L.I. International Film Expo now open

Long Islanders looking to escape the heat without a day at the beach need look no further than Bellmore. The Long Island International Film Expo, hosted by the Long Island Film/TV Foundation, will return to the Bellmore Movies next week. The 14th annual film festival will kick off with a preview night on Thursday, July 7, and an opening night party on Friday, July 8, at 5 p.m. for all ticket holders.

The expo will feature more than 100 films, from shorts to features, from local productions to foreign ones. “Jesse,” the movie, was partially filmed in Bellmore in September 2010; director Fred Carpenter brought the cast and crew to shoot a scene at KJ Farrell's Bar and Grill on Pettit Avenue.

The film follows Jesse (played by actress Stephanie Finochio), a Nassau County detective who gets wrapped up in the investigation of her brother’s murder. After accidentally walking into a robbery/hostage situation at a local convenience story, Jesse seeks solace at the local bar — KJ Farrell’s. At KJ Farrell’s, Jesse meets the bartender, Chris, played by actor Eric Roberts, the brother of Julia Roberts. The two characters develop a romantic relationship throughout the film, which will be shown on July 8 at 9:30 p.m.

The festival will conclude with a dinner party, followed by an awards ceremony on Thursday, July 14. There will be a buffet for all in attendance as well as musical entertainment.

Long Island International Film Expo

•July 7 through July 14 at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore.

•Gold pass $65; day pass $25; film blocks $10, seniors $8.

Award ceremony tickets are $55, $45 for Gold Pass holders.

For information regarding the Long Island International Film Expo and the Long Island Film/TV Foundation, call (516) 572-0012. Schedules are available at www.LongIslandFilm.com.

Comments about this story? DKrasula@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.