Larry Morgan, Sy Rosen, Eliza Roberts, and Eric Roberts
The Cambria Film Festival opened on a high note February 5 with a champagne reception and tribute to honored guest Sy Rosen, along with a screening of three of his short films and a sneak peek at the trailer of another of his films now in production.
On hand to help celebrate the veteran TV and film writer was one of the stars of Death Plays Flora a Visit, Eric Roberts. The 11-minute comedy—written by Rosen and in competition at the festival—features Roberts taking a devilish turn as the character Death.
Roberts and his wife, Eliza Roberts—who is one of the film’s executive producers—spoke of their love and admiration for Rosen in a Q&A with emcee Larry Morgan following the screenings.
Rosen, a producer and screenwriter for many successful television series including The Bob Newhart Show, Taxi, The Wonder Years, Maude, M*A*S*H, The Jeffersons, and Rhoda, described his short films as “mostly about death—hopefully in a funny way.”
His upcoming short film Little Matchmakers features Rosen’s two granddaughters trying to find a match for their widowed grandfather (Roberts in a human role this time).
The reception and screening were sponsored by Brian and Sheryll Ebbs. Cutruzzola Vineyards, Hearst Ranch Winery, Old West Kettle Korn and John & Lola Balestra provided support for the event.
Next Up on February 6
Day 2 includes screenings of films in competition; a “Film Talk” lunch with filmmakers Christopher and Kathy Riley on how writers, actors and directors develop characters; and a world premiere screening of a student feature film, Jack & Lou: A Gangster Love Story at Emerging Filmmaker Night.