The Power of Words: Books to Screen
By Heidi Simmons—–
Susan Rosser and Barbara Keller had an idea over a dinner conversation: “How interesting would it be to have a dialogue between authors of books and filmmakers to learn more about the artistic process of adaptations of books to screen?”
As Keller says, “One enthusiasm led to another.” The dynamic duo approached planners of the PSIFF, and the symposium was given the go-ahead. At the 26th Annual Palm Spring International Film Festival that dialogue indeed took place to wonderful success.
Held at the Hilton Hotel’s Horizon Ballroom, the event drew a crowd throughout the day. The symposium began at 9:00 am and continued until 7:00 pm with authors and film industry professionals talking about the creative process and challenges to get books to the screen. The program included film screenings of the scheduled adaptions and a Barnes & Noble pop-up bookstore.
“We were so fortunate to have people running the film festival who agreed with our vision and let us develop it,” said Rosser. “Our overall vision was to recognize the power of story as written by book authors and the underpinning of many of our most powerful films.”
Rosser is a member of the non-profit Palm Spring International Film Society, which organizes the PSIFF. She is also a member of the Author’s Guild headquartered in New York. Rosser was responsible for bringing the Rancho Mirage Writers Festival to fruition. Now in its second year, that event begins next week January 21st and goes through the 24th. It will be held at the Rancho Mirage Library.
Both Rosser and Keller had a wish list when they began the process of finding authors whose work had made it to the big screen. “I spent most of the spring and summer talking to literary agents and to people who work for publishing houses about our budding project,” said Rosser. “All of them loved our idea and wanted to help us make it a success.”
With a passion for books and movies, Rosser and Keller put together a wish list. “Black Hawk Down, Low Down and The Hundred-Foot Journey were on the original list,” said Keller. “We were thrilled when author Lisa Genova was available to come for Still Alice.”
Actor Sal Mineo was Keller’s favorite when she was a teenager. So she was very excited to hear all about the journey of making a film from Michael Gregg Michaud’s book Sal. Michaud along with actor Val Lauren, who portrayed Sal, participated in the discussion moderated by Andy Lewis, book editor of the Hollywood Reporter. Eva, Lauren’s beautiful wife, a model and actress, sat in the audience.
Other attending writers were The Descendants’ author Kaui Hart Hemmings who was part of a discussion with Richard C. Morais author of The Hundred-Foot Journey. Although both appreciated the movie versions of their books, each had a different experience in the adaptation process. Hemmings was very involved with the director, while Morais was not.
Chaz Ebert was the first keynote speaker. She charmed the audience talking about the documentary Life Itself written by her late husband, beloved film critic Roger Ebert.
The moderators, Variety’s Peter Bart, UCLA film professor Barbara Boyle, Screen International’s Jeremy Kay and magazine contributor Anne Thompson, all brought their own experience and wisdom to the discussion.
The glossy program include the mission statement: “The Power of Words: Book to Screen was founded to celebrate the authors of books and those involved in the creative process of adapting these works for the screen. Our further goal is to entertain and educate the general public about this process at a symposium featuring sessions led by critics who will moderate discussions about the books and the films with authors, screenwriters, producers, directors and actors.”
Kudos to the team of Rosser and Keller and the visionaries at the PSIFF for putting together not only an entertaining event, but a significant program that high-lights the importance of story.
Hopefully, The Power of Words: Books to Screen symposium will be a part of the Festival for years to come.
