The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival returns to Los Angeles

It’s that time of year again when the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) will return to Los Angeles for an exciting lineup of independent films and lots special events. 

Beginning on September 27 and running through October 4, 2007, NYIIFVF along with The New York International Art Festival (NYIAF) will begin its celebrations for 8 days of of screenings, premieres, parties and panels, with a film/art market and preliminary networking party at Hollywood’s popular Cabana Club.

 

All film screenings will take place exclusively at the legendary Sunset Laemmle 5 in West Hollywood.

Known as "the voice of independent film," NYIIFVF will screen a broad and brave array of over 150 films from more than 25 countries during its fall run.

 

All genres are covered including world cinema, comedy, romance, drama, science-fiction, thriller, horror, action, Bollywood cinema, experimental, animation, mockumentaries, docu-dramas as well as a compelling slate of high-quality documentaries.

NYIIFVF will host filmmakers, artists, celebrities, delegates, press, distributors and indie film lovers. Passionate about exposing the work of emerging filmmakers from all over the globe, NYIIFVF is "the place to have your projects seen and reviewed by the best of the best," comments editor Dave Sardella (Micro Cinema Magazine). "This world-renowned festival can be the launching pad to a successful career for aspiring directors and producers,” said Sardella.

NYIIFVF Founder/Executive Producer commented "Our festival represents a new wave of independent filmmakers and offers a unique opportunity for our participants to show their projects, experience the West Coast film culture, meet influential members of the film industry, and of course give our delegates and loyal audiences the chance to see great movies and attend parties without the pretentiousness! We are very proud of our filmmakers and we are looking forward to hosting them,” said Alson.

As always, the scope of the festival ranges from high profile to novice, so one may experience an array of films and individuals driven by independent movie making.

LA FILM HIGHLIGHTS:

WORLD PREMIERE

The Manson Movie: Directed by Robert Hendrickson, Feature Film, 85min.
Tobann International Pictures presents "The Manson Movie." 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 60’s and early 70’s. 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 Eastside LA riot where Rubin Salazar was killed. A small portion of the film, taken back then, was used to create the original Academy award-nominated 1973 "Manson" documentary, but now, an entirely new motion picture "The Manson Movie" has just been completed, and will be seen for the first time at the NYIIFVF. Relevant to today’s headlines, this time, you will be an actual witness to the Vietnam War and its most bizarre by-product, the Charles Manson Family. No actors, no recreations, just you and your guide Robert Hendrickson, and the 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 (24, NCIS, The Whole Ten Yards, Weird Science), Eliana Alexander (Bold and the Beautiful) and John Bennett Perry, “Independence Day”, “Fools Rush In”),
Three lives 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 their own personal agenda… some just deadlier than others.
*Celebrities expected Robert Rusler and John Bennett Perry

RED CARPET WEST COAST PREMIERE

"Rivaaz" Trapped in Tradition: Directed by Ashok Kumar Nanda. Feature Film, 110min.

Award-winning thought-provoking feature drama, starring seasoned Indian actress Deepti Naval and stunning supporting cast including Meghna Naidu, Ritisha Vijayvargiya and Saadhika Randhawa.
Family Based Prostitution exists in more than 300 districts in India. But unfortunately Our Law and Order System does not consider this a serious issue. Rivaaz is a film against exploitation. A film about dignity, about 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.

Starring Adrian Grenier (HBO’s Entourage). Bruno 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 back the world into motion.

RED CARPET WORLD PREMIERE

Quench: Directed by Zack Parker,  Feature, 98min.

Starring Bo Barrett (Marie Antoinette), Mia Moretti (Dracula’s Curse), Ben Schmitt (The Break-Up),
Samantha Eileen DeTurk (Inexchange), Micah Shane Ballinger (Cabin Fever 2) and Anastasia Heonis (The Calling).

Stylish, unique, compelling and beautifully photographed, Quench 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 his best friend since grafe school, althoough they have not . 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, a Family.

RED CARPET WEST COAST PREMIERE

Secrets of the Clown Directed by Ryan Badalamenti, Horror Feature, 100min.
Starring Michael Kott (Tuesdays with Morrie), Kelli Clevenger (Fox Tv’s Prison Break), Paul Pierro (Farewell Darkness) (Cheaters), 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 Jim. But some secrets were never meant to be revealed. The dreams will guide him, the secrets will blind him, the murders haunt him. Only together will they unlock the "Secrets of the Clown.

RED CARPET WEST COAST PREMIERE

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

Award-winning inspirational and instructional documentary and starring the homeless citizens of America. Produced by Pennington Palm Productions. Invisible People, Achieving A Visible Connection connects the homeless and you through a TRUE reality series. Listen to their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, while trying to survive on America’s streets. 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, Achieving A Visible Connection 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.

*Celebrities expected, more information on the talent attending will be forthcoming.

Official Sponsors for this year’s LA 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. Festival filmmakers and guests can avail of the special discounted rate by calling (1800) 950 – 7667 and mentioning the NYIIFVF.

NYIIFVF after parties will be held nightly at some of LA’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.”

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 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. Keep visiting www.nyfilmvideo.com for festival updates. 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.

For all interview requests and more information on the upcoming NYIIFVF, please contact Briege McGarrity at 917 783 4042 or via email at [email protected]. Credentials can be obtained by faxing a request to 702-361-6309 (attn.: Nicole Holland) on company letterhead or by completing the online press credential form in the pressroom section of www.nyfilmvideo.com.

ABOUT NYIIFVF: The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival was founded in 1993 by entertainment impresario Stuart Alson and is recognized as the largest competitive independent film event in the world. Passionate about exposing the latest independent films from all over the globe, NYIIFVF is a unique platform for emerging and established filmmakers to network and screen their work in the hope of getting exposure and a distribution deal. Past festivals have included the work of Cameron Diaz, Eva Herzigova, Guy Pearce, George Clooney, James Hanlon, Jennifer Aniston, Meryl Streep, Rod Steiger, Sean Lennon, Tippi Hedren, Willem Dafoe and Vin Diesel. Indie guru Abel Ferrara famously quoted in MovieMaker, "This festival is the real deal: Everybody else just talks about doing it, these guys just do it!"