Patricia Talorico The News Journal
Published 1:37 p.m. ET Oct. 14, 2014
Sussex County restaurateur Matt Haley will be remembered during the opening night kickoff for the Seventh Annual Film Brothers Festival of Shorts beginning Oct. 24 at the Delaware Art Museum.
Haley, who died Aug. 20 of injuries from a motorcycle accident in India, was a longtime Film Brothers supporter.
The world premiere of a short film by Rehoboth Beach filmmaker Rob Waters featuring Haley begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at the 2301 Kentmere Parkway museum in Wilmington.
The Film Brothers Festival of Shorts screens films, both local and international, in under 20 minutes.
Haley overcame drug and alcohol addiction and a stint in prison and redirected his life. He opened eight restaurants in Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Bethany Beach, Lewes and Rehoboth Beach which include Bluecoast, Fish On!, Papa Grande’s and Lupo di Mare. Grateful for his success, he vowed to spend the rest of his life helping those in need.
The 53-year-old received the James Beard Foundation’s 2014 Humanitarian of the Year Award for his charity and philanthropy work in Delaware, Nepal and Nicaragua. He is the only Delaware restaurant owner to receive a Beard medal, considered one of the highest honors in the culinary industry.
About 2,000 people attended a Sept. 28 memorial service for Haley near Selbyville.
Gov. Jack Markell, who spoke at the service, said Haley was “a model for what is possible for those who struggle to find their way” and called him one of Delaware’s most admired citizens.
Fifty percent of the ticket sales, $20 each, will go to Haley’s charity, Global Delaware Fund.
From The News Journal https://www.delawareonline.com/story/life/food/2014/10/14/haley-tribute-planned-wilmington-film-festival/17253317/ »
Film Brothers Festival of Shorts – Premiere Winter