FMB Film Festival honors local heroes during open ceremonies

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla.- The Fort Myers Beach Film Festival kicked off the 9th annual event Wednesday afternoon by honoring local law enforcement and first responders. The opening movie for the festival is called Heroes Behind the Badge – Sacrifice and Survival.

Heroes Behind the Badge – Sacrifice and survival takes a powerful real life look at law enforcement officers who vow to wake up everyday to protect us and do a job they love, some giving the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“The intent was to use these films to change the perceptions and attitudes to the greater appreciation of law enforcement,” said Executive Producer Bill Erfurth.

Bill Erfurth, the Executive Producer of the film was a Miami-Dade police officer for 26 years.

“What really inspired these movies was in the first five years of being a police officer, four of my friends were killed in the line of duty,” said Erfurth.

In emotional scenes and heartfelt interviews, the movie fits perfectly with the theme of this year’s festival, superheroes, honoring real life, every day heroes.

“I’m extremely proud to show that film,” said Fort Myers Beach Film Festival Georgia Reinmuth.

Lee County deputies and Fort Myers Beach firefighters were both recognized for their unselfish acts of bravery during Wednesday’s opening ceremonies.

“I think a hero is anyone who puts some else before themselves,” said Major Kathy Rairden with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

“We have had numerous officers with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, that going back, tragically have been injured or killed in the line of duty,” said Lt. Scott Linberger.

The film festival is going on for the next five days. Celebrities like Christopher Atkins form Blue Lagoon and Ryan Potter from Big Hero 6 will be there.

For all the information you need on the film festival, go to www.fmbfilmfest.com

For more details on the movie, Heroes Behind the Badge, you can visit www.HeroesBehindTheBadge.com