LI. International Film Expo comes to Bellmore

Instead of rushing to see the latest summer blockbuster, check out the works of an international array of independent filmmakers when Bellmore rolls out the red carpet once again for the Long Island International Film Expo, which opens July 8. The film festival, now in its 13th year, offers film buffs nine days of movie watching. It showcases the creativity of independent filmmakers, representing all genres of
movie-making from around the world.
From short to feature-length, moviegoers can partake of a diverse group of 156 independent films this year representing over 19 countries, including many contributions from the burgeoning Long Island film industry. As always, the Film Expo remains an audience-friendly event: viewers can help choose festival winners, and converse with the filmmakers during the popular Q & A sessions between screenings.
Those Q & A events held after most of the movie blocks are one of the festival’s biggest draws, according to Debra Markowitz, Director of Nassau County’s Film Office, who is also executive director of the Long Island Film/TV Foundation, which presents the Long Island International Film Expo.  
The festival steadily continues to expand and evolve. In addition to the extensive schedule of films – that demonstrates the quality of independent films being produced by today – there are many panels, social gatherings and networking opportunities for those interested in getting into the film business. The Film Expo offers its usual panels on scriptwriting, film distribution, and the filmmaker’s breakfast panel, but this year will also have a panel in association with DnA (Directors “n” Actors from New York City) and a NYWIFT (New York Women in Film and Television) panel on “Women in Film.” All panels are free except for the filmmaker’s breakfast which has a nominal $5 charge. 
“This is a very accessible festival for filmmakers and the public,” said Markowitz. “It’s an opportunity to see a wide variety of films, from the $10 million full-length feature to a $500 student
production.”