The New York International Independent Film & Video Festival

The Voice of Indie Film Hits Los Angeles

 

Indie film lovers, get ready for a satisfying fix. The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) kicks off its summer season with the latest indie features, documentaries, animations and short films from around the globe. In keeping with NYIIFVF’s unique formula, more than 100 eclectic films will be unspooled at the legendary Sunset Laemmle 5 Theatre in West Hollywood from July 17-24. The eight-day extravaganza also includes hot after-parties and insightful film panels.

 

The festival begins its celebrations along with The New York International Art Festival at the Cabana Club on July 17. Filmmakers, artists, actors and industry professionals will all converge, including award-winning actress Kristanna Loken (“Terminator 3”) who stars in the well-received arthouse flick, “Lime Salted Love.”

 

According to festival publicist Briege McGarrity, “This summer’s festival has attracted a wonderful, mixed bag of films, and we look forward to hosting our talented filmmakers, celebrities, industry professionals and indie film lovers. Filmmakers from all over the world will get a valuable networking opportunity, get a feel for the business side of film in L.A., and of course celebrate!”

 

The festival has planned a number of red carpet premieres, attracting an interesting range of celebs who are either featured in the films or simply supporting the indie community. some big names expected to stop by the Sunset Laemmle 5 include Dick Van Dyke, Sydney Poitier, Kristanna Loken, Mila Jovovich, Bill Cosby, Adrian Grenier, Debbie Allen, Kevin Dillon, Todd Bridges, Natasha Alam, Thaddeus Schneider, Bobby Moresco, Kyle Lowder, Shaun Taub, Robert Rusler, Justin Whalin, Aaron Meeks, Cheryl Cosenza, Claudia Mason, Jason Brooks, Kate Del Castillo, Allison Anders, Lauren Nadler and Lana Parshina.

 

“Our festival sticks closely to our brand and mission of representing a new wave of independent filmmakers. I am particularly thrilled with our international category, which has attracted many well-made films. This year, we are delighted to have sponsorship from innovative companies such as Filmon.com,” says Stuart Alson, Founder/Executive Producer of NYIIFVF.

 

Since it will be impossible to see all 100-plus films over the seven days of screenings, here are a few that have garnered some pre-festival buzz, plus some highlights to keep an eye on:

 

“Lime Salted Love”: A minimalist, surreal examination of abandonment, guilt, abuse and psychic pain set in the hipster enclaves of Los Angeles. The film depicts the tale of three bonded brothers broken by the accidental death of one and the residual guilt draping the remaining two. Starring: Kristanna Loken (“Terminator 3”); Kate del Castillo (“Under the Same Moon,” “Bordertown”); Jason Brooks (“Days of Our Lives,” “Baywatch Hawaii”) and Billy Drago (“The Hills Have Eyes,” “The Untouchables,” “Charmed”). Directed by Danielle Agnello & Joe Hall, 86min. Art house.

*Screening Friday, July 18, at 8pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

 

“Lime Salted Love”

   

“The Wonder Kids”: A tiny dance studio sets out to save the art form of tap-dancing, and not only produces many of the world's greatest dancers, but saves the lives of thousands of inner-city kids in the process. Hosted by legendary actor/entertainer Dick Van Dyke and featuring Savion Glover, Debbie Allen (“Fame”) and Victoria Rowell. Directed by Jim Petersen & Pamela J. Richardson, 109min. Documentary.

*Screening Sunday, July 20, at 8pm at Sunset Laemmle 5 (SOLD OUT!)

*Second screening will take place on Wednesday July 23, at 10pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

 

“The Wonder Kids”

 

“Chasin’ Gus’ Ghost”: Superb documentary on the history of jug band music. It is a historical retrospective that spans the globe and honors many great talents from yesterday and today. Features John Sebastian (Lovin’ Spoonful) and Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead). Directed by Todd Kwait, 97min. Music Documentary.

*Screening Tuesday, July 22, at 10pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

 

“Frankie D”: The story of an upscale African-American carpenter who gets ripped off by two urban youths. The film stars Todd Bridges (“Different Strokes,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “Skaters on Edge”), Sheryl Lee Ralph (“Sister Act” and Dreamgirls on Broadway) and Aaron Meeks (“Soul Food”). Written and directed by Rosemary Edelman (CBS’s “Side by Side”), 95min. Drama.

*Screening Sunday, July 20, at 6pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

 

“Frankie D”

 

 

“Death, Taxes... and Chocolate!”: Take a leisurely, thought-provoking cruise with six witty, environmentally and socially conscious friends who are empowered to shape their own destiny in planning their final days. Directed by “Bud” Dowdey and Executive produced and co-written by Dr. Andrea Levinson, 82min. Dark Comedy/ Romance/ Spoof/ Educational.

*Screening Saturday July 19 at 6pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

 

“Death, Taxes and... Chocolate!”

 

“Love Like Blood”: A story from the streets of New York. Kevin is a notorious car thief at the top of his game. His life is about stolen cars, sex and cash. But as good as Kevin is, he knows it's only a matter of time until he'll get caught. Before his life starts to completely unravel, Kevin tries to walk away from his criminal lifestyle and start over. Starring award-winning actor Thaddeus Schneider (“Law & Order,” “Rescue Me,” “Skels”). Written and directed by Stephen Bozga, 84min. Drama.

*Screening Sunday July 20 at 10pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

 

“Love Like Blood”

 

“Eagle Talon The Movie: The Chancellor Only Lives Twice”: Groundbreaking film that utilizes flash animation. FROGMAN, the king of late-night Japanese TV, attacks the entertainment industry with a nonsensical comedy. Directed by award-winning director FROGMAN, 75min. Flash Animation.

*Screening Tuesday, July 22, at 6pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

 

“Svetlana about Svetlana”: Joseph Stalin's daughter made an exception and broke her silence for Lana Parshina’s directorial debut. Featuring Svetlana Alliluyeva's exclusive interview, “Svetlana about Svetlana” is a story about one Svetlana searching for another in the quest to find answers to the questions that haunted her since she was 10. Directed by Lana Parshina, 44min. Documentary.

*Screening Thursday, July 24, at 6pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

 

“Chekhov and Maria”: Russian playwright Anton Chekhov is ill with tuberculosis and is cared for by his sister Maria with whom he lives in Yalta. He is desperately struggling to complete his play, “The Cherry Orchard.” With Maria’s help he is able to continue writing, but when Maria discovers that he has secretly married the Moscow Art Theatre actress, Olga Knipper, she feels betrayed and schemes to prevent him from returning to Moscow. When Chekhov discovers how manipulative Maria has been, they have a confrontation, followed by an eventual reconciliation. Directed by Eric Till, 80min. Fictional Drama.

*Screening Sunday, July 20, at 4pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

 

 

Film tickets & VIP passes can be purchased in advance by going to www.nyfilmvideo.com and clicking on the schedule/TKTS link.