Video Contests, Film Festivals, and Awards

(Manhattan) The 2012 NYC Independent Film Festival is only weeks away, making this an exciting time for a variety of industry professionals including directors, actors, writers, and editors. This year's festivities begin on Friday, October 19th with the Opening Night Gala. Press representatives who request a pass to the event will enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment, and the opportunity to mingle over drinks with the participating filmmakers, actors, and producers. During the entire weekend, films will be screened in the following categories: Feature-Length, Documentaries, Shorts, Super-Shorts, and Music Videos, and panel discussions will be held on issues pertinent to today's filmmaker and viewing audience. The festivities will conclude with the presentation of the Fan Awards on the evening of Sunday, October 21st.

This year there are 97 films, including 17 music videos, screening. Festival Director Dennis Cieri, expects nearly 1,000 attendees this year. "We typically draw over 600 people," says Cieri. "With this year's selection of films, and the current ticket sales, I wouldn't be surprised to see close to a thousand." This third annual film festival upholds its tradition of promoting new and emerging voices in film, spoken word, music, and art. There are also several well-known and seasoned actors in films screening during the festival. Kellan Lutz (Twilight), Amanda Heard(Pineapple Express, The Rum Diaries), and Shiloh Fernandez (Red Riding Hood) star in the short film Syrup. Acting Veteran Robert Redford is the Narrator for The Movement. James Debello, (Cabin Fever, Swimfan), stars in The Chronicles of Elijah Sincere, while Edward de Zouza (The Golden Compass, The Spy Who Loved Me) can be seen in Notes. Lauren Holly (Dumb and Dumber) can be seen in Masque, and James Phelps who you might remember as Fred Weasley in The Harry Potter series plays in the film The Turn.

The venue for the festival is The Producers' Club, which is in the heart of Manhattan's theater district, and has been hosting great shows, and world renowned artists and celebrities since 1993. The Producers' Club, host of the New York Hell's Kitchen Film Festival, will make a wonderful home for the international cinematic tradition of The NYC Independent Film Fest, with its spacious theaters, intimate lounge, urban décor and artistic history.

Resources:

http://www.nycindiefilmfest.com/

http://www.producersclub.com/