Film about East Rockaway to debut at Long Beach International Film Festival next month

By Mike Smollins

 July 12, 2018 

“Rockaway” was written and directed by John J. Budion about his experiences growing up in East Rockaway. On the left side of the graphic were stars Maxwell Apple (young John), being carried, and, from left, James DiGiacomo (Dom), Tanner Flood (Brian), Colin Critchley (Sal), Keidrich Sellati (Anthony) and Harrison Wittmeyer (Billy). On the right, from left, were Executive Producer Billy Glynn, Anthony Budion, Dominic Carre, John J. Budion, Sal Corso and Brian Gallagher. 

COURTESY JOHN J. BUDION

Director John J. Budion still recalls the many nights he spent with his friends at the old Lynbrook movie theater. On Aug. 4, at 8 p.m., more than 100 people will fill the new Regal Cinemas 13 & RPX theater in Lynbrook to see his debut film, “Rockaway,” as it makes its New York premiere as part of the Long Beach International Film Festival.

“It’s time to come home,” Budion said. “I’m just excited that people are finally going to get to see what everyone else has been reacting to, and it will manifest into something that they can form their own opinion on to see if they feel the same way.”

When tickets for “Rockaway” went on sale July 6, they sold out in 15 minutes, and online demand was so high that the festival’s ticket website crashed. Because the theater seats about 150 people, Budion said, he is exploring the possibility of adding more screenings. All feature films at the festival will be screened at Lynbrook’s new theater, which opened to much fanfare last month.

Steve Shor, the Long Beach festival’s program director, said his committee received hundreds of submissions from more than a dozen countries, and chose 52 films, documentaries and shorts to show, including “Rockaway.”

“‘Rockaway’s’ talented, youthful cast reminded me of ‘Stand By Me,’” Shor said, “and the back story, although heavy, is relevant.”

Budion wrote, filmed and directed “Rockaway,” which is set in 1994 and is based on his experiences growing up with his friends in East Rockaway. The film chronicles characters based on Budion and his brother, Anthony, as they plot revenge against their abusive father and spend time with characters based on friends they grew up with in the village. Most of the movie was filmed in East Rockaway during the summer of 2016. Since then, Budion said, many of his friends and family members have been eager to see it on the big screen. 

Budion, 36, graduated from East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School in 1999 and then studied film at New York University. He began writing “Rockaway” in 2014 after spending 15 years in the movie industry as a visual effects artist, working on films such as “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “The Adjustment Bureau.”

To finance the film, Budion had many investors, including his childhood friends Neal Barbiero and Billy Glynn, who served as executive producers.

Barbiero met Budion when they were in middle school, so there isn’t a character based on him in the film, but he has played an instrumental part in its development. 

“We’re all very proud of him,” he said of Budion, who was the best man at his wedding and his NYU roommate. “I think we’re excited to be able to show all of our friends and family and have the New York debut at a location close to where we grew up, and where the film was filmed, and where the story was based.”

“Rockaway” is a coming-of-age film that has been likened to “Stand By Me” and “The Sandlot.” It has earned accolades at film festivals across the country.  The film beat out eight others to win the Best Feature Film Award after its West Coast premiere at the Catalina Film Festival in California last September. The feature made its debut at the Flickers’ Rhode Island Film Festival last August and won the Audience Award for Best Feature Film. It was also honored as the Most Impactful Film at Paramount Studios before the Hollywood Film Festival last December. Most recently, Keidrich Sellati, who is perhaps best known for his work in the FX drama “The Americans,” was named Best Actor at the Sunscreen Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Fla., on April 27. Sellati, 16, plays Budion’s older brother, Anthony, and Maxwell Apple, 9, plays a young Budion.

Budion praised the actors for carrying the emotional weight of the film, and said he was pleased to see how they bonded on set and remained close after filming, noting that the six main characters became close, much as he did with his own childhood friends. 

He added that little has changed between him and his friends. “We spent days in Long Beach and East Rockaway just bonding and getting close,” he said, “and we’re still very much like that.”

The Long Island premiere will be a homecoming for actor Tanner Flood, 15, of Northport, who plays the character Brian in the film. “I don’t think there could be any other way to premiere it,” Flood said. “It’s a Long Island film. We filmed in East Rockaway, which was a great and natural environment for me since I live [on the Island]. I think all of John’s passion is going to pay off.”

In addition to the Long Beach festival, “Rockaway” will be showcased at the Atlanta Underground Film Festival, at the Synchronicity Theatre, on July 21 at 2:30 p.m. It will also be screened twice at the Jersey Shore Film Festival. The first showing will be on Aug. 8 at the Axelrod Performing Arts Center in Monmouth, at 8 p.m., and the second on Aug. 10 at the House on Independence in Asbury Park, at 7 p.m.

Budion said he learned that his film had made the Long Beach festival on June 20, which happens to be his brother Anthony’s birthday. John said he had planned to post a birthday message on social media, but instead had to announce the big news about “Rockaway” making the Long Beach festival. “I said, ‘I’m sorry, but the posting for your birthday is going to get steamrolled by the fact that we just got into Long Beach,’” he said with a laugh.

