For nearly five decades, Los Angeles-based actress Lindsay Wagner has had a growing, vibrant career in TV, film, fashion, music, writing and teaching. Next week at Durango’s own Independent Film Festival, she’s now the first artist to be honored the Durango Film Artist of Distinction Award.
While the festival has had guests from Hollywood attend over the years, such as Wes Studi and Judge Reinhold, this is the first time a working actor in film has been recognized in such a way for their hard work and longevity by the festival. Festival director Joanie Fraughton is excited for the award to finally be presented, as it’s been a year in the making, and Wagner’s first time to Durango.
Wagner herself is still most recognized for her Emmy award-winning role as Jamie Sommers from the hit TV shows, “The Million Dollar Man” (1975-76) and “The Bionic Woman” (1976-78), and was the title character of the medical show, “Jessie” (1984). She also co-starred in the Academy Award-winning film “The Paper Chase” (1973) the Sylvester Stallone action flick “Nighthawks” (1981), and “Ricochet” (1991) with Denzel Washington. Most recently she was a recurring character on the series, “Warehouse 13” (2010-14). Wagner has also been active as an acting coach, with self-help therapy seminars called “Quiet the Mind and Open the Heart” about the power of spirituality and meditation. In addition, she is involved in a number of charities and organizations dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, animal welfare and domestic violence, and also advocating for the environment.
The Durango Film Festival, which will screen 108 movies this year, will have a special viewing of the 1988 TV movie, “The Taking of Flight 847: The Uli Derickson Story,” and Q&A with Wagner at 5 p.m. March 5 moderated by producer Fred Fontana, along with a retrospective montage and award presentation. Tickets are $25. There was talk of showing her most famous film, “The Paper Chase,” but Wagner insisted on the festival choosing “Flight 847,” which was nominated for five Emmys, as it is her personal favorite movie on her filmography, and the one she’s most proud of.
Over the years, movie people, like actors Reinhold, Studi and Gary Farmer, and director Alex Cox and Durango native Devon Gummersall, have participated in the festival to much enjoyment and success. All Hollywood actors and filmmakers attending for a special event are invited personally or through The Academy’s Visiting Artist program. Fraughton is happy that Wagner was chosen as the first recipient of the Distinction Award, as she’s “constantly working and has a very impressive career.” The award was created to celebrate careers of filmmakers and actors who have been working hard and consistently for years. Fraughton is aiming for a recipient to be awarded every year ideally.
“It’s not about big names, it’s about the work and passion of art,” said Fraughton. There is a VIP lounge for the filmmakers and actors to converse and network if they like, as the whole experience is a collaboration between movie makers. The Durango International Film Festival runs from March 2 through March 6.
The lowdown on the festival
It’s that time of year in Durango where all the film lovers and fanatics come together in town for the Durango Independent Film Festival. This upcoming week on March 2 through 6, there is a lot in store for locals and visitors, with a free movie night on Wednesday; and also an opening party for festival pass-holders and filmmakers from 4 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday through Sunday, there will be a total of 108 movies shown from 74 filmmakers, such as narrative films like Ed Benda’s “Superior” and Bejamin Meyer’s “Fools,” the documentary “The Rider & the Wolf” by Nathan Ward, the documentary short, “A Strong Beat,” by Dan Addelson, and the short narrative film, “Love is Blind,” by Dan Hodgson. There will also be a special focus on Native American cinema with the short “Native Evaluation” by Kyle Bell and Nick Brandestini’s documentary, “Children of the Arctic.”
At 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5, there will be a workshop with veteran animator and Durango’s own David Tart for those interested in the process and production of animation; later at 5 p.m. will be a special presentation and screening honoring Lindsay Wagner, the Durango Film Artist of Distinction Award winner, moderated by Fred Fontana.
As usual, there will not only be screenings and Q&As for some of the movies, but also food and workshops for everyone to enjoy. Partying is a given as there are opportunities every night following the films. Most popular of the food activities is the craft beer and culinary crawl from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday for anyone 21 and over who likes to have some fresh beer with tasty appetizers by local Durango chefs. From 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 4, will be a chance to meet and party with the filmmakers. Saturday, March 5, after Wagner’s moment will be a VIP after-party from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Mutu’s Italian Kitchen.
“Films are our most popular attraction, but everyone still loves to party,” said festival director Joanie Fraughton.
Megan Bianco
