VALDOSTA — Burt Reynolds is set to attend the first RKDS Film Festival hosted by RKDS Entertainment and Media Thursday through Saturday, July 12-14, at Mathis City Auditorium, organizers confirmed.

Reynolds will make an appearance 3 p.m. Thursday to receive the key to the city, said Roy Kirkland, RKDS writer and producer. Mayor John Gayle will proclaim July 12 Burt Reynolds Day, Kirkland said.

Reynolds will present “Smokey and the Bandit,” “The Last Movie Star” and “Gator” during the festival. “Gator” was filmed in South Georgia.

“I’m just happy Burt Reynolds will be here because I think that will bring awareness to what we’re doing,” said Doug Sebastian, RKDS director.

The purpose for the festival is to highlight the region’s film industry, said Kirkland, who deemed South Georgia as an area that heavily contributes to the film making industry.

“We’re the only ones that’s really tooting the horn and advertising and trying to bring awareness to the film industry in South Georgia,” he said.

Seven filmmakers from across the nation will have their movies shown on a screen 16-feet high and 35-feet wide.

Among the group is director and Thomasville native Bradley Wheeler, who will bring his film, “Celeste,” to the big screen, organizers said. It will be the first film shown at 5 p.m. on opening day.

Ten movies will be shown at various times during the three-day period, and there will be a 10-minute short movie that will be played.

RKDS will screen two of its productions, “Spook Bridge” and “Grandma’s Blessings.” Kirkland said the version of “Spook Bridge” that will be playing is the PG-13 version.

Kirkland and Sebastian said they want to increase general knowledge about the industry. Kirkland said he would especially like to get the attention of city and county leaders.

“We want to grow this area in the film industry, and we need help,” he said, “and that’s why we’re doing what we’re doing.”

Kirkland said the City of Valdosta has purchased a large projector and screen for Mathis, which will be used during the festival.

Tickets range from $10-150 and can be purchased online at rkdsfilmfest.com. 

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