For IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 1, 2005 Contact: Kolomo Vanterpool Boston Int’l Film Festival 617-742-3500 THE THIRD ANNUAL BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Boston, MA---The THIRD ANNUAL BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL will kick off opening night, June 22, 2005 with the New England premiere of award winning feature film, “Drum”, a true story about the growth of apartheid in Johannesburg in the 50’s. The film stars Taye Diggs in the role of a fearless, hard drinking, charming young writer who goes undercover to daringly document the multiplying tales of injustice that were occurring all around. This First Session will be followed by a Gala Party event. There is something for everyone in this Festival, ongoing from June 22 through June 26, 2005, providing an exciting, diverse, multi- cultural experience for its audiences. The Boston International Film Festival is dedicated to honoring, encouraging and rewarding the many talented and creative independent filmmakers from around the world who dare to express themselves in new, unique and imaginative ways. The Festival will screen the latest and most choice independent films from Africa, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. It offers Bostonians a unique opportunity to taste a wide variety of the best new documentaries, short films and gems of animation as well as its outstanding roster of feature films. For more information or to see the Schedule, where you can also read synopsis of each film to be shown including plot summaries and screen shots of the cast, visit the web site: www.bifilmfestival.com . To reserve your tickets now call 617-742-3500, or purchase your tickets on line. Choose from several categories of attendance: Individual Session Tickets, All Screening Passes, or the All Access VIP Passes which will entitle holders to attend all film sessions, all after hours events and to meet some of the influential people in the film industry including writers, directors, producers and the stars of these independent films. ________________________________________ July 1, 2004 BIFF 2004 Award Winners Congratulations to all of the filmmakers who participated in the 2004 Boston International Film Festival. The winning films were announced at a closing night ceremony held at the ROXY in Boston on Sunday, June 27, 2004. The Festival brought together and honored a multicultural group of filmmakers from around the world who were cited for their outstanding achievements. FEATURE FILM AWARDS Indie Spirit Best Picture Award Brian Presley for GUARDING EDDY Indie Spirit Best Jury Award Robert Pratten for LONDON VOODOO Indie Spirit Best Director Award Scott McKinsey for GUARDING EDDY Indie Spirit Best Actor Award Kiko Ellsworth and Brian Presley for GUARDING EDDY Indie Spirit Best Cinematography Award Matthew Power for THROG SHORT FILM AWARDS Indie Soul Best Picture Award Kevin Ackerman for LONELY PLACE Indie Soul Best Short Award Eric Devlin Taylor for HEADACHE Indie Soul Best Cinematography Award Steeve Gainer, ASC for LONELY PLACE Indie Soul Best Jury Award Paul Baker for CHANCE Special Recognition Award Lisa P. Hagerty for STRIKINGLY SINGLE Special Recognition Award Daniel Small for TIME AND AGAIN Special Recognition Award Tate Taylor for CHICKEN PARTY Special Recognition Award Miguel Gallego for THE CRYPT CLUB DOCUMENTARY AWARDS Indie Spec Best Documentary Award Ziad Hamzeh for THE LETTER Indie Spec Best Jury Award Jonathan Schwartz for TURNED OUT; Sexual Assault Behind Bars Indie Spec Special Recognition Award Maryanne Galvin for THE PURSUIT OF PLEASURE Indie Spec Special Recognition Award Rhonda Haynes for BRINGING IN DA SPIRIT ANIMATION AWARD Best Animated film Award Jim Goodman for THE DEVIL & MANNY SCHMECKSTEIN ======================================== June 1, 2004 For Immediate Release; Contact; Monica Ursino or Michelle Algarin THE SECOND ANNUAL BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Boston, MA -- Bway 7 Productions announces the 2nd Annual Boston International Film Festival beginning June 24th through June 27th 2004. The Boston International Film Festival is dedicated to honoring, encouraging and rewarding the many talented, creative, independent filmmakers from around the world who dare to express themselves in new, unique and imaginative ways. The Festival will be screening 114 short and feature films on both film print and video. Included in the Festival are films from Canada, Mexico, Germany, Taiwan, South Korea, Iraq, Australia, France, Japan, Brazil, England, Namibia, the United States, etc. The Festival screenings will take place at the: John Hancock Hall: 200 Berkeley St., Boston (Copley Square Area) Hynes Convention Center: 900 Boylston St., Boston The Bill Bordy Theatre: 216 Tremont St., Boston A major goal of the 2nd annual Boston International Film Festival is to expand the national and international interest in and reputation of the Festival, thereby attracting more film industry professionals and an even higher quality of films and filmmakers. As an annual event, increased press coverage and greater attendance of the Festival insures an ongoing multi- cultural experience for Bostonians. This Festival will support businesses as well as all community resources that support Boston’s economy and cultural development by bringing together filmmakers and moviegoers from around the world. Furthermore, the Festival promotes filmmakers who manage to illustrate their independent vision at the finest level of expression. For more information, you can visit our website at www.bifilmfestivall.com or you may contact us via e-mail: bifilmfestival@aol.com, or Phone 617-426-4600 / 781-935-0871. _____________________________________________________ For IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 25, 2004 All Access VIP Passes Contact; Jean Desire Boston Int’l Film Festival 781-935-0871 THE SECOND ANNUAL BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Boston, MA- Bway 7 Productions announces the Second Annual Boston International Film Festival starting June 24th through the June 27th of 2004. Contact Bway 7 Productions to reserve your All Access VIP Passes at 617-426-4600 or 781-935- 0871. With your VIP Pass you can attend the sessions, all after hours events and meet some of the influential