With the Long Island premiere date nailed down, Budion said his long-term goal is to find a distributor for the film that will show it widely in theaters or on a streaming service. For now, he is preparing for the many friends and family members who will flock to Lynbrook next month to see his creation. 

“We’re coming home as we’re wrapping up our festival run,” he said. “It makes sense to be back where it all started.”

At press time, more shows had not been added for the Long Beach festival, but check www.liherald.com for the latest ticket information. To purchase tickets for the Jersey Shore Film Festival, go to bit.ly/2L49SF8. To purchase tickets for the Atlanta Underground Film Festival, go to bit.ly/2L8r3FE.

LBIFF15 | Press Release, Post Event

RECAP: FOURTH ANNUAL LONG BEACH INTL FILM FESTIVAL WRAP UP (SEPT 24 -27 2015)

Long Beach, NY (October 6, 2015) -- The Long Beach International Film Festival (LBIFF) celebrated its 4th Anniversary this past weekend, bringing a fresh line-up of exciting films from around the world including international stars in Film, TV and Music. Taking place September 24-27th primarily in Rockville Centre and the City of Long Beach. LBIFF screened over 80 Films in 4 Days on 4 Screens in 3 Venues. The Stella Artois filmmaker’s lounges were open for filmmakers to network with food and music daily, as well as after parties at local restaurants and hotels.  LBIFF screenedfilms for the very first time in the Long Beach Cinema 4 and created a Pop-Up Theatre at the Long Beach Hotel with seating for over 200 guests. Madison Theatre at Molloy College in Rockville Centre was used again this year as our centerpiece for opening and closing night films. The festival opened with William Forsythe present for the East Coast Premiere of “LaMotta ~The Bronx Bull”, ending with Steve Shirippa from the Sopranos hosting our awards ceremony and the US Premiere of Jennifer Conelleys“Shelter” closed the festival.

Taste on the Beach, Shorts On The Beach was to date the most attended event we’ve ever had, with over 4 thousand people in attendance and the 4th annual LBIFF doubled tickets sales from last year to this year. “Landfill Harmonic" was one of our festival award winners and getting rave reviews from around the world and is in contention for an Oscar this year, as well as “Bear Story”, the winner of our animated shorts category.

Thursday September 24th, the Festival kicked off with a press conference at the iconicGarden City Hotel,  attended by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Long Beach City Manager Jack Schnirman, William Forsythe and other officials.

Opening Night at Madison Theatre at Molloy College in Rockville Centre began with celebrities, filmmakers and guests walking the red carpetbefore the New York and East Coast premiere of “Lamotta: The Bronx Bull”, a feature film from Director Martin Guigui (Hofstra Alumni) starring Lead Actor William Forsythe (Boardwalk Empire) - who were both in attendance. A cast of other notables including Paul Sorvino, Joe Mantegna and Tom Sizemore which explored the tumultuous life of boxer Jake LaMotta.  As a special treat 94 year old, Jake LaMotta sent a video-taped message to the film cast and crew as well as the LBIFF team sending his regards from Arizona.  There was also a notable sports figure in attendance from the boxing community for this special event, Seanie Monahan as well as Advisory Board members Producer Scott Franklin (Noah, Black Swan, The Wrestler) and Director Chris Kenneally (Side by Side, True Detective) ,Elisa DiStefano (News 12 Entertainment Reporter) David Kimmel ( Producer PIX11) .

One of this year’sexclusive film and music events took place Saturday, September 26th as world-renowned hip-hop artist and political activist Talib Kweli was on hand for a concert film screening and Q&A in The Madison Theatre at Molloy College at 10pm. This year the festival has added a new category, "The Joan Jett Music in Film Series" in honor of longtime supporter Joan Jett's involvement in the Festival and as an homage to her induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. Talib also gave a live performance at Mesita in RVC, sponsored by QuickJam.  Other films in the Joan Jett Music Film Series included “All in Time”, “Landfill Harmonic” - the winner of this year's award - and  “Lee’s 88 Keys” – a feature documentary that shares the story of 2015 Jazz Hero Award Winner, composer and pianist Lee Shaw. Shaw lived a diverse, accomplished, and charmed life but struggled with being a woman in a male dominated field throughout her career.

Other acclaimed titles in this year’s competition included “Till We Meet Again”, a NY based Dramatic Adventure Film by Director Bank Tangjaitrong starring John Matton and Linnea Larsdotter, that follows a couple from Thailand to their past in NY; Audience Winner of SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST “Landfill Harmonic”, from Directors Graham Townsley and Brad Allgood which follows the amazing journey of a garbage picker, a music teacher and a group of children who create the most unlikely orchestra out of trash. Recently this orchestra was invited to see The Pope, and gifted him a violin make out of trash.  The documentary (Featured on 60 Minutes) screened along with environmental films “Just Eat It” & “The Burden”, the latter which included an opening statement from US Representative from New York Kathleen Rice.

