LIMITED SEATING. Buy tickets by scrolling to the end ⬇️

The JAX Film Salon presents The Artifice Girl

Meet filmmaker Franklin Ritch, whose first feature, starring sci-fi legend Lance Henriksen, won the Golden Audience Award for Best International Feature at its world premiere at Fantasia International Film Festival. As well as the winner of the Asteroid Award for Best Film at the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival in 2022.

Released in April 2023 after its U.S. premiere at SXSW, The Artifice Girl quickly became the #1 Independent Film on iTunes. It was nominated for a prestigious Indie Spirit Award in December 2023 and currently holds a 92% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critical acclaim from NPR, The New York Times, and Variety.

Join us Wednesday, November 11 at 7:15 PM for a Salon first: our first Wednesday and our first full-length feature followed by an intimate conversation with Franklin and his team about the stories behind the story.

“The directorial work is impressive but Ritch’s script and performance are something to marvel at. As a director, writer, and most certainly, an actor, Ritch has jumped to the very top of this critic’s can’t miss list.”   Joshua Polanski

ABOUT FRANKLIN RITCH

Named one of the “25 New Faces of Independent Film” by Filmmaker Magazine

Franklin Ritch is an independent filmmaker who writes, directs, and edits with a passion for unique ideas and sharp storytelling. Collaborating with Emmy- winning cinematographer, Britt McTammany, Franklin’s early short, BEDRIDDEN (Fantastic Fest, 2018), kicked off a marathon of short film productions that included STILL LIFE (Sleeping Giant Fest 2019), POWERFUL (SERFF 2019), THE 27 DEATHS (Fantastic Fest 2021), and many more. Franklin has since been named one of the “25 New Faces of Independent Film” by Filmmaker Magazine and continues to instruct filmmaking courses in his hometown of Jacksonville Florida while developing his next several ambitious projects.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

DATE: Wednesday, November 11, 2026

SCREENING TIME: 7:15 PM

DOORS OPEN: 6:30
Light snacks, libations, non-alcoholic beverages, and chit-chat.

WHERE: BABS’LAB, 603 King St. PLEASE NOTE: The entrance is on Phyllis Street, at the rear of the building, by the metal fence.

ADMISSION: $17.00 + $1.50 service fee

www.barbaracolaciello.com/register/novjaxfilmsalonbabslab-2026

ABOUT THE JAX FILM SALON

The JAX Film Salon is dedicated to showcasing award-winning films by Jacksonville filmmakers and introducing audiences to the incredible talent right in our backyard.

We aim to build diverse audiences beyond traditional film circles, inviting the broader arts community, neighbors, curious minds, and anyone drawn to a good story to experience, connect, and be inspired.

The Salon is brought to life by Barbara Colaciello, Founder and Artistic Director of BABS’LAB, and Adam Madrid, Technical Director whose technical direction has been instrumental in bringing the Film Salon to fruition.

And it exists because of you.

To every Founding Member who gave to the Vision to Grow Campaign: thank you. You believed in this before there was a screen to watch, and because of you, there is now a room full of people watching Jacksonville’s filmmakers shine.

QUESTIONS?
Please reach out to babslab@barbaracolaciello.com

DONATE TO OUR VISION TO GROW CAMPAIGN

CELEBRATE WHERE WE’VE BEEN. INVEST IN WHERE WE’RE GOING.

For 10 years, BABS’LAB has brought Jacksonville together through storytelling, improv, film, and the visual arts: a creative home where people take risks and connect through imagination.

With your support, we’ve raised over $15,000 and launched the JAX Film Salon.

We’re still growing, perfecting the sound, the space, and the experience. And there’s more ahead.

Whether you’re just discovering BABS’LAB or you’ve been part of our story for years, be part of what comes next.

This isn’t maintenance. It’s momentum.

👉 Click through to read the full story and discover how you can help shape the next decade of BABS'LAB.

barbaracolaciello.com/donation