Film fest continues without actor Eric Roberts
VALDOSTA – Actor Eric Roberts will not attend the Second Annual RKDS Film Festival due to scheduling conflicts, organizers confirmed Monday.
RKDS was slated to host An Evening with Eric Roberts, 7 p.m. Friday, July 12, at the old Valdosta High School Performing Arts Center.
Roberts sent a video dated June 21 apologizing for not being able to attend the festival, which RKDS producer/writer Roy Kirkland posted on social media.
“Guys, I’ve been planning to join you in my home state of Georgia for the longest time now,” Roberts said. “I was so looking forward to spending some time with y’all in Valdosta.”
The actor was offered a role in an upcoming television series, he said in the video, which conflicts with the timing of the film festival.
“Please know how really disappointed I am. My humblest apologies,” he said. “Until next time, and there will be a next time, I promise.”
Kirkland confirmed Roberts will be present at the film festival next year and will act in one of Kirkland’s films.
“It actually worked out pretty good even though he’s not going to be here this year,” Kirkland said.
The festival begins 1 p.m. Saturday, July 6, with a car show and actor Sonny Shroyer receiving the key to the city. A tribute to the late Burt Reynolds is 1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 7.
A question-and-answer session with Valdosta mayoral candidates is 7 p.m. Monday, July 8.
Various film showings are scheduled 5-9 p.m., July 9-14.
A live performance of “21 Chump Street” is hosted 5 p.m. and An Evening with Backpack Kid is hosted 7 p.m., both Saturday, July 13.
The festival wraps up with an award ceremony 5:30 p.m. Sunday, July 14.
Visit rkdsfilmfest.com for more information.