Steve Shor, the festivals new programmer was with Columbia Tri-Star Pictures for 10 years and has been a festival programmer for over 16 years. This year Steve and festival directors focused on our communities. The festival had many roundtable discussions with Steve asking questions like “Tell me what your community is all about, tell me what interests them”. With that the festival focused on action sports, surfing, social issues, environmental issues. Craig Weintraub and Steve Shor then travel the festivals around the world to find the finest in cinema with exceptional value. The LBIFF then partnered with local non-profits like Surfrider Foundation to match the film to the cause. 

Co-Founder, Craig Weintraub, Actor, Steve Shirippa, Co-Founder, Ingrid Dodd

LBIFF had different themes geared towards our communities interests. The Burden (LBIFF15 Award Winner)  screened at Long Beach Cinema, and Congress Women Kathleen Rice gave the opening remarks. She mentioned she had just gotten off a plane from DC, where she had the privilege of hearing the Pope speak to the US Congress about the exact same environmental issue that was in our film “The Burden” directed by Roger Sorkin.  The film brings to light the fact that the US Military is leading the fight against clean energy, and ,many service men loose their lives protecting this fuel. We incorporated the community by giving FREE admission to US Military and Waterfront Warriors. 

Skudin Surf partnered with the Action Sports/Surfing Block! Body Glove Entertainment screened “Live From The Moon” which was the East Coast Premiere and also won “Best Barrel” from Surfer Magazine, preceded by the short “Pipeline and Kelly Slater" Also screening in this block was “Strange Rumblings In Shangra-la”, another surfing documentary with high performance surfing and stunning cinematography, which won “Movie of the Year” with Surfer Poll.

Some of our stand out films were “Racing Extinction”, “For Grace” and Steve Jobs Documentary by Alex Gibney: ‘The Man In The Machine”. Local filmmaker Guy Guidodirector of Physical Attractions was also on hand with the star Raquel Castro, who has performed each year at Shorts on the beach, and is now on a re occurring role in Fox’ hit show “Empire”

This year the “New York Loves Film Roundtable” allowed attendees to meet the team from the NY State Governor's Office for Motion Picture and Television Development for a round table discussion of all things production; from producing in NY, to NY State-tax credits, location scouting, finding stages and crew, and more. This was set on the stage at Madison Theatre and helped filmmakers realize how film friendly Nassau County is, and the industry as a whole is growing expidentially here on Long Island. 

Another new aspect the festival implemented was the 'Housing Host"

LBIFF put out a call to anyone in LB that would help the festival bring in filmmakers from all over the world and become a "Housing Host"  Being we volunteer for this, and Craig and I do not get paid, we had no more resources left for housing.  We had filmmakers come in from LA, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Italy, New Mexico and London

Johanna Sofield came to the rescue, as well as many others. The Sofield family hosted 2 young filmmakers from London for 3 days, which enabled them to come see the screening of their World Premier "Automated Tellerman" 

When I asked them "Why Long Beach International Film Festival"?, they replied: we saw your social media, commercials and website, and said to ourselves, this place looks so beautiful, If we get into this festival, we are going" and that they did!

LBIFF also had amazing volunteers this year. Hofstra Wrestling Coach Jake Patacsil volunteer with his players by his side, all lending a hand in creating something special. Every festival has an Arts Council in their community who play a HUGE role in keeping them alive and helping them grow, so with the formation of our new arts council, we are hopeful and excited to have them reach out and partner as well.

Photo: Griffin Shapiro

Many movie lovers attended all four full days with pass purchases and others stuck to single screenings as the festival presented an enormous roster of over 80 films, including feature-length narrative, documentary, short and animated movies from around the world. These films competed for a series of Audience Awards, Jury, and Festival Honors. The winner of Best Feature Film received one complimentary studio day at Grumman Studios in Bethpage, NY along with the services of a colorist from Technicolor to assist in a future project. Kravit Jewelers was also a proud supporter of the LBIFF. Each year in collaboration with designer Idayne, (Designer to stars such as Cameron Diaz, Miley Cyrus and Joan Jett)  they customized piece of jewelry and present it to  an award winner to celebrate their achievement.

AWARD WINNERS

JURIED:

Best Feature: Foreign – The Windmill

Best Feature Narrative – Till We Meet Again with an honorable mention for Worthy  

Best Feature Documentary - Landfill Harmonic with an honorable mention of Generosity of Eye

Best Short Film: Narrative  - Reset

Best Short: Animation – Bear Story

Best Short: Foreign – Oasis

Best Short: Documentary – Catch It

Best Short: Comedy –  Sin Matador – with an honorable mention for Open 24 Hours

Joan Jett Music Award – Landfill Harmonic 

Best Director – CO-DIRECTORS  All In Time - Chris Fetchko and Marina Donahue

AUDIENCE AWARDS:

Best New York Film – Generosity of Eye

Best Feature: Foreign – To Life (A la vie)

Best Feature Narrative – Till We Meet Again

Best Feature Documentary – The Burden

Best Comedy - Worthy

The City of Long Beach also helped with transportation. The Long Beach Trolley helped transport ticket holders, US Military and the Waterfront Warriors to venues in town at no charge to encourage them to see as many films as possible. This is a community coming together to spread the word, and encourage people to buy dinner and watch films they would never get a chance to see.

