Celebrity Marsha Mason with filmmaker Jeff Rambin

Marsha Mason gracefully met with festival organizers, sponsors and attendees, by granting interviews and posing for pictures. Marsha updated the interviewers on her current projects. She just returned from L.A. where she has a recurring role on the ABC show “The Middle”. She also shared about her organic product line, Resting in the River, which offers herbal wellness, bath and body products.

Actors Karina Junker and Candice Barley

“GATEWAY TO THE BAY”

PRESS RELEASE                                       Contact: Domino Taylor

dtaylor@kemah-tx.com

281-334-3181

For Immediate Release August 15, 2011

Gulf Coast Film Festival Sept. 22, 23, 24 & 25

Award Winning Actress Marsha Mason to Appear

KEMAH, TEXAS – The City of Kemah presents the 13^th Annual Gulf Coast Film & Video Festival will be September 22, 23, 24, 25, 2011.  This film festival was established 13 years ago and has gained international recognition in the Independent Film Community. Every year the festival has celebrities in the film and video industries and presents a Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s special guest that is scheduled to appear will be four time Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe winner, Marsha Mason. Marsha Mason’s most popular works include Cinderella Liberty, Goodbye Girl, Only When I Laugh and Heartbreak Ridge.

Ms. Mason is to receive this award at the Cascade Banquet & Award Gala on September 24 at the South Shore Harbour Resort in the Crystal Ballroom, 2500 South Shore Blvd. in League City starting at 6:00 pm. September 23, is the Opening Mixer & Reception where Ms. Mason will be available to meet guests at Kemah’s newest restaurant, The Tabella at Clear Creek Winery at 709 in Harris at 7:00 pm.

Film Screenings will be all day Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 at the Kemah Holiday Inn in Kemah on Harris Street. A new feature added to this years’ festival is the “Producers & Directors Forum” Thursday, Sept 22 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Jimmy Walker Kemah Community Center on Hwy 146.

During these events there will be opportunities for the festival attendees to meet with actors, producers and directors in the film and television industry. The Gulf Coast Film and Video Festival is the creation of Founding Director, Hal Wixon, an actor himself and his wife Karen have been in the film industry for many years. Mr. Wixon’s mission was to encourage the work of the independent filmmakers and to promote the art and put budding filmmakers in the spotlight.

“This festival was created to showcase the discovery of new and emerging artists,” states Wixon. “The goals for this fun and educational event are to encourage the works of independent filmmakers and promote the concept of film as art and offering awards as means of educational outreach and expand the awareness of independent film.”

Filmmakers from all over the world submit their films and it is known internationally as a juried film festival. The festival also showcases Houston and the Clear Lake/Bay Area Houston as a location for future films while promoting tourism. The festival’s title sponsor is the City of Kemah and is supported by the City of League City and the City of Houston.

Tickets are available for all social events and individual film screenings and the social events. Packages are detailed on the festival’s website. Tickets will not be available at the door for the Cascade Banquet & Award Gala. Discounts for the movie passes at the Kemah Holiday Inn are available for the military, students and AARP members, with ID or card. Donations for the silent auction during the Gala are being accepted now, with proceeds going to the Kemah Citizens’ Police Academy. For more information on donations for the auction contact the Kemah Visitor Center at 281-334-3181.

For ticket prices and additional sponsor information, log on to www.gulfcoastfilmfest.com. For tickets or information call (281)333-5804 or email at whiteriverrock@web.tv. For lodging in Kemah, log on to www.Kemah-tx.gov or call the Kemah Visitor Center at 281-334-3181.   That’s a wrap!