A unique event, Lincoln Film Festival to foster culture of creativity in the downtown
Opening night movie "Lincoln" to be followed by guest speaker and reception in historic Logan County Courthouse

[September 23, 2016]  LINCOLN - On Tuesday, September 20, 2016, the Logan County Board held their regular monthly meeting to vote on several motions and resolutions. One highlight of their discussion was whether to allow the Lincoln Film Festival to use the courthouse for a reception on October 14.

Lincoln Grand 8 Theater owner David Lanterman said he is planning a film festival with help from Brenda Chapman, a former Beasonite who wrote the award winning movie "Brave."

Lanterman said Friday night, they will show the movie "Lincoln" to kick off the festival.

Lanterman said he wants to hold a reception after the movie at the historic Logan County Courthouse to go along with the evening's theme. The new director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library will be here to talk about Abraham Lincoln and the courthouse would give it a "historic feel."

Lanterman said he would like to have a reception with appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, and music from the Lincoln College Jazz Band. He would also like to serve beer and wine.

Lanterman said Saturday and Sunday, they would show regional, national, and international films along with a free children's animated program. He is hoping to make it an annual event.

Board member Emily Davenport asked about an admission fee and number of people he expected.

Lanterman said it would be $25 for people to go see the movie and participate in the reception. He expects between 75 and 100 people.

Board member Gene Rohlfs asked if the reception would be done every year.

Lanterman said he just plans to do the reception this year.

Board member Scott Schaffenacker said he was not sure about them having beer and wine in the courthouse and thought they could work out something with an establishment that has a liquor license.

Board member Kevin Bateman said it is the people's courthouse and should be used for events like this one since the "Lincoln" movie is significant to the town and the man from the library would be able to answer many questions about Abraham Lincoln and the movie. Also, Lanterman would cover all security costs for the evening.

According to the event plan:

Lincoln Film Festival (LFF) welcomes filmmakers and film lovers from across the United States to the historic Lincoln, Illinois. Home to a fun part of Old Route 66 and over a dozen downtown local shops, Lincoln offers a variety of things to see outside of the festival. The Lincoln Film Festival offers three days of screenings, an educational workshop, and open dialogue located in the newly built Lincoln Grand 8 Theater.

Lincoln Film Festival will make its debut October 2016 with support from local businesses and key individuals who are passionate to see a culture of creativity flourish. Our partnerships continue to grow with various local and film organizations. We are excited at the opportunities this will bring forth in the community and the industry.

The three-day event with special movie showings and seminars is expected to attract wide and local interest in the film industry and bring people into downtown Lincoln.

Board member Chuck Ruben said he feels the courthouse is not appropriate for this kind of event and it "opens a can of worms."

Board member Adam Schmidt said Lanterman seems to have his ducks in a row.

Bateman said the liquor committee could meet before to decide, but Ruben said liquor permits provide full board approval.

Bateman amended the main motion to include a liquor permit obtained from the board office.

Board member Scott Schaffenacker said he would like to have a Saturday night courthouse tour in tandem with the film festival. Schaffenacker said it would be more like a museum tour and that way, the board would not be showing favoritism for one event.

Board member Pat O'Neill said bringing in alcohol for one night did not seem like a problem to him especially since Guzzardo's allows people to bring in alcohol to their establishment. O'Neill said people come from all over to see the courthouse and sees it as an opportunity to showcase Lincoln.

Bateman said he could envision also allowing couples who get married at the courthouse to hold receptions at it. He said security is easy. Bateman said they could set guidelines for events.

State's Attorney Jonathan Wright said to make sure there is liability insurance. He said other events could be a "can of worms."

Schmidt said he would like people to be able to come for a nice event if people have insurance in place.

Bateman's amended motion to approve the use of the courthouse for the Lincoln Film Festival Party on October 14, 2016 with the inclusion of a one day liquor license passed 5-4 with Kevin Bateman, Emily Davenport, David Hepler, Pat O'Neill, and Adam Schmidt voting yes, and Bob Farmer, Gene Rohlfs, Chuck Ruben, and Scott Schaffenacker voting no.

Board members present were Kevin Bateman, Emily Davenport, Bob Farmer, David Hepler, Pat O'Neill, Gene Rohlfs, Chuck Ruben, Scott Schaffenacker, and Adam Schmidt. Rick Aylesworth, Dave Blankenship, and Miles Craig were absent.

[Angela Reiners]