The Long Beach International Film Festival is very proud to have sponsors who believe in the arts and are supporting film including Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano, the City of Long Beach, Madison Theater, Molloy College, Long Beach Cinema 4, Garden City Hotel, Long Beach Hotel, Allegria Hotel, Porsche of South Shore, Infinti of Lynbrook, News 12, PIX11, JetBlue, Stella Artois, Blundstone, Dr Falcon, R & J Construction, Red Door Spa, Carlyle Off the Green, Bolla Market, Verizon Fios, Bowen Media, Nassau Community College Foundation, NYIT, Kravitz Jewelers, Skudin Surf, All Music Inc, Long Island Herald, Newsday, Anton Media Group, Good Times Magazine, Beach Comfort and so many others.

More About the Long Beach International Film Festival:

The Long Beach International Film Festival celebrates the art of storytelling through cinema. Presenting shorts, fiction and documentary formats, the festival is committed to exhibiting films that convey a fresh voice and differing perspectives. With past celebrity attendance including such big names as actors Burt Young, Scott Franklin, Daniel Baldwin, and Richard Pryor Jr.; Musicians Joan Jett and Dee Snider; comedian Joey Kola, and UFC fighter Chris Weidman! The goal of these programs is to captivate, engage and enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment.   www.longbeachfilm.com

Twitter: @LBIFFNY

Instagram: @LBIFFNY

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LongBeachInternationalFilmFestival

YouTube: LongBeachInternationalFilmFestival

Kathleen Rice speaks prior to the screening of "The Burden" at LBIFF15

Kathleen Rice attended the screening of "The Burden", the first documentary of its kind to tell the story of how fossil fuel dependence threatens national security. The movie screened at Long Beach Cinemas 4 at the 4th annual Long Beach International Film Festival. www.theburdenfilm.com/ |twitter.com/theburdenfilm

US Rep. Kathleen Rice to Speak at Long Beach Intl Film Festival for Screening of The Burden

Film Shows Long Island Sandy Survivors the Security Risk of Climate Change

(Rockville Centre, NY) This Friday September 25, the Long Beach International Film Festival will display The Burden - an unforgettable and action-packed documentary about the security risk of climate change - at Long Beach Cinema 4, 179 East Park Avenue Long Beach, NY beginning at 6pm with opening remarks by US Representative Kathleen Rice.

The Burden is a film already in use to educate US and NATO forces because the U.S. military is waging war against the greatest threat to American prosperity, security and lives: fossil fuel dependence.

http://www.theburdenfilm.com/

The burden of oil dependence and the risk of climate change got some sunshine in the news recently from VP Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidates. At the Friday screening Rep. Kathleen Rice will offer a Congressional update, focused on her district and the larger region hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.

The NY event will include resident clean energy entrepreneur Jon Gensler, the Iraq War veteran who observes in the film how military families bear The Burden of oil consumption habits. “We knew the risks, and we were prepared to give our lives for our country, but we were unprepared for how much of our time was wasted on getting and protecting fuel,” Gensler says.

The Burden: Fossil Fuel, the Military and National Security is a 40 minute film depicting the immediate risk climate change poses to our national security, why the military is leading the fight for clean energy, and how the U.S. defense energy industry will empower the world to embrace a 21st century global clean energy economy.

“There is demand for clean energy solutions,” recently offered Roger Sorkin, award-winning director of The Burden film documenting the high costs of guarding oil.

NATO has used The Burden film to illuminate the path to energy security with clean energy. Others see it as evidence natural disasters are depleting US military resources.

The Burden, produced in association with the Truman National Security Project and Center for National Policy, presents the dangers of continued reliance on fossil fuels while also illustrating an exciting tale of innovation. Many of our country’s most vital technologies, including the Internet and GPS, emerged out of military need. Sorkin’s film introduces us to brave servicemen and women who have formed a new American civilian corps of clean tech entrepreneurs.

When:

Friday September 25th

6 pm Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY-04) opening remarks

The Burden screening

7 pm Film discussion with Dan Rice and Jon Gensler, Iraq War veteran, Truman National Security Project Fellow, and Project Development Manager with SolarCity

Where:

Long Beach Cinema 4

179 East Park Avenue Long Beach, NY, 11561

GET TICKETS:

http://www.longbeachfilm.com/get-tickets/2015/9/25/the-burden-dryden-fracture

Jake LaMotta, Talib Kweli to appear at Long Beach film festival

William Forsythe, left, stars as boxer Jake LaMotta in the drama "The Bronx Bull," which co-stars Joe Mantegna. The real LaMotta is expected to attend the Long Beach International Film Festival, where this film is screening Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. Photo Credit: Main Street Films

The boxer Jake LaMotta and the rapper Talib Kweli will be visible at this year's Long Beach International Film Festival, and not just on screen.

