Resident’s film chosen for national premiere
Rappahannock resident Bill Walton’s most recent film, “The Ticket,” has been chosen as one of 10 films - from a pool of 6,626 hopefuls - to compete for top honors next month in the Tribecca Film Festival’s US Narrative Competition.
Walton, chairman of Rush River Entertainment, produced the independent film in New York in collaboration with Lawrence Inglee of Blackbird Productions.
“The Ticket” tells the story of decisions faced and choices made when a blind man inexplicably regains his vision and becomes possessed by a drive for a better life—a nicer home, a higher paying job—leaving little room for the people who were part of his old life. Dan Stevens, Malin Akerman, Oliver Platt, and Kerry Bishé, star in this haunting parable of desire, perception, and ambition.
Walton, who lives in Harris Hollow, is chairman and founder of Rappahannock Ventures LLC, Rush River Entertainment and The Forge Studios – a Rappahannockbased independent film studio concentrating on science fiction and fantasy content. He is an investor of Rappahannock Media which owns the Rappahannock News.
“As a producer, my greatest desire is for audiences to have a chance to connect with this story and these characters,” said Walton. “Tribeca gives us the best opportunity to showcase our film and celebrate the young talent who brought the story to life. We are honored to have our film
premiere as a part of the US Narrative Competition ( April 16).”
Now in its 15th year, the Tribecca Film Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center. It has evolved from an annual event to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan to a gathering place for filmmakers, artists, innovators, and the global creative community.
In addition to “The Ticket,” Walton has produced another upcoming feature film, “Max Rose,” starring Jerry Lewis. An early cut of “Max Rose” was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
Walton has had a lifelong involvement in the visual and musical arts, theater and film. He is a member of the Collectors Committee and the Trustees’ Council of the National Gallery of Art and serves as an Advisor to the NGA Board of Trustees Finance Committee. He is the former President of the National Symphony Orchestra and Treasurer of the Wolf Trap Center for the Arts and Chairman of the Deans’ Council of the Kelley School of Business (Indiana University) and Assistant Treasurer of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.