people in the industry such as Writers, Directors, Producers, and the Stars of these independent films. The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration for filmmakers worldwide. It is a spectacular and ambitious undertaking. It is dedicated to honoring, encouraging and rewarding the many talented, creative, independent filmmakers from around the world who dare to express themselves in new, unique and imaginative ways. The Festival will be screening movies on film and video from around the world, the screenings will take place at the following locations. John Hancock Hall; 180 Berkeley Street, Boston Back Bay/Copley Square area. Hynes Convention Center; 900 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02115 and Bill Bordy Theater; 216 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02116. The Boston International Film Festival’s current goal is to create an annual event that would produce a multi-cultural experience for Bostonians. This Festival will assist businesses as well as all community resources that support Boston’s economy and cultural development, by bringing together filmmakers and moviegoers from around the world. Furthermore, the Festival will promote filmmakers who manage to illustrate their independent vision at the finest level of expression. For more information, you can visit our website at www.bifilmfestivall.com or you may contact us via e-mail: info@bifilmfestival.com, or Phone 617-426-4600 or 781-935-0871. ==================================================================== ============ _____________________________________________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------- July 7, 2003 For Immediate Release Contact: Erica Morales at Bway 7 Productions, 781-935-0871 FIRST ANNUAL BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED Eric Perlmutter “Season Of Youth” 1st Winner of the Indie Spirit Category (for Best Narrative Feature) Dan Halperin “Road Doggs” 2nd Winner of the Indie Spirit Category Sayed Badreya “T for Terrorist” 1st Winner of the Indie Soul Category (for Best Narrative Short) Rebecca Abbott “Herbert III” 2nd Winner of the Indie Soul Category Eric Devlin Taylor “March 1st” 3rd Winner of the Indie Soul Category Gayle Ferraro “Anonymously Yours” 1st Winner of the Indie Spec Category (for Best Documentary Feature) Laura Kightlinger “Sixty Spins Around The Sun” (for best Documentary) Harriet Hirshorn “Raboteau Trial” 3rd Winner of the Indie Spec Category Special Recognitions Todd Norwood “Jack Milton; Fairy Tale Detective” Winner of the Best Story Line Award Darren Genet “March 1st” Winner of the Best Cinematography Award George Moore and Aleta Staton “Herbert III” Winner of Best Acting Performance Award Todd Norwood “Jack Milton; Fairy Tale Detective” Winner of Best Achievement in Creativity _____________________________________________________ June 2003 THE FIRST BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Sponsored by Bway 7 ProductionsBoston, MA- Bway 7 Productions announces the first Boston International Film Festival Starting July 3rd through the 5th of 2003. The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration for filmmakers worldwide. It is a spectacular and ambitious undertaking. It is dedicated to honoring, encouraging and rewarding the many talented, creative, independent filmmakers from around the world who dare to express themselves in new, unique and imaginative ways. The Festival will be screening movies on film and video from around the world, including Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, Japan, Brazil, England, Haiti the United States, to mention a few. The screenings will take place at theJohn Hancock Hall located at 180 Berkeley Street Back Bay/Copley Square area. The Boston International Film Festival's current goal is to create an annual event that would produce a multi-cultural experience for Bostonians. This festival will assist businesses as well as all community resources that support Boston's economy and cultural development, by bringing together filmmakers and moviegoers from around the world. Furthermore, the festival will promote filmmakers who manage to illustrate their independent vision at the finest level of expression. _____________________________________________________ BOSTON GLOBE JUNE 15, 2003 BOSTON GETS AN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AUTHOR: LOREN KING EDITION: THIRD SECTION: ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT PAGE: N15 INDEX TERMS: LIV AN INDEPENDENT PRODUCER AND FILMMAKER, PATRICK JEROME OF DORCHESTER, HAS UNDERTAKEN THE DAUNTING TALK OF MOUNTING A NEW FILM FESTIVAL IN BOSTON THAT HE HOPES WILL ATTRACT A WIDER AND MORE DIVERSE AUDIENCE THAN THOSE WHO ATTENDED ESTABLISHED FESTIVALS. THE BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE JULY 3- 5 AT JOHN HANCOCK HALL AND WILL SHOWCASE 50 FEATURES, DOCUMENTARIES, SHORTS, AND ANIMATED FILMS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, AS WELL AS GUEST FILMMAKERS. JEROME, WHO IS PRESIDENT OF A MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTION COMPANY, SOLICITED SUBMISSIONS OVER THE PAST YEAR. THE 50 FILMS SELECTED, FROM CANADA, ENGLAND, MEXICO, HAITI, AND THE US, WERE CULLED FROM 1,000 ENTRIES. ALSO ON THE BILL IS JEROME’ S THIRD FILM, “HOLLA AT ME,” WHICH JUST PLAYED THE TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL IN NEW YORK. “I’VE BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR 12 YEARS, AND I’VE GONE TO MANY FILM FESTIVALS,” SAYS JEROME, WHO IS FINALIZING THE SCHEDULE FOR POSTING ON THE FESTIVAL’S WEBSITE. “FILMMAKERS AND VIEWERS SHOULD BE TREATED WITH RESPECT. I WANT THIS FESTIVAL TO HELP INDEPENDENT AND LOCAL FILMMAKERS BY GIVING THEM A CHANCE TO EXPOSE THEIR WORK AND FIND AN AUDIENCE.” IN ADDITION TO MANY NICHE FESTIVALS, BOSTON ALREADY HOSTS THE BOSTON FILM FESTIVAL AND, LAUNCHED JUST THIS YEAR, THE BOSTON INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL. “THERE HAS NOT BEEN A GOOD REPRESENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL FILMS AT FESTIVALS HERE,” SAYS JEROME. “I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THERE IS AN AUDIENCE, PARTICULARLY IN THE INNER CITY, THAT DOESN’T SHOW UP FOR OTHER FILM FESTIVALS.” FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW. BIFILMFESTIVAL.COM. _____________________________________________________ WEEKLY DIG THE BEST LITTLE PAPER IN BOSTON The Boston International Film Festival by Asa Pittman For Bostonians tired of battling the Hatch Shell's heat and crowds every Fourth of July, there's a new holiday pastime - watching movies in an air-conditioned theater. This year, celebrate Independence Day with one, two or three days of independent film screenings at the Boston International Film Festival July 3 through 5. Not to be confused with similarly named Boston film festivals, the Boston International Film Festival, in its first year, is unique from other city film festivals because of its cosmopolitan flavor, says BIFF director and founder, Patrick Jerome. “When you look at the mainstream film festivals that already exist around here, there's less focus on the international, the world market and its cultures.” Jerome decided to start the international festival to supplement Boston's lack of diversity, reasoning that both foreign filmmakers and Beantown audiences would benefit from the cultural exchange; directors could introduce their films to the coveted US market and Americans could expand their cinematic boundaries. The goal of the festival is threefold, says Jerome: “to have fun sharing cultures, educating ourselves, and promoting the filmmakers.” To attract a diverse repertoire of films, Jerome, a filmmaker himself, solicited submissions using the most powerful communications tool at his disposal, the Internet. Ads posted on Filmthreat.com, Indiewire, and the festival's official Web site, bifilmfestival.com, along with a modest direct marketing campaign garnered responses throughout the United States and from other countries, such as Australia, France, Mexico and Egypt. Jerome and his festival crew had the difficult task of pruning the more than 1,500 submissions to about fifty. “It was tough,” Jerome recalls of the screening process, “Sometimes you'd say 'this movie is so good' then later on find one that was three, four times better.” Occasionally, films of exceptional quality immediately distinguished themselves as festival contenders. Season of Youth, a feature-length drama chronicling racial tension between black and white teenage America, was such a film says Jerome. “All of us [involved with the festival] sat down and watched this movie - it's a spectacular movie.” The film's risky subject matter increased its appeal to a selection committee seeking not only cultural, but creative diversity in the films it accepted. Jerome is happy with the committee's choices: “There are so many striking movies [in the festival]. It's so daring to see the filmmakers 'go there.'” The BIFF's liberal policy was welcome news to filmmaker Gayle Ferraro, whose documentary on the sex trade in Southeast Asia had been rejected from numerous festivals due to its controversial topic. Her film, Anonymously Yours, makes its New England premiere at the BIFF. Ferraro hopes to screen future projects at the fest, “I want to see the festival around for a long time.” Indie fans can see Ferraro's flick and the other BIFF screenings at the John Hancock Hall in Boston. |
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April 11 - 21, 2014 |
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE Boston International Film Festival July 17, 2009 Contact: Naomi Kondo info@bifilmfestival.com The Boston Int’l Film Festival is proud to announce the winners for this year's Screenplay to Productions Contest. ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD By Jennifer Smith FORA DE CONTROLE (Beyond Control) By Marc Cabral |
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April 9, 2010 For Immediate Release: Contact: Jean Desire TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL The eighth annual Boston International Film Festival opens Friday, April 16, 2010 and runs through Sunday, April 25, 2010. The vibrant city of Boston will once again be host to one of the most important cultural events of the year, the Boston International Film Festival. Each year filmmakers, actors, producers, and industry heavyweights from around the world mingle with hundreds of movie-goers at the AMC/LOEWS Theatre, 175 Tremont Street for the occasion. The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration of the art of film making. It encourages and supports independent filmmakers from around the world, presenting a dazzling variety of both short and feature length films from a select group of directors. The festival strives to promote understanding of diverse cultures by displaying the passions and unique vision of these filmmakers, and promises to both entertain and educate the viewers This year’s program includes over one hundred films from 30 countries including Brazil,Haiti, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tibet to name a few. Competition is tough and only a small percent of the films submitted actually make the final cut. Each day from April 16 through 25 several films will be shown, usually one feature length film preceded by short films, which range anywhere from three to 45 minutes. After each screening there is a moderated question and answer session, where the public can pose questions to the filmmakers. The festival begins with LIKE LOVE, a five minute sizzling bedroom drama written and directed by Guy Taylor and Dan Boylan. ANA'S PLAYGROUND follows, an intense tale written and directed by Eric D. Howell, which transports us to a day in the life of children living amidst armed conflict. The Opening Night feature film, HARRY BROWN, is the Boston premiere of a powerful drama starring Michael Caine. Directed by Daniel Barber, HARRY BROWN follows one man’s journey through a chaotic world where drugs are the currency of the day and guns run the streets. Excitement builds before the first screening at the Red Carpet affair. The entire film festival staff , led by filmmaker and festival founder Patrick Jerome are on hand to greet the stars as they walk down the red carpet and enter the theatre. The Opening Night Gala celebration follows the screening at 8:30 pm. Tickets are on sale now for all of the events. A complete schedule of the films to be screened, as well as information about all festival events and how to purchase tickets can be found online at www.bifilmfestival.com. Not to be missed are short films such as DANNY, a dark drama of a troubled adolescent and his new found friend, set in California, and written, directed and produced by T. David Field. It will be screened during Session 3 on Saturday, April 17. SPECK’S LAST, set in rural New Hampshire, portrays the dilemma facing three siblings after the accidental death of their older brother. Written and directed by Michael Dowling, it will be screened during Session 31 on Friday, April 23. On the lighter side, ON THE RISE is a delightful 4 minute animation about an Australian rancher with a solution for global warming. It is written, directed, and produced by John Tupper. The final day of the festival, Sunday April 25, seven films will be screened in three separate sessions. The Closing Gala party at 8:30 wraps up the event for the season. All festival screenings will take place at the AMC/LOEWS theater, Boston Common, at 175 Tremont Street. By RoseMary Marchetta |
