If BIFF were the name of a 5 year old child, local character John McGowan would consider him a well-raised rascal.  Born in Beaufort in 2006, BIFF is the apple of John McGowan's eye.

"Another Success!" McGowan cheers, settling for a brief second into a lobby chair between screenings.

McGowan will be the first to tell you that has been involved with the BIFF since it was born. Like a dedicated guardian, he has watched it grow up and mature, and has devoted much time and energy to making sure little BIFF is raised right. 

"There has been a 110 percent success this year," he beams. "We've also doubled the number of attendees since last year, and I can personally guarantee that we have avoided any and all technical and scheduling difficulties." 

Despite his verve and pride in his role in BIFF's young but impressive life, McGowan credits BIFF's true success to the hard work and dedication of Rebecca Berry and Executive Director Ron Tucker, BIFF's modest but proud papa. McGowan reminds me of BIFF's enthusiastic, fun uncle who brags even about his nephew's most minute accomplishments and talents and will sing his praises to anyone who will listen. 

It's charming, infectious, and genuine. It works. And so does McGowan.

He has certainly been a presence throughout the festival, spotted at all hours and around town, from the movie theater lobby, to sassy cocktail gab sessions, to printed between the pages of publications like Beaufort Lifestyle (and now in official Lowcountry Weekly Blog-o-vision!). Despite his migratory patterns, McGowan is a dedicated clock watcher when it comes to his role as camera/sound/schedule enforcer.

"Every film has started on time to the minute," he insists. 

Such consistency and quality are certainly part of what help foster BIFF's growth and popularity. McGowan is impressed by the presence of returning attendees from festivals past as well as newcomers, both local and visiting. Some have had the leisure to walk to venues from the comfort of their own home, while others have driven daily to and from Hilton Head and Savannah. In one particular case, a festival attendee from Arkansas who stumbled across the festival while visiting Beaufort during last year, has returned to Beaufort especially to visit BIFF. 

And the community is catching on, too. BIFF has become a rite of passage and a labor of love to everyone who pitches in to make the festival happen. And that includes the multitude of student filmmakers, whom McGowan considers his personal favorite attendees.

"There's like an aura around them," he recalls, "They are just so happy and proud to be here."

As Beaufort and the film festival team gear up for next year's festival, McGowan is ready to support BIFF in whatever changes come, whether it's more local participation or a growing international presence. 

"Cannes and Sundance have nothing on us!" McGowan cheers, his pride in BIFF palpable.

And don't we all wish we had someone like that in our lives? 

BIFF is one lucky boy.

- Duncan Pittman