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'The Story Of Joe Redner' On Screen At Film Festival

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By WALT BELCHER

wbelcher@tampatrib.com

Published: March 6, 2009

TAMPA - Joe Redner is arguably the most notorious public figure in Tampa's recent history - at least in the past 40 years.

More than just the owner of the famed Mons Venus, he is a government gadfly, a millionaire, a relentless politician and a self-proclaimed champion of free speech.

Some have called him a pimp, an exploiter of women and a shameless opportunist.

Redner, 68, has run for public office six times. He came close to getting on the city council in 2007, but lost in a runoff.

"Love him or hate, he's an interesting guy to watch," says filmmaker Shelby McIntyre, co-producer of "Strip Club King: The Story of Joe Redner," an 80-minute documentary screening tonight at the Gasparilla Film Festival.

McIntyre and co-producer Chris Woods offer a sympathetic profile that combines news footage and interviews with Redner, his family, friends and his strippers. Because of nudity, the film is being screened at 10:40 p.m. at Channelside Cinemas.

McIntyre says that he learned that Redner "cares about the issues facing Tampa," from the environment and transportation to zoning and education.

"I also learned that he dropped out of school in the 10th grade because he suffered from a social anxiety disorder," McIntyre says. "And he's a devoted family man who went from managing a bar to building a legendary club."

He says Redner only asked that "we tell the truth." The film, to be released on DVD in May, has played at several film festivals.

Some critics have said the film doesn't explore charges that Redner's business objectifies women. McIntyre says that's an old argument that has been covered for decades.

"We included clips of people who call him a pimp, and we let him answer that charge," McIntyre says. "But our goal was to show the man behind all the headlines and controversy."

Redner is expected to attend the screening tonight.
Gasparilla Film Festival officials say more than 6,000 people have attended since the event began last week. Tonight's screenings at Channelside are devoted to films about the Tampa area.

"The Streak" (6:45 p.m.) traces the 34-year undefeated run of Brandon High School's wrestling team. Coach Russ Cozart will receive an award. "Ghosts of Ybor: Charlie Wall" (7:15 p.m.) is based on Tampa's gangster past and the life of a 1930s mob boss.

Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654.

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