The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival

 

The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) kicks off its eight-day extravaganza of independent films and special events at the legendary Sunset Laemmle 5 in West Hollywood from Sept 27-Oct 4. More than 150 features, docs, shorts and animated films from over 15 countries will be screened at the popular L.A. edition of the festival, along with insightful panels and hot after-parties.

 

Known as the “voice of independent film,” NYIIFVF covers all genres including world cinema, comedy, romance, drama, thriller, horror, action, Bollywood cinema, children’s film, experimental, animation, mockumentaries and docu-dramas, as well as a compelling slate of high-quality documentaries.

 

NYIIFVF will host emerging filmmakers from around the globe. Artists, celebrities, delegates, press, distributors and indie film lovers will also be in attendance. According to festival publicist Briege McGarrity, “The L.A. edition of the festival is a fascinating, mixed bag of films. We look forward to hosting our filmmakers, delegates and celebrities. Opening night is always a great experience, where filmmakers get a unique opportunity to network, meet other filmmakers and check out film trailers. Aside from celebrating, the film and art market also gives participants a feel for the business side of film and the culture of film markets.”

 

NYIIFVF always manages to attract celebs who are featured in the films or simply supporting the indie filmmaking community. Celebrities expected throughout the event include Donald Sutherland, Adrian Grenier (“Entourage”), Matthew Perry (“Friends”), actor-turned-filmmaker Merik Tadros (“Munich”), Robert Rusler (“Weird Science”) and John Bennett Perry, among many others.

 

 

Film Highlights

Festival selections range from novice to high profile, so one can experience an array of films and a broad degree of filmmaking. Since it will be impossible to see all 100-plus films over the seven days, here are a several that have garnered some buzz, plus some highlights to keep an eye on.

 

“The Manson Movie.” Directed by Robert Hendrickson, Feature Film, 85min.

Walk with Robert Hendrickson through the “Gates of Hell” into a world you never knew existed, as he films the actual Charles Manson Family in the late 60s and early 70s. You will live at the Spahn Movie Ranch, visit the secret Devil’s Canyon and the gang’s Death Valley hide-out. Then go behind the scenes of the Trial of the Century, and to Vietnam anti-war demonstrations and even witness the tragic East L.A. riot in which Rubin Salazar was killed. This film incorporates footage used to create the Academy Award-nominated 1973 “Manson” documentary. “The Manson Movie” will be seen for the first time at the NYIIFVF. Relevant to today’s headlines, the film will allow you to witness the Vietnam War and its most bizarre by-product, the Charles Manson Family (press conference to follow).

 

Red Carpet West Coast Premiere:

“Agenda.” Directed by Jonathan de la Luz, Suspense Thriller, 96min.

Starring award-winning actor Robert Rusler (“The Whole Ten Yards”), Eliana Alexander (“The Bold and the Beautiful”) and John Bennett Perry (“Independence Day”), the film follows three lives that are drawn together in what appears to be a favorable twist of fate. But when favor turns to a sordid game of lust, greed and revenge, it becomes apparent that everyone has a personal agenda — some just deadlier than others. Robert Rusler and John Bennett Perry are expected to attend.

 

Red Carpet West Coast Premiere:

“Rivaaz, Trapped in Tradition.” Directed by Ashok Kumar Nanda. Feature Film, 110min.

This award-winning, thought-provoking feature drama stars seasoned Indian actress Deepti Naval and a stunning supporting cast, including Meghna Naidu, Ritisha Vijayvargiya and Saadhika Randhawa. Family-based prostitution exists in more than 300 districts in India. Unfortunately the Indian justice system does not consider this a serious issue. “Rivaaz” is a film about dignity and hope for women who are traded in the name of tradition.

 

Red Carpet West Coast Premiere:

“Off-Hour.” Directed by Daniel Frei, Dramatic Short, 12min.

The film follows Bruno, who lands a job on the docks, where he is unexpectedly challenged to take on a legacy from an old, godlike man. Accepting it, he saves the day and literally sets the world back into motion. “Off-Hour” stars Adrian Grenier from HBO’s “Entourage.”

 

Red Carpet World Premiere:

“Quench.” Directed by Zack Parker, Feature, 98min.

Starring Bo Barrett (“Marie Antoinette”), Mia Moretti (“Dracula’s Curse”) and Ben Schmitt (“The Break-Up”), this stylish film tells the story of Derik, a young man grieving over the recent death of an unknown loved one. After finding no one to turn to, Derik decides to abandon his current life at college to visit Jason. Although best friends since grade school, the two have not seen or spoken to one another in three years. Once reunited, Derik soon realizes that Jason is no longer the friend he once knew. Not only has he dramatically changed his appearance, but he is now a part of a mysterious group.

 

Red Carpet West Coaset Premiere:

“Secrets of the Clown.” Directed by Ryan Badalamenti, Horror Feature, 100min.

“Secrets of the Clown” stars Michael Kott (“Tuesdays with Morrie”), Kelli Clevenger (“Prison Break”), Paul Pierro (“Farewell Darkness”) and Susie Grant (Playboy Cyber Girl Model). After the brutal murder of his best friend Jim, Bobbie is haunted by a presence. His girlfriend Val is distant and appears to have secrets of her own. Then the nightmares begin. Through the nightmares Bobbie uncovers clues regarding the murderer’s identity. With the killer still on the loose, bodies piling up, and time running out, Bobbie hires a psychic to contact his deceased friend. But some secrets were never meant to be revealed.

 

Red Carpet West Coast Premiere

“Invisible People: Acquiring a Connection with the American Homeless.” Directed by Louell Crowley, Instructional True-Reality Documentary, 47min.

This award-winning inspirational and instructional documentary stars the homeless citizens of America. The film documents the plight of the homeless living in Houston, Texas and is designed as an instructional video for regular people to learn about the most effective ways to help the homeless. “Invisible People” will enlighten its viewers with the truth about the homeless and give viewers a unique opportunity to witness first-hand their hardships and triumphs. Telly Award-winner. Private reception to follow.

 

Official Sponsors for this year’s L.A. festival include global leader in electronics, Samsung and MOLI.com, an enterprising new networking site targeting creative entrepreneurs. MOLI.com will host an online film competition with a $1,000 cash prize for the Best Online Short Film. This year, the official hotel is the upscale Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd.

 

NYIIFVF after parties will be held nightly at some of L.A.’s hottest venues and will be produced by Renata Lorenc of Rula PR. Film panels will be coordinated and moderated by Briege McGarrity and will take place at the Sunset Laemmle 5. Topics include “Securing distribution for your independent film,” “The culture of the major film markets such as Cannes and AFM” and “How to garner buzz for your film.” Panelists include Stuart Alson, Judy Sandra, Jessie Nagel and Renata Lorenc.

 

The Sunset Laemmle 5 (8000 Sunset Blvd., Theater 4) is the exclusive venue for the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. Single tickets are priced at $12 and can be purchased online at www.nyfilmvideo.com beginning September 5 or at the festival box office beginning September 28. Package tickets and VIP all-access passes will also be available. All screenings and red-carpet interviews will be hosted by former MTV VJ Shorty Brown.

 

Opening night party at the Cabana Club kicks off at 6pm - Midnight. The whole spectrum of the entertainment industry has been invited to attend. Attendees must be 21 and over. The Cabana Club is located at 1439 Ivar Ave., Hollywood.

 

Keep visiting www.nyfilmvideo.com for festival updates.