Thomas Meighan Film Festival

The Festival is held annually at the Meighan theatre, the only historic theatre in Pasco County, Florida. The festival provides a venue for local and talented artists to showcase their work in the community with hopes to inspire and advance a greater appreciation for independent film and digital art. The event will help raise awareness of the preservation of historic cinematic landmarks and the cultural identity of New Port Richey. The Thomas Meighan Project / Film Festival is based on the historical past of New Port Richey becoming the next Hollywood. Thomas Meighan was a famous Hollywood silent movie star of the twenties. In 1919, he hit stardom in one of his best known films at the time, The Miracle Man,unfortunately it is now lost in small fragments due to film deterioration. Today, Meighan’s most recognizable role is in the film, Male and Female, directed by one of Hollywood’s legendary directors Cecile B. Demille. Meighan’s popularity continued through the Roaring Twenties with him starring in several pictures. During this time, Meighan visited Florida and fell in love with New Port Richey leading him to build a home and became a resident. The Meighan’s entertained the Hollywood crowd and attracted celebrities to the area. He believed that New Port Richey would be the ideal location for motion picture studios, shortly after representatives of Paramount Pictures came to town to discuss such plans. However, the Great Depression along with the invention of talkies ended his dreams. -Due to time constraints, all entries must not exceed 30 minutes in duration. -Entries must be submitted no later the January 15, 2016 in order to be reviewed & accepted. -Festival selections will be announced Early March 2016.