Both are the subjects of films at the festival, which begins Sept. 24, and are expected to attend. Their appearances could help raise the profile of an annual event that is now celebrating its fourth year. Aside from the celebrity guests, the lineup includes narrative features, documentaries, foreign films and several shorts programs -- including the outdoor Shorts on the Beach evening -- along with a new program, the Joan Jett Music in Film series, named for Long Beach's most famous rocker (and a regular festival attendee).

Below are several festival highlights. All times listed are afternoons.

LaMotta: The Bronx Bull (Sept. 24 at 5:30). William Forsythe plays the middleweight champion boxer Jake LaMotta. Both the actor and the real-life figure he portrays are expected to attend this screening, along with co-star Tom Sizemore. Directed by Martin Guigui.

Chasing Yesterday (Sept. 25 at 12:30). A once-promising track star (Eric Nelsen), now a washed-up drunk in his mid-20s, begins training for a marathon. Written and directed by Joseph Pernice.

Till We Meet Again (Sept. 25 at 7:30). Bank Tangjaitrong's drama follows two young travelers in Thailand whose romantic history is revealed in flashbacks. Starring Johan Matton, who is also the screenwriter, and Linnea Larsdotter.

Blood, Sweat & Beer (Sept. 25 at 8:45). A documentary about the uphill struggles facing two start-up beer breweries. Directed by Chip Hiden and Alexis Irvin.

Generosity of Eye (Sept. 26 at 6). Julia Louis-Dreyfus narrates a documentary about her father, William, who is selling his extraordinary art collection -- reportedly worth $10 million to $50 million -- and donating the proceeds to the Harlem Children's Zone.

Talib Kweli: Prisoner of Conscious, Live from Brooklyn(Sept. 26 at 10). The world premiere of a documentary about the sociopolitical rapper, who is scheduled to speak in person.

To Life (Sept. 27 at 2:45). Three women try to enjoy their reunion at a pleasant beach town but cannot forget Auschwitz, where they met. With Julie Depardieu, Johanna Ter Steege and Suzanne Clement. In French with English subtitles.

Shelter (Sept. 27 at 8). Paul Bettany makes his directorial debut in a film starring his wife, Jennifer Connelly, and his "Avengers" co-star Anthony Mackie as impoverished souls who meet on the streets of New York. Bettany also wrote the screenplay. This is the closing night film.

WHEN | WHERE

Sept. 24-27 at venues in Long Beach and Rockville Centre. Tickets to most screenings are $15. Passes are $150-$350. Visit longbeachfilm.com

‘PIX KNOWS FLIX’: Meet Macho, an independent Bronx filmmaker on the rise

THE BRONX – Luis 'Macho' Miranda has had a creative mind since the very beginning of his life.

"As a kid I was always writing stories," Miranda said. "When I was a kid I had my class believing I was dying of West Nile virus."

But even at the age of six, Macho as he's more commonly known, knew it wasn't enough.

So he took his storytelling to the next level. This time, bringing it to life on camera.

"I used to make up scenes with my toys," he recalled. "I used to borrow my mom's camera and make little movies."

Macho has made dozens of short films. Ask him which one's he's most proud of, and he'll likely reply with "That One Day."

The two-minute short film focuses on domestic violence.

It's been entered in nine New York film festivals, including Long Beach.

"There's nothing like siting in a theater that's dark with a crowd of people that you don't know, and they're reacting to something that you put together," he said. "And they're reacting the way that you thought they would react. There's nothing like that."

The Long Beach International Film Festival launched four years ago.

Since then, it's given up-and-coming artists like Macho, a fighting chance.

Not only is it cheaper to enter than the bigger festivals but you don't need to know someone who knows someone to get noticed.

"Long Beach provided that perfect opportunity to be able to create something like that and incorporate the arts and expand the arts on Long Island," Craig Weintraub, one of the co-founders of LBIFF.

The festival features more than 80 films about a dozen from the tri-state.

• To see the full list of Long Beach International Film Festival's movies, click here.

When asked if he ever felt discouraged in pursuing his dream, Macho gave an earnest response: "Everyday!"

"I think that's part of it," he said. "That's part of the whole process. But you just have to push through that."

It's a life lesson Macho is reminded everyday and one he tries to pass down.

Just last year – he helped a group of high schoolers make their film-making dreams come true in a zombie short film.

"They handled that really, really well," he said. "They took in the moment and were like 'ahh.' They were really good!"

BIO:

Macho Miranda is a Puerto Rican, independent film director, born in the Bronx, and raised in the South Bronx, Highbridge area, by his single parent mother, Nydia Perez.

He is active within the civil rights community, and has begun after school film programs in the Bronx and Brooklyn in an effort to support the youth in his community by encouraging a passion for the arts.

He is currently finishing a documentary on the late, great, Joe Cuba, the Father of the Boogaloo, and the man responsible for introducing English lyrics to Latin Music in America, breaking cultural barriers.

