 | | | Derek Zemrak Photo provided
| | | | | | Derek Zemrak, founder and president of the California Independent Film Festival Association (CAIFFA) and owner operator of the Rheem and Orinda Theatres will be honored on October 31 at the Rheem Theatre in Moraga with the Golden Halo Award from the Southern California Motion Picture Council (SCMPC).
SCMPC, a non-profit organization founded in 1936, promotes civic-minded, educational and cultural programs of exceptional merit and presents awards for the best in movies, television, stage plays and the performing arts. The Golden Halo is the SCMPC's highest award. A partial list of past acting honorees includes Bette Davis, James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Robert Mitchum, Doris Day and Charlton Heston, 2011 recipients were Mickey Rooney and Carol Channing.
The committee voted Zemrak as this year's honoree for his passion to save the beautiful art deco theatres at Rheem and Orinda, his contribution to independent filmmakers by giving them a venue to screen their films for over 15 years, and his production of independent films.
The evening will begin at 8 p.m. at the Rheem Theatre with a wine and food reception in the lobby, followed by a video tribute presentation to Zemrak. The Golden Halo Award will be presented to Zemrak by Hollywood legend and Oscar winner Margaret O'Brien who nominated Zemrak after meeting him at last year's 14th Annual California Independent Film Festival (CAIFF). She was moved by the CAIFF organization, and credited Zemrak for the kindness and passion of the people.
The West Coast Premiere of Frankenstein Rising starring O'Brien, Jerry Maren, the lollipop kid from The Wizard of Oz, Anita Page, the last great silent film actress in her final role and film star, and Randal Malone as Frankenstein will begin at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 and all proceeds will be donated to the Lamorinda Theatre Foundation Digital Fund.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA