When Eric Pfeifer announced the third film in the Pfeifer Documentary Series, Sanibel Before the Causeway, he had no idea it would be such a big hit. The film has now had three sold-out showings at the Sanibel Community House.
Now, he has literally taken the show on the road, and the result was another full house – this time at Shell Point. The showing attracted 145 people, who were treated to a one-hour documentary filled with old film footage from the pre-1963 Sanibel.
The film is greatly enhanced by the narrative from people who lived here in pre-causeway days: Mike Billheimer, Deb Gleason, Bella Kontinos, Charles LeBuff, Jim Pickens, and Bob Sabatino.
Sabatino, known as Captain Bob, passed away not long after the film’s premiere, and his wit added a great deal to the documentary.
"After three sold-out shows, this past season and continued interest in the film, my wife Mary Ellen thought that Shell Point residents would appreciate seeing "Sanibel Before the Causeway", especially since many residents have pre-causeway memories. It was great to see how many came out on a Saturday morning in September to see the documentary.”
“This film digs deep into Southwest Florida history to tell the fascinating tale of beautiful Sanibel Island, which is located just two miles from Shell Point,” said Melody Desilets, foundation officer for The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point, which hosted the viewing. “Sharing the film with our lifecare residents provided an enriching experience as we listened to vivid oral histories and watched ‘reel’ footage.”
Located in Fort Myers, Florida, Shell Point Retirement Community is Florida’s largest single-site continuing care retirement community. A nonprofit founded in 1968, Shell Point offers independent retirement living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care for its 2,400 residents in an active, resort-style environment.
Sanibel Before the Causeway is the third documentary sponsored by Eric Pfeifer of Pfeifer Realty Group. Previous films “Growing Up on Sanibel” and “Seven Sanibel Artists” generated more than $25,000 in community support donations. Pfeifer said, “We chose the Sanibel Community House to show this film since our “unknown filmmaker” who shot these films showed them there, 50-60 years ago. We are pleased to have 100% of the ticket sales go to the Community House, which is now undergoing a major renovation.
Another encore of Sanibel Before the Causeway is scheduled for January 24, 2017, in the newly-renovated. Sanibel Community House. Tickets will be on sale later in the year.
Read the Full Islander Newspaper Article
Eric Pfeifer's Move to Sanibel Island
Eric Pfeifer's Awards, Designations, and Community Service