Macho Miranda prides himself in being able to direct powerful, thought provoking films and produce engaging film projects on shoe string budgets.

‘PIX KNOWS FLIX’: Long Beach International Film Festival returns with new lineup

LONG BEACH, N.Y.– Hollywood is heading to Long Island.

The annual Long Beach International Film Festival kicks off this week from September 24-27.

Now, in it's fourth year, the local phenomenon is attracting filmmakers and attendees from across the globe.

There are hundreds of film festivals in the city.

But you wouldn't necessary think Nassau County or even Long Beach as one of the top places to go for a taste of cinematic magic.

The Long Beach International Film Festival is changing that.

The plus: you don't have to be an A-lister or even a "B," "C" or "D"-lister to get an all access pass.

It's the glitz and glamour you'd expect at a film festival, but without all the red tape.

"We're really trying to create a culture," Craig Weintraub, co-founder of the LBIFF, said. "Create an awareness of what a film festival is."

Long Beach International Film Festival is giving movie goers the ultimate experience– featuring 80 studio and independent films. Everything will be showcased in theaters in Long Beach and Rockville Centre.

"You don't have to go into Manhattan to get the film festival feel," Weintraub said. "When I first walked in here, I felt like this was the Ziefeld Theater of Long Island."

It may not have the history yet but the festival is growing exponentially.

Compared to where it started– co-founders Craig Weintraub and Ingrid Dodd couldn't be more proud.

"It started right here," Dodd said. "Right in the back where we are now. We had our first screening with I think 13 short films, we had maybe 30 submissions."

One of the most highlighted films this year is "Lamotta: The Bronx Bull," which features stars Williams Forstyhe and Tom Sizemore.

But it's the up-coming talent that makes this festival so noteworthy.

Like this animated short film called "Bear Story," or this comedy about the last taxi driver in a world filled of zombies, appropriately named "The Last Taxi Driver."

There are also documentaries, such as "Comic Book Heaven," the story about a comic book store in Sunnyside, Queens.

Daniel Baldwin, known for his role as Detective Beau Felton on NBC's Homicide: Life on the Street, is one of the festival's biggest supporters.

"We're going to make this film festival the biggest on Long Island," Baldwin said. "This is really a community that's trying to do something special for young filmmakers, and for old guys like me.

MOVIES TO WATCH (LBIFF):

Lamotta: The Bronx Bull

A combination "before the rage" and "after the rage" of world middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta's tumultuous life and times.

Martin Guigui, Director | Feature Narrative

Bear Story

A moving story within a story.

10 min. | Dir. Pato Escala

Comic Book Heaven

81 year old Joe Leisner cantankerously assesses the status of his business, the comic book industry, and his future.

12 min. | Dir. E.J. McLeavey-Fisher

The Last Taxi Driver

A taxi driver refuses to give up his license even when most of the city’s inhabitants are zombies.

14 min. | Dir. Debra Markowitz

To see the full list of Long Beach International Film Festival's movies, click here.

Story

2015 Long Beach International Film Festival Jury Announced

Jurors Include Award-Winning Filmmakers, Producers, Screenwriters, and Directors

Long Beach, NY (September, 2015) -- The Long Beach International Film Festival (LBIFF) recently announced its jurors – a diverse and talented group of six individuals including award-winning filmmakers and screenwriters, directors, publicists, distributors, talent agents, and media pioneers. With a roster of over 80 films from around the world ranging in categories from feature-length narratives to short films, documentaries, and animated movies, jurors will be selecting the absolute best in each group for various award categories and honors!

With such a fantastic jury made up of a wide range of accomplished individuals in their respective fields- each is sure to bring a fresh, well-rounded perspective while watching and discussing the films in competition. With winners in categories such as Best Feature Film receiving one complementary studio day at Grumman Studios in Bethpage, NY along with the services of a colorist from Technicolor to assist in any future projects, jurors will be tasked with picking only the best each group has to offer!

The astounding lineup for this years festival will include films such as “Lamotta: The Bronx Bull”, a feature film from Director Martin Guigui starring William Forsythe, Paul Sorvino, Joe Mantegna and Tom Sizemore; Audience Winner of SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST “Landfill Harmonic”, from Directors Graham Townsley and Brad Allgood; “Till We Meet Again”, a NY based Dramatic Adventure Film by Director Bank Tangjaitrong; Oscar Winner Alex Gibney’s latest documentary "Steve Jobs: The Man In The Machine"; Foreign films such as “The Windmill” from South Africa, “To Life” from France and much more.

More About the LBIFF15 Jurors

Kate McEdwards works at NY-based independent distributor Oscilloscope Laboratories. Oscilloscope's prior releases have included Lynne Ramsay's “We Need to Talk About Kevin”, Kelly Reichardt's “Wendy and Lucy” and “Meek's Cutoff”, Banksy’s “Exit Through the Gift Shop”, Lana Wilson and Martha Shane's “After Tiller”, Andrea Arnold's “Wuthering Heights”, and Matteo Garrone's “Reality”. Current and upcoming releases include Anna Muylaert’s “Second Mother”, Grand Prix winner Alice Rohrwacher’s “The Wonders”, and top prize-winner at this year's Director's Fortnight, Ciro Guerra's “Embrace of the Serpent”.