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BIFF 2010 Awards Winners Congratulations to all of the filmmakers who participated in the Eighth Annual Boston International Film Festival. We gathered filmmakers from around the world, who offered both global and local messages, and we celebrated them for their outstanding achievements. The winning films were announced at the closing ceremony of the festival at the AMC/Loews Theatre in Boston Common on Sunday, April 25, 2010. FEATURE FILM AWARDS Indie Spirit Best Picture Award Elika Portnoy for “IMMIGRATION TANGO” Indie Spirit Best Story Line Award Campbell Graham for ANYONE YOU WANT Indie Spirit Best Director Award Cynthia Hsiung for “ARE YOU FOR GREAT SEX” Indie Spirit Best Actor Award Carlos Leon for “IMMIGRATION TANGO” Indie Spirit Best Actress Award Jessica Caban for “ARE YOU FOR GREAT SEX” Indie Spirit Best Cinematography Award Will Bain for “LILLY’S THORN” Indie Spirit Special Recognition Award Wilbert Berthaud Jr. for “UNDERGROUND” Robert Fritz for “OVERLOAD” Lee Carlo for “ THROUGH THE WOODS” SHORT FILM AWARDS Indie Soul Best Picture Award Robert Andersen for “ASBURY PARK” Indie Soul Best Story Line Award T. David Field for “DANNY” Indie Soul Best Cinematography Award Nadine Keil & Norbert Keil for “BATHTUB TO HAPPINESS” Indie Soul Best Actor Award Craig Avera for “NO ASIANS IT’S JUST NOT MY THING Indie Soul Best Director Award Omar Samad for “TAKEO” Indie Soul Special Recognition Award Jonathan Salemi for “SIDEWALK SYMPHONY” Mark Childers & Kandace C. Cummings for “A DINNER ENGAGEMENT” Simon Harling for “DRAWING FROM LIFE” DOCUMENTARY AWARDS Indie Spec Best Documentary Award Tim McCarthy for “METH AND MURDER IN P-TOWN Indie Spec Best Cinematography Award Taran Davies for ROADS TO MECCA Indie Spec New Media Award Michael Epstein for “WALKING CINEMA: MURDER IN BEACON HILL Indie Spec Special Recognition Award Aimee Corrigan for “A BREAK IN THE CLOUDS” Lauren Shaw for “A DROP IN THE BUCKET” Valery Lyman for “ONE OF THESE MORNINGS” Ben Levine for “LANGUAGE OF AMERICA” Anna Giannotis for “THE PROMISE OF TOMORROW” ANIMATION AWARD Best Animated film Award Mick Cusimano for “THE DREAMS OF LEONARDO DA VINCI” EXPERIMENTAL FILM AWARDS Best Experimental Picture Award Jacqueline Dowling for “GIRL IN A WEDDING DRESS” |
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE Boston International Film Festival July 27, 2010 Contact: Michelle Black info@bifilmfestival.com The Boston Int’l Film Festival is proud to announce the winners for this year's Screenplay to Productions Contest. THE LYRIC STAGE By William Ayers MY LAST OFFICE JOB By Odile Celestin |
March 14, 2011 Boston, MA 2011 BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OPENING AND CLOSING NIGHT PROGRAMS The Boston International Film Festival officially announces the films selected to open and close this year’s edition. The Opening Night film, AY LAV YU, is the saga of Yusuf Agha and his whole family who have been living in an abandoned village in Turkey for over a century. This comic tale of love revolves around the juxtaposition of different cultures and philosophies as Yusuf’s son Ibrahim brings Jessica, his American love, and her family to stay in this remote village. Featuring Sermiyan Midyat as leading actor who also wrote and directed the film, it co-stars Kathie Gill, Mariel Hemmingway and Steve Gutenberg. The film to be screened on Closing Night, AS IF I’M NOT THERE, tells the story of Samira, a young teacher in a Bosnian village, whose life is turned on its head the day a soldier walks uninvited into her kitchen and tells her to pack a bag. Rounded up with the other women from the village and imprisoned in a warehouse in a remote region, Samira quickly learns the rules of camp life, her old way of life becoming a distant fairytale. Written and directed by Juanita Wilson, the film stars Natasha Petrovic as Samira. Filmmakers from both of these movies will be in attendance for the screenings and will answer questions from the audience in a moderated question and answer session immediately following the film screenings. Contact the festival office to arrange for a personal interview with these visiting filmmakers. info@bifilmfestival.com 617 482 – 3900 The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration of the art of film making. It encourages and supports independent filmmakers from around the world, bringing to Boston a dazzling array of both short and feature length films from a select group of directors. The festival strives to promote understanding of diverse cultures by displaying the passions and unique vision of these filmmakers, and promises to both entertain and educate the viewers. This year we will be screening over 100 short and feature films from 30 countries at the AMC/Loews Theater, 175 Tremont St. in Boston Common. Opening and closing night Gala Parties following the screenings are the highlights of the festival, but red carpet affairs, special parties and panel discussions are held throughout the entire event. The winners of this year’s awards are announced at the theatre following the last screening Tickets will soon be available for purchase, either on our website, at the AMC/Loews Theater or at the BIFF office. For more information on ticket sales, schedules, etc please visit our website www.bifilmfestival.com or contact us directly at: info@bifilmfestival.com 617 482 – 3900 We look forward to seeing you at the festival. Rosemary Marchetta Public Relations Manager www.bifilmfestival.com |
