The much-anticipated New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) kicked off in style at premier club Pacha on Thursday, July 19. The opening night festivities attracted over 1,000 filmmakers, artists, actors, delegates, press and industry. Filmmakers promoted and networked and 100 trailers were played on large screens throughout the evening. Guests in attendance included Stephen Bogart (son of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall); Otto Sanchez (Kidnapped, Bad Boys II); stunning Indian actress Meghna Naidu and Emmy award-winning filmmaker James Hanlon (9/11) who was promoting his latest controversial documentary, POPWHORE A New American Dream.

Over 50 films and videos from around the world screened on the opening day at City Cinemas Village East. Noteworthy offerings included XXX Marriage by award-winning filmmaker and human sexuality expert, Dr. Mark Schoen and My Love My Love, a beautifully directed love story by Igal Peeri. A packed festival audience were buzzing after the premiere of Agenda, a suspense thriller starring Robert Rusler (Babylon 5, The Outsiders, 24, Weird Science) and produced by Texan-based production company, Azisa Pictures.

Saturday’s screening of Confusion Burning attracted an excited crowd of teenagers from Newark, New Jersey. Veteran actor Tony Lo Bianco (The French Connection) surprised festival goers by showing up to support this educational documentary that seeks to help make troubled teenagers make healthier lifestyle choices. The film was directed by Adam Litwinski and produced by award-winning Humanitarian Kathy DiFiore whose work has been honored by Mother Teresa.


POPWHORE A New American Dream premiered on Saturday evening. The controversy and publicity surrounding the edgy social doc about a young wife and mother who starts her own Internet porn site resulted in a sold out screening. Guests in attendance included Tatum Reed AKA “POPWHORE" with her husband Derik, director James Hanlon and L.A producer Darren Capik along with members of the film industry.

The red carpet premiere of Rivaaz, a thought-provoking film that tackles issues such as human trafficking, child slavery, prostitution also had a sold out show that attracted American and Indian media as well as the stunning cast who graciously signed autographs as they walked the red carpet.

The short film Confessions directed by Justin Lee Peterson, who sadly passed away unexpectedly two weeks ago was attended by Soprano’s actor Robert Funaro, who also paid tribute to the filmmaker’s creativity and talent as a director. Confessions, a short thriller/drama proved popular with New York audiences.

* L-R Stephen Bogart, NYIIFVF publicist Briege McGarrity, Jonathan Scott and his daughter
Photo credit Bruce Alexander

* Veteran Actor Tony Lo Bianco shows his support for educational film for teenagers

* L-R Tatum Reed AKA POPWHORE with husband Derik on the red carpet

* Retired Fire fighter turned filmmaker James Hanlon pictured with some FDNY firefighters who attended the POPWHORE Premiere

* Meghna Naidu (pictured center) and other main cast of Rivaaz at the Premiere at City Cinemas Village East.


*Soprano’s actor Robert Funaro with NYIIFVF Founder/Exec Producer Stuart Alson
Photo Credits Andrew Kaen for the NYIIFVF