MARINA ROOFTOP: The weekend event featured submissions from an array of countries presented by Jevon White and friends. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEVON WHITE

Riviera Beach – This year’s Catapult International Film Festival (CIFF), organized by Jevon White’s nonprofit organization, CharActor Development, marked the inaugural event of its kind in the City of Riviera Beach.

The weekend event attracted nearly 100 film submissions from a diverse array of countries, including New Zealand, Italy, China, Russia, Germany, California, and several local entries from Riviera Beach.

The festival commenced Friday with an industry mixer on the rooftop of the Riviera Beach Marina, followed by the screening of a feature film.

Each night except Sunday featured a different film.

Students from Palm Beach Gardens High School participated during a Friday field trip, interacting directly with White to hear his inspiring story during a Q&A session. The students also engaged in an educational writing workshop led by award-winning wordsmith Kimberly Smith.

Attendees had the unique opportunity to participate in a Saturday sunrise exercise session conducted by Victor V. Osborne, a well-known fitness coach and actor. The day offered a rich lineup of documentaries, feature films, reels, short films, trailers, and teasers for attendees to enjoy.

A highlight Saturday evening was when White received a proclamation from Mayor Ronnie Felder in honor of CIFF, coinciding with the birthday of his late father.

The festival concluded Sunday with a Peanut Island gathering to which attendees took a ferry to enjoy a day filled with fun, water activities, food, and camaraderie.

“Overall,” White said, “the Catapult International Film Festival was a resounding success! We invite you to join us next year.”

For more information follow on Instagram @catapultiff or visit www.catapult-iff.com.