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March 6, 2011 Contact: Naomi Kondo For Immediate Release: 9TH ANNUAL BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL It gives us great pleasure to announce the upcoming opening of the 9th Annual Boston International Film Festival, running from April 15 through April 24, 2011. The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration of the art of film making. It encourages and supports independent filmmakers from around the world, bringing to Boston a dazzling array of both short and feature length films from a select group of directors. The festival strives to promote understanding of diverse cultures by displaying the passions and unique vision of these filmmakers, and promises to both entertain and educate the viewers. This year we will be screening over 100 short and feature films from 30 countries at the AMC/Loews Theater, 175 Tremont St. in Boston Common. Opening and closing night Gala Parties following the screenings are the highlights of the festival, but red carpet affairs, special parties and panel discussions are held throughout the entire event. The winners of this year’s awards are announced at the theatre following the last screening Tickets will soon be available for purchase, either on our website, at the AMC/Loews Theater or at the BIFF office. For more information on ticket sales, schedules, etc please visit our website www.bifilmfestival.com or contact us directly at: info@bifilmfestival.com 617 482 – 3900 We look forward to seeing you at the festival. Naomi Kondo Festival Coordinator |
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9TH ANNUAL BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Opening night at the 9th edition of the Boston International Film Festival promises to be one of the best ever as film makers, actors, producers, and industry heavyweights from around the world mingle with hundreds of movie-goers at the AMC/LOEWS Theatre, 175 Tremont Street, for the gala occasion. The red carpet affair starts before sunset, where the entire film festival staff, led by filmmaker and festival founder Patrick Jerome is on hand to greet the stars as they walk down the red carpet and enter the theatre. Immediately following the screening, everyone shares their excitement at the Opening Night Gala celebration. A complete schedule of the films to be screened at the 2011 festival, as well as information about purchasing tickets can be found online at www. bifilmfestival.com. The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration of the art of film making. It encourages and supports independent filmmakers from around the world, bringing to Boston a dazzling array of both short and feature length films from a select group of directors. The festival strives to promote understanding of diverse cultures by displaying the passions and unique vision of these filmmakers, and promises to both entertain and educate the viewers. From the thousands of films submitted, the festival has selected over 100 short and feature length films from more than 30 different countries. Many of the films will have their world premier at the festival, such as TOUCH, the story of an unlikely friendship between a Vietnamese manicurist and an American car mechanic in modern Los Angeles. Also premiering is DECOMPOSING TONY MASLOW, the tale of a distraught author who finds himself implicated in a murder when he seeks a peaceful setting in which to practice his craft. PATRIMONY, a 16 minute film scheduled for opening night, focuses on a critical moment in the relationship between an elderly man and his daughter-in-law following the unexpected death of his son/her husband. Starting on Friday April 15, and every day thereafter until Sunday April 24 one or more screening sessions are scheduled. Each session generally includes a feature film and at least one short film. Afterwards a moderated question and answer period is held, where the public can pose questions to the filmmakers. Although the opening and closing night gala parties are the highlights of the festival, red carpet affairs, special parties and panel discussions are held throughout the entire event. All activities are held at or in close proximity to the AMC/Loews Theatre across from the Boston Commons. Screening Session 14, to be held on Monday, April 18, is dedicated entirely to Haiti. GERTHY’S ROOTS, directed by Michael Collins, documents the efforts of community organizer Gerthy Lahens and Jan Wampler, Professor of Architecture at Massachusetts Institute of Technology to develop a model for the decentralization of the population of Haiti into self-sustaining villages. The following film, HAITI: TRIUMPH, SORROW AND THE STRUGGLE OF THE PEOPLE, is Haitian born filmmaker Jonas Nosile's gripping look into both Haiti's past and the state of the Haitian soul today. It gives the audience a better understanding of the political instability and lack of infrastructure that have left Haiti so helpless and annihilated following the quake. BOUND BY HAITI is the story of Aaron Jackson and John Dieubon, two young international activists. These filmmakers stayed in Port-au-Prince the day of the earthquake and captured the devastation. Featuring rare footage from immediately following the earthquake, BOUND BY HAITI follows these unlikely friends on a journey for change before and after the most devastating international event of our time. Tickets for THE LAST SHOT have already sold out. Directed by Noah Christofer, this story follows the lives of an average American family blessed with children of extraordinary talent who are determined to succeed despite the trying circumstances of life on turbulent city streets. On the lighter side, the Japanese film CAST ME IF YOU CAN tells the story of a supporting actor who longs to be a leading man and gets his break when cast in a Woody Allen remake. This is the first feature film from director Atsushi Ogata who is flying in from Tokyo to be present for the Boston premier of his film. One thing that sets the Boston International Film Festival apart from other festivals is the fact that many actors and filmmakers travel from around the world to participate in the various festival activities and be present