Submitted PhotoBurt Reynolds is scheduled to be in Valdosta this week as part of RKDS Film Fest. 

VALDOSTA — Burt Reynolds is scheduled to be in town Thursday.

The inaugural RKDS Film Fest, a three-day event, is scheduled to feature and honor the Hollywood legend while also including the world premiere of a documentary about the war in Afghanistan, a showing of a movie about Spook Bridge and the showing of a rare 1973 movie that was filmed in Lake Park.

A total of 11 films will be shown, according to organizers. 

The film festival begins with a ceremony honoring Reynolds. He is scheduled to receive the key to the city from Valdosta Mayor John Gayle who is expected to proclaim July 12 as Burt Reynolds Day.

State Rep. John LaHood will present Reynolds with a commendation from the state General Assembly. Only VIP ticket holders can attend the presentation event scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, July 12, at Mathis City Auditorium, annex room. 

The RKDS Film Fest will feature three Burt Reynolds films, “Smokey and the Bandit,” 7 p.m. Thursday, July 12, “Gator,” 7 p.m. Friday, July 13, and “The Last Movie Star,” 7 p.m. Saturday, July 14. Reynolds will talk about and present each film, according to organizers. 

The world premiere of the documentary “11 Days and a Wake-Up” will be shown 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14. Producer Frankie Gay, who lost his son, Pruitt Rainey, in the Battle of Wanat, will introduce his film.

“Many notables are scheduled to appear for the showing of this powerful documentary,” according to organizers.

On Friday the 13th, “Spook Bridge,” filmed in Quitman and Valdosta and produced by Valdosta film studio RKDS Entertainment, will be shown along with two other horror films, “Dismal” and “Savage,” filmed in Early County.

Other regional films include, “Celeste,” filmed in Thomasville; it will be introduced by director-producer Brad Wheeler. “Brother’s Keeper,” filmed in Bainbridge, will show 12:30 p.m. Saturday July 14. “Untouched” will conclude the festival with a 9 p.m. Saturday sceening; it was filmed in Savannah and will be introduced by Simone Griffeth and Executive Producers Chip Lane and Angelique Chase.

At 9 p.m. Thursday, the 1973 film “Sixteen,” formerly known as “Like a Crow on a June Bug,” will be screened. It was filmed in Lake Park and Valdosta and written by Curtis Taylor. Griffeth, who starred in the movie, is scheduled to introduce and talk about the film.

The RKDS Film Fest was created to highlight the film industry in South Georgia. Ticket goers will also receive complimentary Coca Cola Products and Popcorn for each movie showing. Ticket prices range from $10-$150. Tickets are available at Badcock Home Furniture & More, The Pool Store and at the ticket window at Mathis Auditorium on the day of the event. Or visit www.RkdsFilmFest.com or call (229) 469-4189.