Jonathan Flora to Receive Inaugural Santini Patriot Spirit Award

Dec. 30, 2010 - PRLog -- Filmmaker Jonathan Flora to be presented  the inaugural Santini Patriot Spirit Award at the 5th annual Beaufort International Film Festival in Beaufort, SC on February 19. The festival takes place February 16 - 20.  For details about the film festival go to www.beaufortfilmfestival.com. The festival is produced by the Beaufort Film Society (www.beaufortfilmsociety.org)

The "Santini " is awarded to that filmmaker whose portrayal of the American military, veterans, or their families in a feature film, documentary, or short reflects the highest standards of service and sacrifice for the good of others. The award is named after Colonel Donald "The Great Santini" Conroy. father of Academy Award® nominated screenwriter and best-selling author Pat Conroy.

Jonathan Flora is an award-winning producer with Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, also directing commercials and music videos.


A veteran of the U.S. Army’s 82d Airborne Division and serving 12 years in the military, Jonathan received his B.S.A. in Television Performance and Production (Telecommunications) from Ohio University.  Following three years as a radio sports broadcaster in Southern Ohio, Jonathan returned to O.U. to earn his M.S.A. in Marketing (Sports Administration) and went on to serve as the Director of Marketing and Corporate Sponsorships with the World Wrestling Federation for six years.  


Jonathan, along with his wife Deborah, formed Lamplight Entertainment in 2009, to develop and produce feature-length motion pictures and documentaries that connect with the heart of our nation while conveying the rich and positive heritage of American ideals to both domestic and international audiences.  The phrase “Don’t shout at the darkness, light a light,” reflects their belief that inspiring, well-told stories have the unique ability to both entertain and educate while creating awareness of the important issues of our day.  

Jonathan is the director/producer of the soon to be released feature-length documentary, Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good, featuring Academy Award® nominated actor Gary Sinise with special appearances by Academy Award® winners Jon Voight and Robert Duvall, as well as Raquel Welch, Connie Stevens, John Ratzenberger, Melina Kanakaredes, Mykelti Williamson, and more.  Lt. Dan Band: For The Common Good is the first major release for Lamplight Entertainment.  He was also a director on the Fox News Channel Special, On The Road In Iraq With Our Troops and Gary Sinise.


Jonathan currently serves on the Advisory Board for the GI Film Festival, formed to honor films that celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the American military.

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The Beaufort Film Society (BFS) is a nonprofit, 501(c) 3, member-supported organization, dedicated to providing the highest levels of entertainment and education to the public from all areas of the film industry.