Saint Augustine Film Festival to host 40 films in January

The 16th annual Saint Augustine Film Festival will return to St. Augustine on Jan. 5-11. The festival will feature more than 40 films from indie, international, local and regional filmmakers with screenings taking place at Lewis Auditorium, the Gamache-Koger Theater and Virgina Room at Ringhaver Student Center at Flager College, plus evening parties and appearances by filmmakers, actors and producers.

Festival passes are on sale now at staugfilmfest.com and in-person at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall box offices. Tickets for individual films are also online at staugfilmfest.com.

Notable screenings this year include:

• “Everyone Is Lying to You for Money,” directed by Ben McKenzie, takes an explorative journey through the world of cryptocurrency.

• “13 Jours 13 Nuits” is based on the true story of evacuees in Kabul, Afghanistan, and their attempt to outrun the Taliban as they flee the city during the 2021 American troop withdrawal.

• “OLMO” centers on a 14-year-old boy named Olmo, who is tasked with caring for his bedridden father afflicted with multiple sclerosis, and the unexpected turn his life takes after being invited to a party.

• “Colours of Time,” directed by Cédric Klapisch, intertwines modern-day Paris and 1895 France, where four strangers discover they are related and have inherited a countryside home about to be demolished to make way for a mall.

The festival aims to enrich the cultural landscape of Northeast Florida by highlighting the artistic achievements of independent and foreign filmmakers. Through its diverse film selections and engaging events, it offers unique insights into various cultures, the universal bonds of humanity and the profound art of storytelling.

In collaboration with SJC Cultural Events Inc., and supported by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council and the St. Johns Cultural Council, the festival underscores St. Johns County’s commitment to the ethos of “Culture Around Every Corner.”

Founding sponsors Arnold and Barbara Grevior are joined by annual patrons Eileen and Jeff Schomburger, Jon Schwartz and Sheila Kolesaire, along with many local businesses and private citizens.

For a complete listing of films, showtimes and evening party information, go to staugfilmfest.com.

Ticket prices:

• $125 at box office / $132.82 online – The All Film Pass, admission to all films at all venues

• $275 at box office / $287.32 online – The VIP All Access Pass, admission to all films at all venues plus admission to evening parties

• $10 at box office / $13.34 online – individual film passes

Special guests include:

• Morena Baccarin: An actress best known for television’s “Homeland” and on the big screen in “Deadpool”

• Ben McKenzie: The star of “The OC” and “Southland” on television, plus a slew of movie hits. 

• Kristi Zea: Production and costume designer, producer and director. American film and television professional known for her work with directors Martin Scorsese and Jonathan Demme, earning Academy Award nominations for “Revolutionary Road” and “As Good as it Gets”

• Thiago Soares: Professional ballet dancer with “A Wolf Among The Swans”

• Karen Allen: Actress/director known from the “Indiana Jones” films. Chair of the National Advisory Board, she will help with the presentation of awards to actors and filmmakers. 

Also, there will be free admission Jan. 5 to four films from Spain, made available in collaboration with The Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain and sponsored by the Sister Cities. No ticket is needed. The venue is Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College. Films will be shown at 1, 3, 5 and 7 p.m.