Patrick Gerety is the New York-based Director of Programs for the Producers Guild of America East, where he is involved in the Guild's vast number of events, screenings, partnerships, and special projects, including the Produced By: New York conference. A Los Angeles native, Gerety earned his BA from Vassar College in Religious Studies and has worked in feature film (live action & animation), television, and new media development. His passion lies in writing and developing creative content and bringing community together.   

A film publicist by trade for over 15 years, Maureen Masters served as Magnolia Pictures Head of Regional Publicity for the past 5 years and is currently involved in freelancing projects. She earned a BA in Journalism as well as a Masters in Communications, writing independent film reviews and working in film publicity throughout the country. Additionally, she has mentored young aspiring filmmakers, as well as served on many prominent film festival juries and panels.

Chris Kenneally is a writer/director and has been working in the movie industry since 1998. He co-directed and produced the documentary “Crazy Legs Conti: Zen And the Art of Competitive Eating” that was broadcast on A&E and Channel 5 UK. He wrote and directed the critically acclaimed documentary “Side By Side” which features host and producer Keanu Reeves interviewing luminaries such as James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, George Lucas and others on the current state of filmmaking. The film was a New York Times Critic Pick, was chosen by the US State Department for the American Film Showcase and played theatrically across the world. It was broadcast nationally on PBS. “Side By Side” is part of the permanent archive at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.

David Paterson is a writer, professional stuntman, adjunct professor of screenwriting for NYIT of Manhattan, and serves on the Film Advisory Board for the Savannah, Gold Coast, First Time and Big Apple Film Festivals.  He has served as a panelist for numerous film festivals in the U.S. and abroad, and is in great demand as a guest lecturer at colleges, universities and writer symposiums, most recently lecturing at the RIO IFF in Brazil. His films have premiered at Sundance, Tribeca and Palm Springs Film Festivals and won many awards and accolades. His latest film, “The Great Gilly Hopkins”, starring Glenn Close, Octavia Spencer, Kathy Bates and Julia Stiles opens in theaters this February. More about David can be found on IMDB or at www.arcadybayent.com

Kristina Cergol currently works in the NY offices of Gersh, a bi-coastal talent and literary agency representing actors, directors, writers and production personnel. Kristina arrived at Gersh after assisting with project development at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.  She has also helped to promote NY area film production through her work at the Nassau County Film Commission. Kristina produced and directed two short films while earning her degree in Boston University's nationally ranked film program.

As this eclectic group of Jurors have now officially been selected with a wide array of film and entertainment vocations between them, the 2015 Long Beach International Film Festival is sure to be a thrilling experience for all! Kicking off on Thursday, September 24th and running through Sunday, September 27th in the City of Long Beach, NY the event will once again branch off into Rockville Centre. Screening venues include the Madison Theatre, Molloy College: 1000 Hempstead Ave RVC NY; Long Beach Hotel: 405 East Broadway Long Beach NY, and Long Beach Cinema 4: 179 East Park Ave, Long Beach NY!

www.LongBeachFilm.com

Plan Your Stay!

http://www.longbeachfilm.com/hotels/

Become A Housing Host:

Open Your House or Apartment to Guests From Around the World and Enjoy the Festival for FREE!

http://www.longbeachfilm.com/housing-host/

Become A Volunteer:

Seeking Volunteers Who Share A Commitment to the Art of Filmmaking and Film!

http://www.longbeachfilm.com/volunteer/

More About the Long Beach International Film Festival:

The Long Beach International Film Festival celebrates the art of storytelling through cinema. Presenting shorts, fiction and documentary formats, the festival is committed to exhibiting films that convey a fresh voice and differing perspectives. With past celebrity attendance including such big names as actors Burt Young, Scott Franklin, Daniel Baldwin, and Richard Pryor Jr.; Musicians Joan Jett and Dee Snider; comedian Joey Kola, and UFC fighter Weidman! The goal of these programs is to captivate, engage and enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment. www.longbeachfilm.com

Twitter: @LBIFFNY

Instagram: @LBIFFNY

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LongBeachInternationalFilmFestival

World Premiere Screening of Talib Kweli Concert Film "Prisoner of Conscious"

Long Beach, NY (September, 2015) -- One of this years can’t-miss exclusive film and music events will take placeSaturday, September 26th as world-renowned hip-hop artist and political activist Talib Kweli will be on hand for the world premiere screening and Q&A for his film "Talib Kweli: Prisoner of Conscious, Live from Brooklyn" in The Madison Theatre at Molloy College at 10pm during the 2015 Long Beach Intl Film Festival. In May 2013 Talib Kweli released his fifth solo album. The following summer in June 2014, Talib performed the album in its entirety for a crowd at Williamsburg's Brookyn Bowl. This film documents that performance.

