The Official History of the Jordan Raddick Film Festival
The Humble Beginnings
The glory that is the Jordan Raddick Film Festival began in the idyllic beauty of Baltimore, Maryland. I was a graduate student in science writing at Johns Hopkins University, looking for a way to waste some rapidly-shrinking free time. I wandered aimlessly into a meeting of "Throat Culture" (I'll explain the name later), JHU's student sketch comedy group. After a few weeks of sketch(y) comedy, I met the amazingly bizarre, the extraordinary Mr. Brandom R. Nielsen. At the time, Brandom Nielsen was a junior undergraduate double-majoring in English and Creative Writing at JHU. "Sketchy" does not begin to describe Mr. Nielsen. Neither does "intelligent," "creative," or "lacking any trace of inhibition." No, Brandom R. Nielsen is in a class by himself. You can see for yourself: read the scattered ramblings of his mind at his home page, http://www.brandyroy.com.
After Throat Culture's highly successful Spring 2001 show, Brandom began making vague references to "The Brandom R. Nielsen Film Festival." Apparently, to show his disdain for finals, he showed more than 24 consecutive hours of films during the heart of JHU's finals period. Despite the risk to his academic career, he hosts this festival, watches all the movies, and consumes many refreshing adult beverages. He encourages his friends to stop by during at least one film, any time they like. By the time Jordan heard of the BRNFF, it was already a campus legend, attracting 30+ students over the course of the festival.
Jordan first attended the fourth Brandom R. Nielsen Film Festival, stopping by early Saturday morning to see Gimme Shelter and Dr. Strangelove. (Jordan intended to return for the midnight showing of Plan 9 from Outer Space, but was injured when he backed into a soccer goal.) He had such a wonderful time that he returned for the fifth Brandom R. Nielsen Film Festival, in December 2001. This time, Jordan was a dedicated attendee, watching The Big Lebowski, Brazil, Vertigo, Apocalypse Now Redux, Orson Welles' Chimes at Midnight, and John Waters' Female Trouble. That's six movies, including five in a row. An idea was beginning to form in Jordan's mind. A beautiful idea.
Inspiration
Meanwhile, Jordan was planning to return to his hometown of Orlando, Florida, to join his family and friends. He wanted an event to celebrate his return, along with the family and friends that he loved. And he realized what that event should be: The Jordan Raddick Film Festival. The skies opened, angels sang a chorus, and Jordan E-mailed Brandom to share the idea. Brandom's response: "Everyone has a legacy. Thanks for pointing mine out to me. Remember, INSPIRATION = PLAGIARISM, so let inspiration have free rein."
Taking Brandom's advice to heart, Jordan created the Jordan Raddick Film Festival web site. He used free web space from Geocities, complete with annoying popup ads. He planned The Jordan Raddick Film Festival for March 23-24, 2002, at his estate on Grantham Court in Metrowest. A new, beautiful tradition was born.
The First Jordan Raddick Film Festival
JRFF I was held on March 23-24, 2002 at 2705 Grantham Court in Orlando. The lineup was:
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Duck Soup
Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Star Trek: the Motion Picture
American Pie
The Usual Suspects
Fight Club
The Big Sleep
The Life of Brian
The Dark Side of Oz (The Wizard of Oz with Pink Floyd's Dark Side
of the Moon as its soundtrack)
Jordan picked the whole program, combining some of his favorites (Dr. Strangelove, American Pie, The Usual Suspects) with films he really wanted to see (Fight Club, The Big Sleep). Thirty-two celebrities RSVPed, still a JRFF record, and they all received glamourous celebrity photos. I was particularly proud of the photos I found for my parents, Jenny, Matt, and Lew. My own celebrity photo was suggested by Tim.
Some unforgettable moments from JRFF I: