The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) proudly return to Los Angeles, March 1-8, for its bi-annual showcase of the latest independent films from around the globe. The NYIIFVF begins its celebrations along with The New York International Art Festival (NYIAF) with a film/art market and networking party at the Grand Ballroom in the Bel Age Hotel on March 1st from 8pm-Midnight. Film screenings will take place exclusively at the legendary Laemmle Sunset 5 Theatre, located in the heart of the sunset strip in West Hollywood from March 2-8. Celebrities expected throughout the 8-day extravaganza of films and parties include actress Brittany Daniels (Basketball Diaries), Ted Lange (Loveboat) and talented character actor Burt Young (Rocky Balboa) who will be unveiling his artwork.
NYIIFVF, known as "the voice of independent film," will showcase 100 films from more than 15 countries and will host filmmakers, delegates, press, distributors, indie film lovers and celebrities. NYIIFVF, passionate about exposing the work of emerging filmmakers from all over the globe, 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, producers, and musicians."
"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. This year, we are delighted to have sponsorship from innovative companies such as Sony Vaio, Final Draft and Ready Two Go." said Stuart Alson, Founder/Executive Producer of NYIIFVF.
Fittingly, 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 include:
Last of the Romantics: Dramedy. Directed by Vohn Regensburger. When two people connect through music, it can hold them together forever. Looking for answers to his barren existence, PARKER GRAVES wanders into a funeral and discovers his true love. Starring: Brittany Daniels (Basketball Diaries, Joe Dirt, White Chicks, Little Man), Ted Lange (Love Boat). (Thursday, March 8th at 6:00pm, Screen 4)
Valley of Angels: Drama. Directed by Jon Rosten. A West Los Angeles drug dealer must find a way out of his current existence within a very dangerous world to reach a place of enlightenment he so desperately seeks. Starring George Katt and Danny Trejo (Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, SherryBaby, Spy Kids and Tarantino’s Grindhouse). (Saturday, March 3rd at 4:00pm, Screen 4)
Heart to Heart: Documentary. Directed by Brian Gordon. A 12-year old girl is dying with a diseased heart. Doctors around the world race to save her life with a unique procedure usually not allowed in the United States. The production is hosted and narrated by actor Patrick Dempsey (Grey’s Anatomy).
(Tuesday, March 4th at 10:00pm, Screen 4)
The Truth of Fiction: Dark Comedy. Directed by Peter Flores. We take a -snapshot look- into a typical day of mindless acts from a group of college students. Blind to the potential dangers of his current life style we follow one student’s attempt to justify his actions with his outrageous views on relationships, career choices and the educational system. When a drug infused conversation sparks concerns about their uncertain futures, we become aware of their true vulnerability while living away from home for the first time. Executive Producer/ Writer Nick Psinakis and starring Nick Psinakis (All My Children) (Saturday, March 3rd at 10:00pm, Screen 4)
Little Bruno: Suspense/Thriller. Directed by Dan Frank. When Bruno (Ryan Burgess) begins working for his uncle Nick (Larry Laverty), he seems to leave behind a trail of death. Detective Stevens (Timothy Halpin) is hunting him down. (Saturday, March 3rd at 8:00pm, Screen 4)
Recon- A Filmmakers Quest: Adventure/Comedy. Directed by Mattia Ballerini. An independent filmmaker, journeys to twelve countries across four continents. With a digital camera and his passion, leaving only the planet and mankind to direct his vision. Life’s wonders will be the ultimate teacher. Unexpected characters ranging from movie stars to mobsters will help guide his dream. Come experience the Quest! (Tuesday March 6th at 8:00pm, Screen 4)
The NYIIFVF will have a special film series by director Daryush Shokof.
A2Z Action-Thriller. Starring Jack Taylor. (Friday, March 2nd at 8:00pm, Screen 4).
Holy Shit. Comedy. (Saturday, March 3rd at 12:00pm, Screen 4).
Venussian Tabutasco. Experimental. (Sunday, March 4th at 8:00pm, Screen 4).
Angels Are Wired. Experimental. (Tuesday, March 6th at 4:00pm, Screen 4).
Seven Servants. Starring Anthony Quinn. (Tuesday, March 6th at 4:00pm, Screen 4).
Asudem. Horror. (Wednesday, March 7th at 8:00pm, Screen 4).
Breathful. Gangster-Comedy. (Thursday, March 8th at 8:00pm, Screen 4).
Official Sponsors for this year’s LA festival include high-end company Sony VAIO, Ready two Go, Final Draft, Johnny Love Vodka and Independent Film Quarterly.
NYIIFVF Post-screening Parties will be held nightly at some of LA hottest new venues including Element, Privilege and Aqua Cabana Club and will be sponsored by Johnny Love Vodka. The festival has partnered with the promotional Diva of LA nightlife Mac Africa
Insightful Film Panels will be coordinated and moderated by veteran film producer and former HBO exec Susan Moses. Topics include "Securing distribution for your independent film" and "The culture of the major film markets Cannes and AFM.
Film Tickets & VIP Passes can be purchased from TicketWeb by calling 1(866) 468-7619 or by going to www.nyfilmvideo.com and clicking on the schedule/TKTS link. Film tickets can also be purchased from March 2-8 at the NYIIFVF ticket booth for $12 for each block of films. VIP passes cost $300 and includes admission to all film screenings, parties and panels.
Tickets for the Opening Night party at the exclusive Bel Age Hotel (1020 N. San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood) are $20 and can be purchased online at TicketWeb.com or in person on Opening Night. This is an ALL AGES event.
The Schedule of films is available online at www.nyfilmvideo.com and a printed brochures will be available at the Sunset Laemmle 5 (8000 Sunset Blvd.). All Screenings will take place in theater 4 and will be hosted by former MTV VJ Shorty Brown.
Information on additional films, premieres and talent attending will be forthcoming. For all interview, feature, review requests and more information on the upcoming NYIIFVF, please contact Briege McGarrity at 917 783 4042. 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 press room section of the website.
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 films and documentaries of emerging filmmakers 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, Jennifer Aniston, 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!"