for the screenings of their films. The question and answer periods following each screening give the audience the opportunity to speak directly with the filmmakers and appreciate more fully the trials and triumphs that are a part of making movies. Filmmaker Sermiyan Midyat is arriving from Turkey for the Opening Night feature film, AY LAV YU. It is the saga of Yusuf Agha and his extended family, who have been living in an abandoned village in Turkey for over a century. This comic tale of love revolves around the juxtaposition of different cultures and philosophies as Yusuf’s son Ibrahim brings Jessica, his American love, and her family to stay in this remote village. Featuring Sermiyan Midyat as leading actor who also wrote and directed the film, it co- stars Kathie Gill, Mariel Hemmingway and Steve Gutenberg. The film to be screened on Closing Night, AS IF I’M NOT THERE, is the somber tale of Samira, a young teacher in a Bosnian village, whose life is turned on its head the day a soldier walks uninvited into her kitchen and tells her to pack a bag. Written and directed by Juanita Wilson, the film stars Natasha Petrovic as Samira. More information on ticket sales, film schedules, and related events can be found on the festival website www.bifilmfestival.com or by contacting the festival office at info@bifilmfestival.com (tel) 617 482 – 3900 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Aprill 11, 2011 Boston, MA 2011 BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WORLD PREMIERES AT THE FESTIVAL The 2011 edition of the Boston International Film Festival will be the setting for the world premiere of eleven films. Many of the other feature and short films to be screened are regional premieres. The list of world premieres include: Starsucker, The Last Shot, Director’s Cut, Festival, Henry’s Future, Conception, Decomposing Tony Maslow, The Joneses, My Uncle Rafael, A Fresh Girl, and Touch. Representatives from most of these films will be in attendance at the festival for the screening of their film and question and answer session immediately following the screening. For a more in-depth interview with the filmmakers, interested parties are encouraged to contact the festival office in advance to make the necessary scheduling arrangements. More information about these and all films being screened at the festival can be found on our website www.bifilmfestival.com. A limited number of press passes for the festival are available and must be reserved in advance. Please contact our office by phone 617 482 3900 or email at info@bifilmfestival.com to inquire about press pass availability. Otherwise tickets can be purchased online through our website, at the AMC/Loews Theater, 175 Tremont St. in Boston, or by contacting our office directly Opening and Closing night Screening and Gala Party passes are available for $45.00 on a first come first serve basis. These sell out quickly and interested parties are advised to purchase their tickets early. The price for an Individual Session Screening is $12, and an All Screening Pass, which allows entry into all of the 42 screening sessions costs $75. The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration of the art of film making. It encourages and supports independent filmmakers from around the world, bringing to Boston a dazzling array of both short and feature length films from a select group of directors. The festival strives to promote understanding of diverse cultures by displaying the passions and unique vision of these filmmakers, and promises to both entertain and educate the viewers. This year we will be screening over 100 short and feature films from 30 countries. Opening and closing night Gala Parties following the screenings are the highlights of the festival, but red carpet affairs, special parties and panel discussions are held throughout the entire event. The winners of this year’s awards are announced at the theatre following the last screening We look forward to seeing you at the festival. Rosemary Marchetta Public Relations Manager www.bifilmfestival.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
For IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 2011 Contact: Naomi kondo BIFF 2011 Awards Winners Congratulations to all of the filmmakers who participated in the Ninth Annual Boston International Film Festival. We gathered filmmakers from around the world, who offered both global and local messages, and we celebrated them for their outstanding achievements. The winning films were announced at the closing ceremony of the festival at the AMC/Loews Theatre in Boston Common on Sunday, April 24, 2011. FEATURE FILM AWARDS Indie Spirit Best Picture Award Jung Ho Kim for “A FRESH GIRL” Indie Spirit Best Story Line Award Minh Duc Nguyen for TOUCH Indie Spirit Best Director Award Sermiyan Midyat for “AY LAV YU” Indie Spirit Best Actor Award Sermiyan Midyat for “AY LAV YU” Indie Spirit Best Actress Award Porter Lynn for “TOUCH ” Indie Spirit Best Cinematography Award Morgan Schmidt for “TOUCH” Indie Spirit Special Recognition Award Bill Willis for “THE LAST SHOT” Elana Mugdan for “DIRECTOR’S CUT” Atsushi Ogata for “ CAST ME IF YOU CAN” Charles Wahl for “WEBDULTRY” SHORT FILM AWARDS Indie Soul Best Picture Award Jay Kamen for “NOT YOUR TIME” Indie Soul Best Story Line Award Matt Bird for “COLD SORE” Indie Soul Best Cinematography Award Alessandro Rafanelli for “PATRIMONY” Indie Soul Best Actor Award James Madio for “APPLE BOX” Indie Soul Best Director Award Rick Page for “APPLE BOX” Indie Soul Special Recognition Award Donald Marcus for “PATRIMONY” Elijah Starr “A LETTER TO BIJOU” Juliana Vicente for “CORES BOTAS” Chelsea Marino for “THE RETREAT” DOCUMENTARY AWARDS Indie Spec Best Documentary Award Marina Goldoyskaya for “A BITTER TASTE OF FREEDOM” Indie Spec Best Cinematography Award Daniel Koff & Nathan Hendrie for “THE PATH / EL SENDERO” Indie Spec Best Content Award David Hilbert & Cevin Soling for “IKLAND” Indie Spec Special Recognition Award Douglas Ross & Joseph Conforti for “NOT IN MY BACKYARD” Signe Taylor for “CIRCUS DREAMS” Tim McCarthy for “HATERS WATCH WHAT LEADERS DO” Neil Cortell for “THE MEDIA: JOURNALISM IN CRISIS” Ken Miller for “UNHOLLY GROUND” ANIMATION AWARD Best Animated film Award Sam Chen for “AMAZONIA” EXPERIMENTAL FILM AWARDS Best Experimental Picture Award