Summer sizzle at the Long Island International Film Expo

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“It’s a story about Long Island,” says the 28-year-old Brescia, “about a friends over the course of one year who struggle to cope with breakups, finding jobs and student debt, as well as the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. It’s a collection of life experiences based on people I know.”

Much of the film was shot in Merrick, Long Beach and Rockville Centre, and includes scenes that show Sandy’s destruction in Long Beach. Other locations include Malverne, Valley Stream and Lynbrook. “From North Shore to South Shore, we filmed everywhere on Long Island,” says Brescia. “I wanted to paint a picture of what life on Long Island is like.”

Producer Douglas Torres, who grew up and still lives in Merrick, assisted Brescia on this project. “We shot in Merrick at Luanne’s clothing boutique on Merrick Avenue and Ace Liquor on Merrick Avenue and had a tremendous amount of support from the community,” Brescia says. He is now making the film festival rounds, having screened his movie in Maine, Chicago and the Catskills so far, with more to come.

But the most important showing he says, is its screening next week at LIIFE. “I’m looking forward to this one most of all. It’s been a goal of mine for 15 years, ever since I decided I wanted to make movies to get into the Long Island Film Festival.”

“Bridge and Tunnel” will have a second area screening later this summer at the Madison Theatre at Molloy College, when the theater hosts the Long Beach International Film Festival. It will also have a theatrical showing in Los Angeles on Sept. 26, with Brescia hoping a full theatrical release will follow.

“It will capture audiences’ attention with its dramatic storyline balanced with comedic undertones and relatable events,” Brescia said. “It’s Long Island focused but it appeals to everyone.”

A film festival favorite, Fred Carpenter, is back on July 12 with his latest release, “Charlie Mantle.” “Fred excels at the action genre,” says Markowitz. “His films are always a pleasure to watch and he sells out film festival screenings with every film he makes.”

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