I’m thrilled that you’re thrilled to see THE SWIMMER kick off the event! In many ways, this movie is emblematic of everything I have tried to showcase in the eight years I have curated this ongoing series of overlooked, forgotten or hard-to-categorize cinema from around the world – but it is also one of the “hardest sells” in the roster, as it may not seem on the surface to be as intriguing or multifaceted as it truly is (which is part of its brilliance).

Burt Lancaster is absolutely phenomenal in this gripping and fairly unforgettable film that has fallen through the cracks of time. When most folks opine about the high water marks of late ’60s American films, few mention THE SWIMMER, which to me is a great shame.

I realize that many folks who are regular (or semi-regular) attendees of my PFS of SAV film screenings may be surprised to see a Hollywood drama included in this year’s lineup, but I have always strived to include the more stealthily subversive examples of mainstream filmmaking in my series (such as Nicholas Ray’s BIGGER THAN LIFE a few years back).

It is my fervent wish that this 8th Annual Psychotronic Film Fest ushers in a new era for the society – one in which it will play a much greater role in diversifying and serving the cultural landscape of the greater Savannah area. Your continued enthusiasm for (and support of) my efforts have been integral to spreading the word so far and hopefully that will continue to be the case!

Yer pal,
Jim Reed
PFS Goldar