Matt Power for “THE LOST MIMES OF BORNEO” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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BIFF 2012 Awards Winners Congratulations to all of the filmmakers who participated in the 10th Annual Boston International Film Festival. We gathered filmmakers from around the world, who offered both global and local messages, and we celebrated them for their outstanding achievements. The winning films were announced at the closing ceremony of the festival at the AMC/Loews Theatre in Boston Common on Sunday, April 22, 2012. FEATURE FILM AWARDS Indie Spirit Best Picture Award Sonia Nassery Cole for “BLACK TULIP” Indie Spirit Best Story Line Award Kenny Stevenson for “MISSED CONNECTIONS” Indie Spirit Best Director Award Rebekah Chaney for “SLUMBER PARTY SLAUGHTER” Indie Spirit Best Actor Award Hen Yanni for “MELTING AWAY” Indie Spirit Best Actress Award Willa Holland for “TIGER EYES” Indie Spirit Best Cinematography Award Houman Behmanesh for “GOLCHEHREH” Indie Spirit Special Recognition Award Terre Weisman for “THE A PLATE” Ruffus Chaffee for “THE MUSE” Elika Portnoy for “ SOFIA” Makarand Anaspure for “DAMBIS” SHORT FILM AWARDS Indie Soul Best Picture Award Sayed Badreya for “CHICAGO MIRAGE” Indie Soul Best Story Line Award Catherine Giarrusso for “CLEANING HOUSE” Indie Soul Best Cinematography Award Harris Zambarloukos, and Polly Morgan for “PRODIGAL” Indie Soul Best Actor Award Umar Riaz for “THE LAST REMARKS” Indie Soul Best Director Award Sayed Badreya for “CHICAGO MIRAGE” Indie Soul Special Recognition Award James Marcolin for “I AM ALIVE” Lori Martini for “CAUGHT” Peter Boothby for “THE PARACHUTE BALL” Maya Washington for “WHITE SPACE” DOCUMENTARY AWARDS Indie Spec Best Documentary Award Todd Kwait & Rob Stegman for “FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC” Indie Spec Best Cinematography Award Robert Lamothe for “TEACH” Indie Spec Best Content Award Susan Broude & Tami Pivnick for “BULLIED TO SILENCE” Indie Spec Special Recognition Award Heidi Sullivan for “ASHBASH” Ken Kinna for “RIPPLE EFFECT” Maryanne Galvin for “URBAN ODYSSEY” ANIMATION AWARD Best Animated film Award Marci Janiec for “THE GAME” EXPERIMENTAL FILM AWARDS Best Experimental Picture Award Nic Peterson for “DRAINED” |
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February 23, 2013 Contact: Naomi Kondo For Immediate Release: 11TH ANNUAL BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL It gives us great pleasure to announce the upcoming opening of the 11th Annual Boston International Film Festival, running from April 12 through April 21, 2013. The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration of the art of film making. It encourages and supports independent filmmakers from around the world, bringing to Boston a dazzling array of both short and feature length films from a select group of directors. The festival strives to promote understanding of diverse cultures by displaying the passions and unique visions of these filmmakers, and itpromises to both entertain and educate the viewers. This year we will be screening over 100 short and feature films from 30 countries at the AMC/Loews Theater, 175 Tremont St. in Boston Common. There will be opening and closing night Gala Parties following the screenings. There will also be a red carpet affair, additional parties and panel discussions held throughout the event. The winners of this year’s awards are announced at the theatre following the last screening Tickets will soon be available for purchase, either on our website, at the AMC/Loews Theater or at the BIFF office. For more information on ticket sales, schedules, etc please visit our website www.bifilmfestival.com or contact us directly at: info@bifilmfestival.com 617 482 – 3900 We look forward to seeing you at the festival. Naomi Kondo Festival Coordinator |
March 26, 2013 For Immediate Release Contact: Naomi Kondo TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THE BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL The Eleventh Annual Boston International Film Festival opens Friday, April 12, 2013 and runs through Sunday, April 21, 2013. The vibrant city of Boston will again be host to one of the most exciting cultural events of the year. Filmmakers, actors, producers, and other industry professionals from around the world will mingle with hundreds of movie-goers at the AMC/LOEWS Theatre, 175 Tremont Street. The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration of the art of filmmaking. It encourages and supports independent filmmakers from around the world, presenting a dazzling variety of both short and feature length films. The festival strives to promote understanding of diverse cultures by displaying the passions and unique visions of these filmmakers, and it promises to both entertain and educate the viewers. This year’s program includes both films and filmmakers from international origins. There are over one hundred films from 33 countries, including Afghanistan, Armenia, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, China, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, North Korea, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and more. The selection process is rigorous and exclusive. Only a small percentage of the submitted films are chosen to screen in the festival. The films are placed in sessions, each of which includes one or more short films, followed by a feature. After each film there is an optional Question and Answer period, in which the audience is invited to ask the filmmakers questions. One of the highlights of this year’s festival is “Complicity”, which tells the story of a group of high school friends who cover up the murder of a boy, whom they believed to have raped a girl. Another highlight is “A Man’s Desire for a Fifth Wife”, about a man who wishes to marry for a fifth time. It is set in the thousand year old aborigine culture in Northern Afghanistan. Also of note is “Shudra: The Rising”. Set in India, it is the story of 250 million people subjugated in war and condemned to slavery. Another featured film is “Mission Park” about four childhood friends who find themselves on both sides of the law. Before the first screening of the festival, there is a Red Carpet affair. The film festival staff, led by filmmaker and festival founder, Patrick Jerome, are on hand to greet the stars as they walk down the red carpet and enter the theatre. The Opening Night Gala follows the screening at 9 pm. Tickets are on sale now for all of the events. A complete schedule of the films to be screened, as well as information about all festival events and how to purchase tickets can be found online at www.bifilmfestival.com. All festival screenings will take place at the AMC/LOEWS theater, Boston Common, 175 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111 |
