Even in its final couple of days, The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) continued to attract large audiences and more celebrity interest.This week long event at Village East was hosted by Shorty Brown and showcased a very diverse array of features, shorts as well as a compelling slate of high-quality documentaries. Its appeal even allured the always laid back yet pleasantly upbeat Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket) as he surprised festival staffers on Wednesday afternoon when he walked into the Village East Cinemas and grabbed a copy of the festival program.

Talented documentarian and film producer Gary Kaskel premiered Animal People – the humane movement in America to a large audience. The film is a history and overview of the animal protection movement in America and features interviews with Peter Singer, Tom Regan, Ingrid Newkirk as well as Hitchcock's favorite ice blonde actress turned activist Tippi Hedren (The Birds).

Even Steven, a short film by director William Lappe attracted over 350 people to what was perhaps the buzziest and definitely the busiest screening of them all. This intense drama tells the story of a criminal being brought to justice in a tale of redemption and karma.

The film Echoes by talented Spanish filmmaker Estefanía Muñiz emerged as one of the best shorts in the international section. The film is shot on 35mm film and relays the tale of a woman's journey towards understanding forgiveness and the true worth of human life despite its many discriminations & hardships. The filmmaker brought an impressive selection of guests including the beautiful Carlitta Gil, daughter of Carlos Gil (Raiders of the Lost Arc).

Rapturious a horror by former Jerky boy turned professional filmmaker Kamal Ahmed premiered to a full house. The film stars Robert Oppel & Debbie Rachon and tells the story of a self desctructive rapper who believes demonic entities are after him.

Closing night party at hotspot The Plumm was eventful from the get-go. The upscale party was produced by Renata Lorenc of Rula PR and was co-hosted by Nicole Holland. A huge line gathered in spite of the inclement weather to celebrate the last day of the NYIIFVF. The party also celebrated the release of the Fall-Winter Independent Film Quarterly (IFQ)published by entertainment impresario Stuart Alson. A great range of indie filmmakers mingled with festival staffers whilst groups of low-key celebs partied in the VIP sections. Celebrity revelers included Ivanna Trump, Travis Barker (drummer of Blink 182), Jay Hernandez (World Trade Center) and the much-googled Cheryl Burke (Dancing With the Stars).

Celeb Shutterbug and author Patrick Mc Mullan stopped by to get some snaps and with some gentle coaxing agreed to pose for a shot with NYIIFVF festival staffers, all of whom are big fans of this legendary and charismatic photographer.

Stand by for award-winners and details of the awards show in honor of participants of the Fall Winter in this year’s NYIIFVF film extravaganza!

pictures captions

L-R Kim Schulster, Jon Smith, Matthew Modine and Briege McGarrity at Village East Photo credit: Max Bartoli

L-R Kamal Ahmed, Nicole Holland Stuart Alson Photo Credit: Bruce Alexander

Travis Barker from Blink 182 at the Plumm Photo credit: Nicole Holland

L-R Renata Lorenc with Dancing With The Stars winner Cheryl Burke Photo Credit: Andrew Kaen

L-R Anita Sabherwal, Patrick McMullan, Briege McGarrity and Jon Smith
Photo credit: Bruce Alexander