The 9th Annual F.R.E.S.H. Book Film Festival, hosted by the visionary Donna Gray-Banks, was nothing short of a success—a celebration of storytelling, film, literature, and purpose.

An Electrifying Kickoff

Thursday night set the tone with a vibrant meet and greet, buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Attendees had the privilege of engaging with the creators behind powerful films, including myself, Producer Keidra Ponder, and Executive Producer & Star Ronald Taylor of Meet The Snows. The audience also connected with D. Tina Batton, producer of The Signature, which featured our esteemed guest speaker Dr. Evangelist Angie B. Also in attendance were Director Jean Louis and Cinematographer James Burke, adding even more depth to an already inspiring evening.

The night opened with a heartfelt prayer by Dr. Evangelist Angie B, followed by an empowering message from Stan Harrison of State Farm, one of the festival’s generous sponsors. A warm welcome from a City of Daytona Beach official set the stage as the featured filmmakers were introduced.

A Night of Cinema with a Purpose

The audience was captivated by The Signature, a mysterious short film that kept viewers on the edge of their seats until the very last scene. Then came Meet The Snows—a thrilling and emotional journey of a family racing against time to rescue their daughter from the clutches of sex traffickers. This film, a passion project co-written with Ronald Taylor, was a deeply personal experience for me, shedding light on the real dangers of human trafficking, an issue that has personally impacted my family.

As the credits rolled, the crowd’s energy was palpable. Attendees eagerly gathered for autographed posters and photo cadences, further cementing the night as a powerful experience.

Diving Deeper: The Two-Day Book Festival & Filmmaking Workshop

Friday morning ushered in a wealth of knowledge as we sat down for a filmmaker workshop alongside esteemed industry voices:

• Victor McGlothin – A seasoned novelist and screenwriter who shared wisdom on casting and funding films.
• Keith Kareem Williams – Discussed the adaptation of novels into screenplays and the art of translating written stories to film.
• D. Tina Batten – Emphasized the importance of legal representation in filmmaking.
• Dr. Evangelist Angie B – Spoke on the role of faith and passion in pursuing dreams.
• Ronald Taylor – Revealed exciting plans to bring film production to Daytona Beach and South Florida.
• Keidra Ponder (myself) – Spoke on the importance of project management in filmmaking and how a solid team is the backbone of any successful project.

The festival continued to be a hub of creativity, featuring author interviews, book signings, and a special meet and greet reception sponsored by Uncle Nearest.

A Celebration of Literacy & the Arts

The weekend was a true fusion of literature and the performing arts. The audience was treated to uplifting performances by the youth choir, drum line, and dance group from Palm Terrace Elementary School, adding a touch of inspiration and joy.

Among the festival’s distinguished guests was Evelyn Bethune, who spoke passionately about the many avenues of publishing. Also present was Betty Lane-Fagerlund, showcasing her novel Bright Light Colored Skin, which I had the honor of adapting into a screenplay.

We also had the chance to collect some must-read books from the festival’s talented authors, including:
📖 The Tool: The Ultimate Manipulation – Stan Harrison
📖 In Search Of The Truth – Anderson C. Hill, II
📖 Dark Paradise Of The Dead – W.C. Filmore

Adding to the festival’s artistic flair, we admired and acquired original abstract artwork from the brilliant Lawrence Walden.

A Call to Action: Supporting Literacy & the Arts

As I reflect on this incredible weekend, I urge the community to stay engaged in literacy, storytelling, and the arts. These creative expressions are not just forms of entertainment—they are our history, our present, and our future. They shed light on real issues, inspire change, and bring people together.

This festival was more than an event—it was a movement, and I am honored to have been a part of it.

Until next time, keep creating, keep reading, and keep telling stories that matter.

By: Keidra Ponder