Award-winning actor and director Burt Reynolds will be in Valdosta this week for the city's first RKDS Film Festival, an event celebrating the region's contribution to the Georgia film industry.

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Reynolds, who starred in the  1972 hit drama "Deliverance" and directed Georgia-filmed "Gator" (1976), will be making an appearance at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, at Mathis City Auditorium to receive the key to the city, RKDS writer and producer Roy Kirkland told the Valdosta Daily Times.

According to Kirkland, Valdosta Mayor John Gayle plans to proclaim Thursday Burt Reynolds Day.

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The Hollywood superstar will be showing films “Smokey and the Bandit” (1977),“The Last Movie Star” (2017) and “Gator” (1976) at the festival. Attendees will also get a chance to enjoy 10 movies by seven filmmakers from across the country from July 12-14.

Tickets for the RKDS fest at Mathis City Auditorium can be purchased at rkdsfilmfest.com.

Ticketing options:

  • All Access VIP: $150
  • Screening Pass: $100
  • Thursday night special screening with Burt Reynolds and "Smokey and the Bandit": $25
  • Friday night special screening with Burt Reynolds and "Gator": $25
  • Saturday night special screening with Burt Reynolds and "The Last Movie Star": $25

More about the fest at valdostatimes.com.