Talib Kweli

"Talib Kweli: Prisoner of Conscious, Live from Brooklyn" will screen as part of "The Joan Jett Music in Film Series", a new category added this year in honor of longtime supporter Joan Jett's involvement in the Festival and as an homage to her induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier in 2015. 

Ingrid Dodd, Joan Jett & Craig Weintraub

Other films in the Joan Jett Music Film Series include “All in Time”, “Landfill Harmonic” and  “Lee’s 88 Keys” – a feature documentary that shares the story of 2015 Jazz Hero Award Winner, composer and pianist Lee Shaw. Shaw lived a diverse, accomplished, and charmed life but struggled with being a woman in a male dominated field throughout her career. 

This year, the Long Beach International Film Festival (LBIFF) will be celebrating its 4th Anniversary as they bring a fresh line up of exciting films from around the world to Long Island. Taking place September 24-27th primarily in the City of Long Beach, NY the event will once again branch off into Rockville Centre as well. There are also three new screening venues to expand its film programming - along with filmmaker’s lounges and after parties at local restaurants and hotels. 

The winner of Best Feature Film will receive one complementary studio day at Grumman Studios in Bethpage, NY along with the services of a colorist from Technicolor to assist in any future projects.

ravit Jewelers is also a proud supporter of the LBIFF and believes creativity expresses individuality. Each year in collaboration with Idayne, a customized piece of jewelry is presented to an award winner to celebrate this achievement. Idayne is a Hollywood Jewelry designer and has designed for Cameron Diaz, Joan Jett and Miley Cyrus just to name a few. Last year she created a beautiful piece for Daniel Baldwin, who's film won Best Picture in 2014 at LBIFF. Idayne continues to support the festival with creating a piece each and every year for an award winning filmmaker.www.idayne.com 

Additionally, we are also proud to once again have Jet Blue as a premier sponsor of the festival, providing travel accommodations to our celebrity guests. www.jetblue.com 

Full Schedule of Events at: www.longbeachfilm.com/film 

Screening Venues:

Madison Theatre Molloy College: 1000 Hempstead Ave RVC NY

Long Beach Hotel: 405 East Broadway Long Beach NY

Long Beach Cinema 4: 179 East Park Ave, Long Beach NY

Plan Your Stay at The Allegria Hotel, The Garden City Hotel or the Long Beach Hotel! Discount rates available for film festival-goers:

http://www.longbeachfilm.com/hotels/ 

Become A Housing Host:

Open Your House or Apartment to Guests From Around the World and Enjoy the Festival for FREE!

http://www.longbeachfilm.com/housing-host/ 

Become A Volunteer:

Seeking Volunteers Who Share A Commitment to the Art of Filmmaking and Film!

http://www.longbeachfilm.com/volunteer/ 

More About the Long Beach International Film Festival:

The Long Beach International Film Festival celebrates the art of storytelling through cinema. Presenting shorts, fiction and documentary formats, the festival is committed to exhibiting films that convey a fresh voice and differing perspectives. With past celebrity attendance including such big names as actors Burt Young, Scott Franklin, Daniel Baldwin, and Richard Pryor Jr.; Musicians Joan Jett and Dee Snider; comedian Joey Kola, and UFC fighter Chris Weidman! The goal of these programs is to captivate, engage and enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment.

4 Must See Films at Long Beach International Film Festival

risa hartsough | LIPulse | SEPTEMBER 15, 2015

The Long Beach International Film Festival (LBIFF) rears its head again as a South Shore staple Sept. 24-27. The annual festival allows Long Islanders to be a part of the major film scene without having to trek into Manhattan. This year’s lineup of more than 80 films comes from around the globe and because of the expansion of programming the event will spill over into Rockville Centre. With so much to see and so little time these are the hot-ticket flicks you won’t want to miss.

Till We Meet Again, Sept. 25 at the Madison Theater at Molloy College

Till We Meet Again

A New York-based dramatic adventure film directed by Bank Tangjaitrong and starring John Matton and Linnea Larsdotter follows the couple from Thailand to their New York past.

Landfill Harmonic, Sept. 25 at the Madison Theater at Molloy College

Landfill Harmonic

Directors of Landfill Harmonic, Audience Winner of SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST, Graham Townsley and Brad Allgood follow the extraordinary experiences of a garbage picker, a music teacher and a group of children who create the most unlikely of orchestras out of trash.

The Last Taxi Driver, Sept. 25 at the Long Beach Hotel

The Last Taxi Drive

Local filmmaker Debra Markowitz shot The Last Taxi Driver in Nassau County. Blue Bloods Robert Clohessy and Emily Jackson star in the film about a dissatisfied taxi driver who refuses to give up his career even when most of the inhabitants left are zombies.

Worthy, Sept. 27 at the Long Beach Hotel

Worthy features a quirky actress who is determined to make it in Hollywood but has one big obstacle: herself.

Filmies can purchase single movie screening tickets or attend all four days with a pass purchase.

LIPulse