General view of Opening Night Event of New York International Film Festival -- LA Edition, September 18, 2013, Beverly Hills, California, photo by Joy Bennett
Last night I was thrilled to attend the Red Carpet Opening Night Event of the New York International Film Festival - LA Edition. Friends invited me, and there I met lots of directors, filmmakers, actors, screenwriters, producers, and friends of the above, all celebrating the festival, which runs through September 21.
This is one of the largest independent film festivals, and started in 1993. It's known as the "voice of independent filmmaking." In past years the works of dozens of celebrities have been featured, including Andy Garcia, Selma Blair, Dominique Swain, Tony Danza and countless others. More information and tickets to the events are available here nyfilmvideo.com.
They were also handing out awards last night. I couldn't catch them all, it was a loud, fun, crowded scene, but I did snag a Mr. Bradd Hopkins, who is the winner of Best Screenplay for his project "Ludlow." A very nice fellow! Congratulations to Mr. Hopkins and all the other festival award winners.
I will return to the festival this Friday to see some festival films and attend the events, and will report back on it then.
I must say I am continually impressed with the ingenuity, gumption, and sheer inventiveness of independent film and filmmakers. I believe that the quality of independent films are often higher than the dribble that the big studios often put out, year in and year out. Tickets are still available to the festival, which is taking place at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, in itself, a lovely and historic venue.
Note: I just added more photos from this event on my Flickr page, check it out here: flickr.com/joybennett.
This is one of the largest independent film festivals, and started in 1993. It's known as the "voice of independent filmmaking." In past years the works of dozens of celebrities have been featured, including Andy Garcia, Selma Blair, Dominique Swain, Tony Danza and countless others. More information and tickets to the events are available here nyfilmvideo.com.
They were also handing out awards last night. I couldn't catch them all, it was a loud, fun, crowded scene, but I did snag a Mr. Bradd Hopkins, who is the winner of Best Screenplay for his project "Ludlow." A very nice fellow! Congratulations to Mr. Hopkins and all the other festival award winners.
I will return to the festival this Friday to see some festival films and attend the events, and will report back on it then.
I must say I am continually impressed with the ingenuity, gumption, and sheer inventiveness of independent film and filmmakers. I believe that the quality of independent films are often higher than the dribble that the big studios often put out, year in and year out. Tickets are still available to the festival, which is taking place at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, in itself, a lovely and historic venue.
Note: I just added more photos from this event on my Flickr page, check it out here: flickr.com/joybennett.