“It’s a really big perk to whoever wins the festival,” Dodd said, adding that studio time can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000.

“The Long Beach International Film Festival continues to provide an opportunity for filmmakers to come and see the types of filming locations Nassau County has to offer whether it be our beaches, mansions, suburban areas and, of course, Gold Coast Studios and Grumman Studios, which are all New York State-approved movie studios which qualify for the much sought after 30 percent tax credit,” Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said in a statement.

Long Beach International Film

Festival Event Schedule

Wednesday, July 30 — An opening night party and screening of “Wisdom to Know the Difference” at Madison Theatre at Molloy College. Long Island’s own Daniel Baldwin directed the film, which stars his brother, William Baldwin, and Lou Diamond Phillips among others. There will be a Q&A with Daniel Baldwin and others in person directly after the film. 

Thursday, July 31 — An old school style drive-in movie screening of the film classic “Grease” (complete with roller-skating girls handing out popcorn) at Nickerson Beach. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 1 — A free “Concert on the Beach” featuring top name musical acts including American Idol contestant Siobhan Magnus, coupled with their “Shorts on the Beach” film series at the Allegria Hotel Beachfront.

Saturday, Aug. 2 — A screening of the documentary “Side By Side” at Madison Theatre at Molloy College. The film features A-list directors James Cameron, Martin Scorcese, Robert Rodriguez, David Lynch and others interviewed by A-list actor Keanu Reeves. There will be a Q&A with Director Christopher Kenneally and others in person directly after the film. 

Saturday, Aug. 2, and Sunday, Aug. 3 — From 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. there will also be other “Rolling Films / Q&A’s” at Madison Theatre at Molloy College. Films will screen approximately every 2 hours.

Monday, Aug. 4 — A closing night ceremony featuring the hilarious comedy of Chris Monty performing an excerpt from his “Shut up, Sit Down and Eat” routine. Comedian Joey Kola will perform and host the “Oscars” style awards show presentation.