ended with the stunning removal of his opponent from office, the 62-year-old criminal defense attorney is ready to hit the campaign trail again.
This week, he filed papers to run for state attorney as a Democrat.
Unlike last time, when he was blasted by his opponent, Dana Santino, for defending “murderers, rapists, child molesters and other criminals,” Lerman said he plans to tout his life’s work.
“As a criminal defense attorney, I bring a better perspective to the table than even someone who works in the office,” Lerman said. “I have been dealing with domestic violence proceedings and the victims. I have been dealing with people being prosecuted as felons. On occasion, I have dealt with juvenile court matters and have also dealt with the appellate division.”
It’s still early. The move allows Lerman to begin raising money but formal qualifying for the job isn’t until April 22-26, 2024. The primary is Aug. 20, 2024, and the general election is Nov. 5.
Why it matters? State Attorney Dave Aronberg, a former state senator first elected state attorney in 2012, hasn’t had an opponent since.
Yes, but. Lerman doesn’t plan any attack ads against Aronberg, a Democrat, because he doesn’t expect Aronberg to run for a fourth term.
What’s Aronberg saying? He’s not ready to announce. “There is nothing to say at this point. Dave will make an announcement about his intentions in the near future,” spokesman Marc Freeman said in an email to Stet.
But if Aronberg doesn’t run … other attorneys may enter the race. “I’m trying to get out in front,” Lerman said. “I’m trying to clear the field and keep the pack from ever forming.”
A bit of history: After Santino beat Lerman in 2016 for a seat on the county bench, Lerman filed a complaint against her. A panel of the Judicial Qualifications Commission found she violated several rules of judicial conduct by denigrating the key role defense attorneys play in the criminal justice system. It recommended her removal and the Florida Supreme Court agreed. Santino became the first judge in county history to be removed from office.
🎥 Independent films can make it big. Among the hits or critically acclaimed movies presented at past Palm Beach International Film Festivals are “Away from Her” (2007), “Waitress” (2007), and “Winter’s Bone” (2010).
We hope you like this special edition of Stet. Be sure to check out Jane’s full story on the film festival here.
