The Film Festival Murders

Photo-journalist, Angelee Borella knew that the introduction of former fashion model, Parker Carrington to French filmmaker, Jacques Henri, would make a great match to create a new international film festival. It did, but it ended when Jacques Henri died in a skiing accident. Accident or murder?

Secretive cash bribes, mysterious disappearances, accidents, and deaths. Corporate officials permanently moved to new locations. FBI investigation and protection, continued threats and secret meetings added to the unknown. Major sponsors and financial supporters of the film festival remained, but at what expense? Were they in the way of an outside take-over of the festival? It's a small-town international film festival with new-found cash flow. Coming from where and who might be in the way of outside interest?

Sexual harassment, employee pay-offs, out of town cash sponsors who wanted to remain anonymous and disappearances happening while Angie and Parker were being followed. Accident and attempts on people's lives. Who was responsible and why? The Desert Cities International Film Festival is a nonprofit event. Why was there questionable involvement from board members and out of towners? What was the end game for the Parkers and the future of the Desert Cities Film Festival?

About the Author

Craig Prater began his international film festival career with Mayor, Congressman, and entertainer Sonny Bono at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.  During his terms as Executive Director of PSIFF for eight years, he co-founded the Palm Springs Short Festival with J.P. Allen and co-found the Palm Springs Film Noir Festival with noir author Arthur Lyons.  Since that time, Prater has been involved with many prestigious festivals around the world, including five years as Executive Director with the Bangkok International Film Festival, as well as government film projects in Cape Town, South Africa, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Prater directed the fundraising Tolerance Film Festival event for the Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles.  He served as Executive Director of the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival, as well as Vice President of Strategic Planning for the San Diego International Film Festival, the Greek Film Festival in Los Angeles, and most recently served as the President/CEO of the Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis.  

The FILM FESTIVAL MURDERS is a work of fiction imagined from bits and pieces of his experiences around the world.  This is Craig's first novel.