Derrek Vaughn | The Valdosta Daily TimesBurt Reynolds arrives in Valdosta to kick off the first RKDS Film Festival.

VALDOSTA — The Bandit has arrived. 

Crowds flooded Mathis City Auditorium to see Burt Reynolds at the inaugural RKDS Film Festival opener Thursday afternoon.

The event was hosted by RKDS Entertainment and Media and will screen films Thursday through Saturday at Mathis.

“I feel very welcome here in this state,” Reynolds said speaking of the importance of his attendance at the festival.

The actor was presented with a key to the city and a proclamation deeming July 12 as Burt Leon Reynolds Day by Mayor John Gayle during the ceremony.

“Whereas Burt Reynolds’ career as an actor, director and producer has spanned over 60 years, and his resiliency is truly a testament to his staying ability, his acting talent and his appeal to film audiences …” he said.

State Rep. John LaHood honored Reynolds with a state resolution that spoke of his career and impact in the film and entertainment industry.

“Recognizing and commending legendary actor Burt Reynolds and for other purposes whereas Burt Reynolds has been recognized as one of today’s most dynamic and driven public figures,” he said.

Reynolds filmed nine movies in Georgia, including “Gator,” which was shot at Banks Lake in Lakeland. He has acted in at least 56 movies overall, Reynolds jokingly said that he began at 9 years old.

“I have done a lot of movies. Some of them I really am proud of, and some of them, I wish they’d do something,” he said.

Reynolds has a genuine love for both Georgia and the people living here, he said. He said being at the opener made him feel as if he had been raised here.

He encouraged young actors in South Georgia to keep pushing forward with their career pursuits.

“You just have to do everything you can. You gotta keep after it, you gotta keep the motor working,” he said. “These young people are truly in love with what they’re doing, that’s the most important thing.”

Reynolds said he has yet to complete his greatest piece of work. He announced that he is currently working on three upcoming movies, including “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.”

Roy Kirkland, writer and producer of RKDS, labeled Reynolds’ presence at the film festival as “humongous” noting the national attention it has received.

“Now everyone’s taking a look at Valdosta and South Georgia thanks to his name being attached to our film festival,” he said.

This will aid the local film industry in expanding, Kirkland confirmed. He said Hollywood stardom has come to Valdosta.

Judy Tucker, longtime Burt Reynolds fan, said Reynolds’ attendance will bring more filmmakers to the region. “Smokey and the Bandit” is among her favorite Reynolds movies.

“I still watch them if I can find them on T.V. I watch them over and over,” she said.

Reynolds will present three of his films during the three-day festival: “Smokey and the Bandit” 7 p.m., Thursday, “Gator” 7 p.m., Friday and “The Last Movie Star” 7 p.m., Saturday.

Ten movies will also be shown at various times, and there will be a 10-minute short movie that will be played.

Kirkland confirmed the Second Annual RKDS Film Festival will commence July 2019. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.