The Long Island Film Festival
The films themselves are a carefully selection program of hot talent working outside the Hollywood System. 2005’s ‘best feature’ festival winner, “September 12th” told the story of a man who struggles with the loss of his sister after the 9/11 attacks. This moving film is only one example of the diverse range of voices on display every year; other entries include the experimental “Hot Afternoons Have Been In Montana” and the thriller “Scallop Pond”. No matter whether you’re interested in comedy, offbeat experimental, animated features or the latest creations by student filmmakers, you are bound to find something of interest. For filmmakers, the Long Island Film Festival offers an opportunity to enter in a prestigious festival alongside filmmakers such as James Redford, Steven Taub, and Richard Ficara, all active in the indie filmmaking scene and previous entrants into the LIFF. Entry fees for the festival are quite reasonable; twenty-five dollars for films under an hour, and fifty dollars for all feature over sixty minutes. Entrants should send an application (downloadable at www.lifilm.org) plus a check or money order for the fee, plus a VHS or DVD version of the film being entered. The festival features a good range of categories—everything from Best Student Feature to Best Documentary Feature. There are also ‘audience choice’ categories and plenty of areas for students to enter their work. Unlike other, less organized festivals, the Long Island Film Festival is definitely a place for filmmakers to be recognized for their hard work. Those who enter films that become official selections have the opportunity to showcase their actors as well—there is a Best Actor and Best Actress category. Some festivals concentrate only on the filmmakers, the LIFF gets major points for going the extra mile for the cast as well! Like other good festivals, many of the films screened offer a question and answer session with the filmmakers when possible. This is a great way for audiences to get to know the motivations behind the entries they watch during the fest, and get some fascinating behind-the-scenes info on the making of the film. Many first-time festivalgoers are surprised at the open relationship between many filmmakers and the audience. In the indie film world, there is a real need for the directors to connect with those who see their work; the Hollywood-style remoteness of major directors is replaced by more gregarious attitudes from many of the talented men and women who put their work up for viewing. The 2006 Long Island Film Festival is scheduled for May 4th through the 7th at the Glen Cove Cinemas. You can see a complete list of last year’s entries and get more details about watching or entering this year’s festival at www.lifilm.org. Joe Wallace read articles | submit an article for review
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Independent filmmakers and film lovers alike will love the Long Island Film Festival. The festival, held at Glen Cove 