By Karen Bloom
The film festival, which opens July 9, celebrates its 12th year with 10 days with films from around the world, showcasing the creativity of independent film makers.
From short to long, moviegoers can partake of a diverse group of 170 independent films this year, representing 23 countries, including contributions from Long Island film makers. As always, it’s an audience-friendly event: viewers can help choose festival winners, and converse with the filmmakers during the popular Q & A sessions held between screenings.
The festival continues to expand and evolve. This year’s extensive schedule of films demonstrates the quality of films being produced today, 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 number of films being screened this year is a far cry from the 40 films shown in its first year. “We found so many good films that we didn’t want to turn them away,” Markowitz said.
Local movie makers shine. Among them, documentary filmmaker Lesley Abbey is showing her short film “Little Shop of Wonders,” about the rock and lapidary shop that was a mainstay in Bellmore for many years. Her film chronicles the history of the store and its owners, Mark Morgan and Rosalyn Anker, and their impact on their many long-time customers, particularly children, who never quite saw a rock – whether a fossil, a meteorite, or a gemstone – the same way ever again after visiting.
“The store was a fixture in Bellmore for 48 years," Abbey told the Herald, bemoaning the demise of the mom-and-pop shops that gave many local downtowns their “character,” as chain-stores pervade. “People came from all over to view their collections as well as to seek their advice about gemstones and healing,” she recounted in describing her film. Morgan and Anker also worked with an assortment of animals in need. “Little Shop of Wonders” screens on Thursday, July 16, as part of the 2 p.m. film block.
Another local contribution is “The Video Guys,” a comedic look at the wedding business through the eyes of the men that shoot them, and what happens when one of them has to shoot his ex-wife’s wedding. It’s the first feature from director/writer Dan Brennan of Port Washington, and produced by his wife Jeanne Brennan. A labor of love for the Brennans, their film has the honor of kicking off the festival at the official opening, Friday, July 10, the first Long Island film ever to do so.
“It’s a complete shock to be featured as the opening night film,” said Brennan, “especially considering it has no stars in it. We were just hoping it would be included.”
The film is a family affair, with his daughter Sabrina in the role of Miss Pinky. It was shot at various locations in Port Washington, and stars Brennan (who also acts in addition to filming weddings), along with fellow wedding photographers Russ Camarda and Thomas Doran. “Not only did I write the movie, I lived it,” said Brennan. “The first 15 years of my production career I shot over 2,500 weddings! I’ve seen it all.”
Brennan described his film as “an authentic look at the wedding business from people who are in it. It’s believable, heartwarming, and about love.”
The film made a strong impression upon Markowitz and her staff. “It’s very well done,” Markowitz said. “The staff loved it. And the fact that it was produced by Long Island people and shot on Long Island is an added plus.”
The festival is much more than screening movies. Aspiring film makers – and those film buffs who are interested in the process of film making – have an opportunity to interact with industry insiders. The schedule includes lectures, talks with film makers, a writer’s panel, and a Filmmakers Breakfast. And of course, you never know who will show up for some film talk. Surprise guests who have appeared at the festival over the years have included “The Sopranos’” Edie Falco and Vincent Pastore, Steven Bauer from “Scarface,” Fredric Lane from “Lost,” Adam Ferrara from “Rescue Me,” Robert Chohessey, seen in “Across The Universe,” and Paul Dano, of “There Will Be Blood,” among others.
This year, Nikki Blonsky, of “Hairspray” fame, will be attending to accept a Creative Achievement Award at the closing party and awards
ceremony.
Others who will be at the festival this year include Brandon Hannan, who appeared as Vito Spatafore, Jr. in “The Sopranos,” and Kevin Covais.
“The Long Island International Film Expo continues to evolve as the premier regional showcase for new, innovative works. Markowitz said. “This year’s film festival is bigger and better than ever, with more parties and more opportunities to meet the film makers. Anyone who’s interested in film should drop by and check it out.”
Winners of the Long Island International Film Expo are chosen by a combination of audience ballot and judging committee. They will be honored at the Closing Night Party and Awards Ceremony, on Sunday, July 19, where they receive their trophies and winners’ prizes. The gala, which is open to the public. features a buffet dinner and entertainment, along with the awards ceremony. As Markowitz, who co-hosts the event, put it, “If you ever wanted to come to a Hollywood-type event, then this is the venue for you!”
The ceremony takes place in the historic Bellmore Movies. See and meet the filmmakers who may turn out to be the next Stephen Spielberg or Francis Ford Coppola. Watch clips of the winning films! And once the festival is over, all are invited as the party
continues.
Long Island International Film Expo
July 9 through July 19 at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore.
Admission: Gold Pass $60; Day Pass $20, film blocks $9 seniors $7. Gala tickets are $50. A portion of ticket sales benefit North Shore Animal League.
For information on the Long Island International Film Expo and related events, call (516) 783-3199. Schedules are available at www.LongIslandFilm.com.
