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New York International Independent Film and Video Festival Festival Wrap-Up The bi-annual New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) recently took place in Los Angeles from March 1-8. Known as the "voice of independent film," the event comprised eight days of screenings, premieres, panels and parties. The 14-year-old NYIIFVF has always been a bold, competitive event that attracts a diverse range of films on every topic imaginable. "The festival’s ethos is to provide a unique platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work in front of press, distributors and indie film lovers," said publicist Briege McGarrity.
The festival kicked off on March 1 with an upbeat networking party and trade show exhibition at the Bel Age Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. In attendance were filmmakers and artists from every corner of the globe, including The U.K., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the U.S. Filmmakers enthusiastically networked in an effort to attract the attention of picky distributors and press. Although NYIIFVF may lack the prestige of high-profile events like Cannes, the trade show still offered plenty of opportunities for filmmakers to make connections and celebrate their achievements. Professional two-minute trailers played continuously throughout the evening, giving audiences a preview of the film line up. One of the evening’s highlights was the art exhibit of prolific character actor Burt Young. Young, who has appeared in over 75 movies including "Rocky Balboa" and "Chinatown," mingled and modestly displayed his stunning, personal paintings that revealed a surprising sensitive side.
Stunning Russian actress Natasha Alam ("Nip/Tuck," "CSI") stopped by the filmmakers’ booths to show her support for the international films. Other guests in attendance included "Rocky" producer Robert Chartoff, red carpet "motivation guy" Scott Harden, who interviewed scores of festival participants, YouTube sensation Hendrix.TV, and indie actress Rebekah Salgado, who has a starring role in Eric Roberts’s latest flick. Over 80 movies screened at the festival’s new location, the Sunset Laemmle 5, off the legendary Sunset Strip. A few celebs showed up at the cinema, most notably a moody Leonardo Di Caprio. Sadly for excited NYIIFVF staffers, loyal Leo was there to see his former co-star, British actress Kate Winslet in "Little Children." Here is a brief round-up of the best festival picks and several that will probably snag an award or two: "Last of the Romantics," by Vohn Regensburger. Cast members Brittany Daniel ("Basketball Diaries"), Ted Lange ("Love Boat") and Chris Bruno ("The Dead Zone") attended the premiere of this excellent dramedy about a man who wanders into a funeral and finds love.
Jon Rosten’s latest film "Valley of Angels" was a huge attraction. The brilliantly crafted drama depicts the life of a young drug dealer living the wild life in upscale West L.A. who searches for enlightenment and a path out of his dangerous world. The film stars native New Yorker, George Katt, Renee George and the versatile Danny Trejo ("Desperado," "From Dusk Till Dawn"). "Little Bruno," directed by Dan Frank, was also a popular choice. The film is about growing up with the Mob where, not surprisingly, Little Bruno (Ryan Burgess) finds himself tangled up in a web of murder and more murder. As always the fest uncovered some stellar shorts, animations and docs, most notably "Atomic Betty: The No-L-9," directed by Mauro Casalese and guest starring William Shatner, and "La Vida Blanca," starring former Miss Mexico Blanca Soto. Jack Hartnett directed this dramatic short about a love affair, cancer, cocaine and God. Audiences were also impressed by "Revolver," directed by Kimball Carr. The film stars Ethan Marten as a businessman who, while attempting to close a lucrative corporate merger, meets an enigmatic billionaire. The film is equal parts "Twilight Zone" and Frank Capra, with ample special effects to complement the supernatural backdrop.
Fascinating documentaries included "Heart to Heart," narrated by Patrick Dempsey ("Grey’s Anatomy"), "Our Milk, Our Farmers, Our Arkansas," by Brent Bailey, "A Tragedy For The Liberty," co-directed by Mr. Subash Thapa Magar and Anjana Budhathoki, and the award-winning health doc "Arthritis: Up Close and Personal," by Steven McCartney.
After-parties and free drinks, always an essential part of the film festival experience, took place each evening. The parties were expertly planned by promotional diva Mac Africa and dynamic publicist/event planner Renata Lorenc of Rula PR. Complimentary and very drinkable Jonny Love Vodka flowed each night at upscale venues such as Cabana Club, LAX, Element, Privilege and Aqua. Official Sponsors for this year's L.A. festival include high-end electronics company Sony VAIO, Ready two Go, Final Draft and Johnny Love Vodka. John Piazzo from Sony VAIO conducted an impressive seminar, product demonstration and "how to" guide for producing hi-def indie films in your home or on location with Sony VAIO Blu-ray professional editing PCs and notebooks. New Yorkers can catch this special Sony event at the festival’s Gotham run slated for July 2007. "The NYIIFVF is committed to giving underdogs a valuable opportunity to showcase their work and possibly get their films distributed around the world," said festival founder and executive producer Stuart Alson. "Everybody is welcome at our events and anything can happen." Check www.nyfilmvideo for all NYIIFVF festival updates.
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