Star City Film Festival in Waukon July 31-August 3

Fest will feature author/filmmaker Max Allan Collins as guest of honor

by Lissa Blake

A celebration of film, creativity and community.

That’s what Waukon area native Dr. Katie O’Regan said attendees will experience when the eighth season of the Star City Film Festival returns to Waukon Thursday through Sunday, July 31- August 3.

The Festival will feature 44 films and live script readings, talk-backs and guest filmmakers. Events will take place at various locations around town, including the newly constructed Three Dolphins Theater, Uptown Grill and Waukon High School. The weekend highlight will be a special Red Carpet Event.

MAX ALLAN COLLINS
This year’s festival will honor Iowa’s very own Max Allan Collins, a best-selling author, producer and director. Collins, a lifelong resident of Muscatine, is known for his work in mystery, comics, thrillers, screenplays and historical fiction. He is renowned for his work on the Academy Award-winning film adaptation of his graphic novel Road to Perdition.

In addition to being recognized by the Mystery Writers of America as a Grand Master, he has received 23 Shamus nominations, with notable wins for his Nathan Heller thrillers. In addition to his work as a novelist, he has made contributions to film criticism, various screenplays and documentaries.

He will be accompanied by his wife, Barbara Collins, an esteemed short story writer and production manager for various independent film projects. She and Max have co-authored a number of best-selling novels that showcase their unique storytelling abilities.

HER THEATRICAL JOURNEY
O’Regan said she has spent her entire life involved in theatre. She has directed 68 shows, danced on Broadway and toured the country as an actor and singer.

She has spent time living in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Miami. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from William Penn University, and Masters and Doctorate degrees from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

THREE DOLPHINS
O’Regan currently is putting the finishing touches on the Three Dolphins Theater, located in the backyard at her home at 501 3rd Street SW in Waukon. The double lot, formerly owned by longtime Waukon Standard editor Dick Schilling, was purchased by O’Regan’s father, Francis O’Regan, in 2019, prior to his passing.

“I was doing a play in New York, and when I came home, Daddy had started this theater for me,” she recounted.

The name for the theater, Three Dolphins, comes from the O’Regan family crest. The theatre space, located behind O’Regan’s home, will include indoor and outdoor theater spaces, as well as a stage for live readings.

“This theater is really helping me to bring my experience back home and share it with others,” she said.

THE SCHEDULE
Everyone, including children, is invited to all of the Festival activities.

“Pick and choose which films you want to see and come and go as you please. Admittance is by free-will donation,” said O’Regan, explaining all proceeds will go toward upcoming events. 

O’Regan’s Sacred Noise Society is a 501(c)3, and all donations are tax-deductible. 

Thursday, July 31
Star City Film Festival kicks off Thursday, July 31, at 5 p.m. at the brand new Three Dolphins Theater, 501 3rd Street SW, Waukon.

“The inaugural film will be a documentary about Pope Leo to kick off our festival the right way, followed by a cookout,” said O’Regan.

Movies will play until 10 p.m. with guest filmmakers attending. “People are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a cooler if they would like,” said O’Regan. 

Friday, August 1
The Festival continues at the Waukon High School Auditorium starting at noon.

“Hopefully everyone will attend the outdoor Corn Days meal downtown on Main Street from 5-7 p.m.,” O’Regan urged.

At 7 p.m., the Festival will host Scary Film Night at the Three Dolphins Theater, with “quirky short films” starting at 6:30 p.m. Food will be available on site for a freewill donation. Movies play until 11 p.m.

Saturday, August 2
Uptown Grill in downtown Waukon will host a “Lunch ‘n Learn” with visiting filmmakers from noon -1:30 p.m. Saturday. Films continue from 2-6 p.m. at the Waukon High School Auditorium, followed by a Red Carpet event featuring a brisket dinner at the Waukon High School.

Red Carpet event reservations/tickets are available at www.sacrednoisesociety.org. Those who prefer to pay in-person at the event can contact O’Regan at 563-419-4490.

Sunday, August 3
The Festival wraps up Sunday with a 12 p.m. filmmaker awards ceremony, complete with a cookout (freewill donation) at Three Dolphins Theater. The full list of films and schedule can be found at www.sacrednoisesociety.org.

MUCH APPRECIATION
O’Regan said there are many people she’d like to thank for their support in helping her dream become a reality.

“There are many contractors, other businesses and people who have helped with the Festival, Three Dolphins Theater and my house, that allows me to live and do my creative work in Waukon,” she said.

“These include Film Festival sponsors Allamakee County Economic Development and Waukon State Bank, The Standard newspaper, Sweeney Builders, Tim and Joe Fahey, Trey Martin of AllSTAR Construction, Pat Stone Construction, O’Neill Plumbing & Heating, Joe and Matt’s Plumbing & HVAC,

Waukon High School, Cunningham Hardware, West Side Waukon Lumber, Bruening Rock Products, Pop’s Produce, Rick Dahlstrom Lawncare, West Side Garage (my 1969 Winnebago Motorhome; Thank you, Leo) St. Patrick Catholic Church, Teslow’s FormalWear & GuestHouse, Marilyn and Lou Durante, my brother Dean O’Regan, Julie Berg-Raymond, my sister-in-law Lindsay O’Regan  and brother Jim O’Regan, my wonderful and kind neighbors, including Michele Mikkelsen, who just helped pot all my flowers. Most of all, I thank the filmmakers who all are my teammates,” she said, adding, “And thank you to awesome Waukon. ”