The New York International Independent Film & Video Festival (NYIIFVF) kicks off 2005 in style by launching a ten day film and art event in Los Angeles from March 10th through the 17th. Showcasing over 100 impressive features, shorts, animations and documentaries, NYIIFVF is sure to be well received. Founded in 1993 by Stuart Alson, NYIIFVF has been recognized by the film and entertainment industry as one of the leading film events on the independent festival circuit. NYIIFVF begins its celebrations along with The New York International Art Festival on March 10th with an opening night gala at popular Hollywood Club, The Key Club at 9039 Sunset Blvd. NYIIFVF will run through March 17th at the Laemmle FairFax Theaters at 7907 Beverly Blvd in West Hollywood.
NYIIFVF attracts many global entries, including: Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Israel, Italy, Poland, Spain, Tunisia and the U.K. The scope of the festival ranges from high profile to novice, so one experiences an array of films and individuals driven by independent movie making.
Past Festivals have included the work of Abel Ferrara, Andy Garcia, Calista Flockhart, Cameron Diaz, Christopher Walken, Daryl Hannah, Eva Herzigova, Guy Pearce, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Modine, Rod Steiger, Tippi Hedren, Tony Danza and Willem Defoe.
NY International Independent Film and Video Festival will host ten days of special events including industry panels and after-parties for participating artists, filmmakers, members of the public, press and industry professionals. Interested panelists and key-note speakers should e-mail to schedulenymf@aol.com.
Festival Highlights:
Michael Moore Hates America (Feature/Documentary): In this controversial documentary, Michael Wilson travels the country in his quest for an interview with the ever-elusive Michael Moore, humorously satirizing Moore's own dogged pursuit of then GM President Roger Smith in Moore's 1989 documentary "Roger and Me". From Coast to Coast, Wilson encounters celebrities, writers, politicians and everyday citizens in a candid and often surprising account of the cultural dialogue in modern America, resulting in a film so honest and refreshingly self-critical that it will never win the top prize at Cannes.
Troy's Story (Documentary/Biography):Troy's Story is a feature length documentary that explores the life of Australian motorcycle sensation Troy Bayliss. It's an intimate and revealing portrait of a charismatic and quiet family man who from humble beginnings growing up on wheat farm, always dreamed of one day racing bikes. At age 23 Troy's life changed forever. He married his high school sweet heart Kim; they brought their first home together, started a family and then spent nine thousand dollars on a road bike. Nine years later Troy was crowned World Superbike Champion. Troy's riding style is breathtaking and his bin-it-or-win-it attitude has earned him respect and made him a superstar in Europe and across the globe. Narrated by self confessed Troy Bayliss fan Ewan McGregor Troy's Story provides an extraordinary and rare insight into a world championship racing team and remains the definitive behind the scenes expose about a genuine Australian hero.
AREK (Documentary)l: AREK is the human rights documentary seen through the eyes of a childhood survivor of the Holocaust. Whilst identifying the lessons to be learned from the past, it challenges us to apply them in the present. "An injury to one is an injury to all" is the theme of the film that confronts the audience.
Insomnia Manica (Feature): A fast paced psychological thrill ride combining relentless and cutting edge film making make Insomnia Manica a gripping Neo-noir tale of a young group of vigilante thieves who choose to steal the wrong prize. Set in the dark and gritty downtown of Los Angeles, Insomnia Manica takes the audience through the journey of Iliad Labor (Daston Kalili) who drives the intensity through the screen with a powerful performance about riding the jagged edge of good and evil. Dahlia LaNoir (Natalie Fiori) shines as the femme fatale who as Iliad's partner has to pay the ultimate price for her love. Moment by moment both minds and lives are lost. With its surreal soundtrack and unforgettable ending the lines of pain, fear and insanity all blur into Insomnia Manica.
The 73 Virgins (Short): A young Palestinian teen (Khalid) proudly discloses to his girlfriend (Zahra) that he is to become a suicide bomber. After her loving, passionate plea to change his mind fails, Zahra realizes that Khalid, like so many suicide bombers before him, is under the influence of the myth of the 72 Virgins, which promises eternal sexual gratification in the afterlife. Zahra quickly subverts the myth into a horrid and fearful one in the hopes of saving his life. Deeply shaken by Zahra's words and with time winding down, Khalid must choose life or death. Luckily, the 72 Virgins are there to "assist" him with his decision
Sleeping Dogs Lie (Short/Drama): Jeff Hannon, from the forever-away world of Cincinnati, Ohio, has stumbled upon what he believes to be a 30-year-old murder in a small Texas town. His ceaseless nightmares compel his drive to Bueford, Texas to enlist the local authorities to help solve the murder mystery and forever put an end to the voices that haunt him. Hannon¹s own fate soon becomes entwined with the dusty town¹s long forgotten history.
Hamoudi & Emil (Short/Comedy): Twelve-year old buddies, Hamoudi & Emil, are hell-bent on a mission to score the girl of their dreams. Unfortunately, they haven't decided who will go first, or what they will do about her husband. With the unlikely help of Hamoudi's well-meaning grandfather, the boys are about to discover the power of prayer.
Behind the Artist: Michael Godard (Short/Documentary: Behind The Artist reveals the tragic life story of America's best-selling artist- Michael Godard. For the first time in his life the artist discloses the shocking truth of his past: intolerable brutality by his step-father that drove him to teenage drug abuse and to mental breakdown which resulted in attempted suicide. The documentary features interviews with Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Dishwalla and Alter Bridge.
A Daughters Touch (Short): Mother's killing their children...Mother's killing themselves...Mother's on death row..."A Daughter's Touch" A tale about postpartum depression and a woman on the brink doing the unimaginable. This short captures the chilling moment right before the mother suffering PPD is just about to do the unthinkable. Written by Sylvia Lasalandra, a PPD survivor and a brilliant and truly refreshing writer who has just finished her book; "A Daughter's Touch" which will make its debut in the upcoming New York International Film & Video Festival.
God's Hand (Short): GOD'S HAND is the coming of age story of the "Royalty 40" crew. A trio of young, Brooklyn-based artists, immersed in the sub-culture of graffiti, witness their finest mural being torn down by sanitation crews just as they are about to take photos for an international competition. From evading police, to stereotypes, to triumph, GOD'S HAND brings a fresh look to the term "struggling artist" in New York.
The Big Empty (Dramedy): A bittersweet tale of Alice, her vagina and the infinite nature of the tundra. Starring: Selma Blair , Elias Koteas, Richard Kind, Richmond Arquette, Gabriel Mann. Excutive producer, George Clooney.
The Opening Night Party on March 10th will be held at the Key Club at 9039 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood from 6pm to 10pm. Opening Night Tickets are priced at $20 each. This is an ALL AGES event. The entire spectrum of the film and art industries will be expected to attend including producers, directors, distributors and buyers. Select artists will be displaying their work and all will be available for purchase. For directions or location information you may call the Key Club at 310.274.5800.
After-Parties will be held each night at various locations from 10pm to 2am. List of after-parties will be posted on our website (www.nyfilmvideo.com) by March 1st. Dress Code is strictly enforced. All after-parties are for 21 and over only.
Seminars will be held at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel at 1020 North San Vicente Blvd. in West Hollywood from 10am to 11:30am. Topics and Panelists information will be posted on our website (www.nyfilmvideo.com). For directions or location information you may call the Wyndham at 310-854-1111.
Chatelin Bruno 