2013 BOSTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT Friday, April 12 is the Opening Night for the 11th Annual Boston International Film Festival. The Red Carpet Event begins at 5:30pm in front of the AMCLoews Theatre, 175 Tremont Street, in downtown Boston. The festival staff will be on hand to greet the participants as they walk down the red carpet. Photographers will be be available to take pictures, and representatives of the press will be holding interviews. Our opening night films are "Day By Day" and "The Black Tulip". Patrick Jerome, founder of the festival, carefully crafted "Day By Day" on a recent trip to Haiti. It tells the story of two boys struggling to find their family after the devastating earthquake of 2010. "The Black Tulip" is a modern portrait of Afghanistan, capturing the current plight and resilience of a people faced with the lingering factions of the Taliban. There will be a number of celebrities on the opening night red carpet, available for photographs and interviews. Sean Young, who stars in the movie "Complicity", and the director Sonia Cole of "The Black Tulip" will be in attendance. Noah Bean from "Black Marigold" will also be on the red carpet. The Opening Night Gala Party immediately follows the screening, beginning at around 9:00pm. Opening and Closing night Screening and Gala Party passes are available for $45.00. The price for an Individual Session Screening is $12, and an All Screening Pass, which allows entry into all of the 42 screening sessions,costs $75. A limited number of press passes are available. Please contact our office by phone 617-482-3900 or email at info@bifilmfestival.com to inquire about press pass availability. The Boston International Film Festival is a celebration of the art of filmmaking. It encourages and supports independent filmmakers from around the world, bringing to Boston a dazzling array of both short and feature length films from a select group of directors. The festival strives to promote understanding of diverse cultures by displaying the passions and unique visions of these filmmakers, and promises to both entertain and educate the viewers. This year we will be screening over 100 short and feature films from 33 countries. Highlights of the festival include Opening and Closing night Gala Parties, Red Carpet events, special parties for individual films, and panel discussions. The winners of this year’s awards are announced at the theatre following the last screening We look forward to seeing you at the festival. Naomi Kondo Festival Coordinator |
BIFF 2013 Awards Winners We at the Boston International Film Festival would like to send our deepest sympathies to all of those affected by the horrible tragedy that occurred here in our Boston home. In the wake of such horror, the festival has continued on, with the hopes that celebrating film will offer a positive experience in this difficult time. Now is a time for all of us to come together and support each other by commiserating and thinking of all those who have suffered. The festival's heart goes out to the city of Boston, and we hope that we can offer a venue to begin the healing process. We would like to congratulate to all of the filmmakers who participated in the 11th Annual Boston International Film Festival. We appreciate the patience of all of the filmmakers, as the tragedy that occurred this week made scheduling difficult, as we were forced to cancel a number of screenings. We rescheduled as many films as possible, and we would like to thank all of the filmmakers for their continued support of the festival. We gathered filmmakers from around the world, who offered both global and local messages, and we celebrated them for their outstanding achievements. The winning films were announced at the closing ceremony of the festival at the AMC/Loews Theatre in Boston Common on Sunday, April 21, 2013. FEATURE FILM AWARDS Indie Spirit Best Picture Award Bryan Ramirez for “MISSION PARK” Indie Spirit Best Story Line Award CB Harding for “COMPLICITY” Indie Spirit Best Director Award Bryan Ramirez for “MISSION PARK” Indie Spirit Best Actor Award Walter Perez for “MISSION PARK” Indie Spirit Best Actress Award Michelle Farivar for “VIRGINITY” Indie Spirit Best Cinematography Award Peter A. Holland for “COMPLICITY” Indie Spirit Special Recognition Award Dahiana Torres for “PAIN LOVE & PASSION” Lance Malbon for “BLACK MARIGOLDS” Hugh Schulze for “ CASS” Ali Allie & Ruben Reyes for “GARIFUNA IN PERIL” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHORT FILM AWARDS Indie Soul Best Picture Award Talin Avakian for “DEMI POINTE” Indie Soul Best Story Line Award Richard Griffin & Jennifer Scharf for “A DATE WITH YOUR FAMILY” Indie Soul Best Cinematography Award Ryutaro Nakagawa for “CALLING” Indie Soul Best Actress Award Mikayla Park “UNDYING LOVE” Indie Soul Best Director Award Richard Dobbs for “LOCAL COMMERCIAL” Indie Soul Special Recognition Award Alex Grybauskas for “DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE DEVIL?” Jennifer Gerber for “SOUL WINNER” Rock Chang & Scott Eriksson for “HOW WAR ENDS” Kyle Einhorn for “THE PATRIOT ACT” DOCUMENTARY AWARDS Indie Spec Best Documentary Award Daria Price for “OUT ON A LIMB” Indie Spec Best Cinematography Award Matthew Nash for “16 PHOTOGRAPHS AT OHRDRUF” Indie Spec Best Content Award Artemis Joukowsky for “TWO WHO DARED: The Shaps's War” Indie Spec Special Recognition Award Shujuan Li for “A SEPERATION” Wheng Lanqi for “THE BEAUTIFUL ZHENGLANQI” Macaela Vandermost for “SKY HIGH” Kristyn Ulanday & Max Esposito for "THE DRUID CITY" ANIMATION AWARD Best Animated film Award Micah Gallagher for “MACHINEHEAD” EXPERIMENTAL FILM AWARDS Best Experimental Picture Award Juliet Lashinsky-Revene for “KEYS WALLET PHONE” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |