In response to a growing demand from a burgeoning group of both young and established filmmakers in Northeast Florida and around the state, the Jacksonville Film Festival has announced plans to launch a pilot program representing a transformative shift to year-round entertainment.
This groundbreaking move for the festival ushers in a new era in the city's cultural landscape. Launching this innovative new model for the nonprofit is the Oct. 12 debut screening of "Beyond Triathlon," a cinematic journey into the evolution of competitive women’s sports as viewed through the eyes of philanthropist and master-class athlete Dorothy S. Dorion and other female athlete pioneers and trailblazers.
Inspired by the book of the same name, “Beyond Triathlon” offers a thought-provoking examination of the challenges, triumphs and significant milestones experienced by women on their journeys in master sports.
“Beyond Triathlon offers the perfect opportunity to underscore the festival’s commitment to fostering continuous engagement with filmmakers, artists and enthusiasts,” said Tim Driscoll, Jacksonville Film Festival program director. “The festival is excited to showcase this documentary at the renowned Lazzara Performance Hall on the University of North Florida campus; we are committed to elevating Jacksonville's prominence as a dynamic hub for creative expression and cinematic excellence.”
Moez Limayem, president of the University of North Florida (UNF) said, “UNF is honored to host the debut event for this film with its inspiring narrative. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to legacy donor Dottie Dorion, whose generosity knows no bounds as evidenced by her pledge that 100% of the premiere's proceeds will bolster UNF Athletic Scholarships.”
In addition to having a long history of donating scholarships to the university, Dorion also provided critical funding for the building of the Dorion Fitness Center in 1978. Today, the Dorion Fitness Center, which boasts 27,000 square feet of fitness floor space, is located on the second floor of the Student Wellness Complex.
“I am incredibly proud of our partnership with the Jacksonville Film Festival and the University of North Florida,” said Dorion. “Together, we are not just telling a story; we are inspiring audiences to push beyond their limits, embrace resilience and foster a community of unwavering support.”
She concluded, “With UNF and the Jacksonville Film Festival by our side, the journey ahead promises to be as exhilarating as crossing the finish line of an Ironman.”
Tickets for the “Beyond Triathlon” premiere and reception are priced at $10 and can be purchased online at https://beyondtriathlon.com. All proceeds from the event will benefit the University of North Florida’s Athletics Programs.
Jacksonville Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in Jacksonville. It is a not-for-profit, annual film festival that showcases in-competition and out-of-competition American and International independent films.
For more information, go to JacksonvilleFilmFestival.com.
