This November, people from all over the world will come to Queens, New York to celebrate the Queens International Film Festival (QIFF).
Celebrating its 4th year of inception, this four-day event is attracting the eyes of powerhouse directors, fledgling actors, and moviegoers alike..a fighting cub to the lion that is Cannes.
The devoted founders of QIFF have laid the groundwork to build a global entertainment community in the diverse, local neighborhood of Queens, New York. Unlike other film festivals, QIFF actively seeks to empower young talent, finding beauty in unique collaborations while educating international lovers of film.
A contemporary to the Tribeca Film Festival, the Queens Film Festival has been recognized for discovering master works among indie film productions. In previous years, QIFF has screened ..Perhaps Love,.. an Academy Award contender for Best Foreign Film, directed by Peter Chan (The Love Letter and Hes a Woman, Shes a Man) and produced by Andre Morgan (Million Dollar Baby). ..I am David.. (starring Jim Caviezel) ..Down to the Bone.. (Winner Best Dramatic Acting, Sundance 2004) and ..Brooklyn Bound.. (Winner Tribecca Film Festival, 2004) among many others.
This year will not disappoint! Ground-breaking movies that provoke revolutions in thought, highlight women, and showcase underexposed countries set the stage and give voice to independent filmmakers.
In addition to screening films, the festival program includes events like the Hip Hop Spin Party and the Youth Initiative with Stella Adler collaboration, which helps at risk children and youth with guidance and positive self-esteem enhancement activities related to film. Highlighting features also boast a Retrospective on acclaimed Greek filmmaker Costa Gavras and a large-scale celebration of Greek Culture at Cavo.
QIFF has created a spirited showcase for the world---with old Hollywood red carpet-style.
In addition to promoting its international scope, this year QIFF will showcase and promote again New Yorks own film scene in three special competitions: Celebrating New York on Film, the Queens Cinema Collection and Brooklyn Takes Over. QIFF has invited students from the top New York film schools to participate again in this year..s QIFF Student Showcase. The festival will feature a youth program designed to expose at-risk kids from the five boroughs to the exciting and expressive medium of film.
QIFF also secured the screening of 2007 Oscar contenders and will welcome again Academy Awards and Hollywood Foreign Press Association members at the festival!
As of today we have maintained the support of the Governor's Office, Mayor Bloomberg along with many notable members of the film industry including Danny Mancuso, Martin Scorsese, Walter Alza, Gregory Cascante, Chad Allen, Richard Vetere, and Oliver Stone.
Our supporters enjoy promotional visibility at the festival, in its various marketing materials and in the international exposure that accompanies this event. Major sponsors such as Starbucks, Stella Artois, Sprint/Nextel are contributing to this years event.
Due to an overwhelming response of entries and support, the festival will expand to seven different venues: The Museum of the Moving Image, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Charter School, PS166 Auditorium, The Gallery (where our information/hospitality and box office will be located), and Cinema Paradiso. From November 16th to November 19th, over 200 films will be screened, including several 2007 Academy Award contenders!
The official schedule of events is coming soon! Please visit www.queensfilmfestival.com for official film selection and additional information.
Due to an overwhelming response of entries and support, the festival will expand to four different venues: The Museum of the Moving Image, Kaufman Astoria Studios and Theatre, Astoria's Studio City, and Cinema Paradise. From November 16th to November 19th, over 200 films will be screened and extra events will be added.
OFFICIAL FILM SELECTION will be announced October 6th. Please visit www.queensfilmfestival for more information.
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