Film Fest Update

Posted By admin

We here at Cieri Media are putting the finishing touches on the The Astoria/LIC Int’l Film Festival.  It’s exciting. It’s a major cultural event. It adds to, and showcases, our community. It really is a wonderful thing and another reason to ask, “Why Leave Astoria?” By all means, come to Astoria/LIC!

I have had the chance to preview some of these movies and I liked what I saw. One documentary, “Spokanarchy”(Sun., 16th, 12pm), is a must-see for anyone who lived through the punk scene of the late 70’s-early 80’s, or for anyone who wants a behind the scenes look… Spokane, Washington style. It really takes you into the lives of the people who made the music and lived the life. It reminds us that it was a movement much bigger than New York and LA. And in this case, the foundation was laid for the Seattle “grunge” that came years later. Loaded with interviews (today and in yesteryear) and raw footage from that era, this is a treat.

“Apostles of Park Slope” (Sun., Oct. 16th, 5pm) is another movie I really enjoyed. Here’s a synopsis in the words of Brooklyn director, Jason Casuto: “When Mike Callahan loses his mother Mary, the old crew from his neighborhood rallies the troops and takes Mike out to a local restaurant in an attempt to cheer him up. Father Paul, a priest returning to Brooklyn after spending several years in South America rebuilding churches, is invited to join dinner. After some thought Father agrees in the hopes of convincing Mike and the gang to turn to the Lord during their time of loss. (Note: He gets more than he bargained for.)What ensues is an unlikely reunion of friends where Father comes to see the true meaning of friendship and where sometimes the word of the Lord has four letters.” Colorful. Funny, as only real friends can be. These guys go back and forth. The ribbing. The kidding. The camaraderie. And in Brooklyn! Come on.

There is so much more. My point is that I’ve enjoyed myself. These movies are good. If it’s anything like last year, the venues and activities are cool and fun. And it’s right here in Astoria/LIC. Come join us. I think you’ll be glad you did. If you saw my earlier post you already know the basics about the event. I’ll just take a moment to go over some highlights:

DATES: Friday, October 14th-16th

OPENING PARTY: Fri., Oct. 14th, 6:00pm at The Z Hotel (11-01 43rd Ave.) Let's start this festival off right! Come join us at the Z-Hotel for entertainment and drinks as we get ready for an awesome weekend of films, discussions and music!

VENUES: The Secret Theatre and The eGarage (both in the LIC Arts Center 23rd St. and 44th Ave.) and the Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens (21st St and 30th Rd.)

EVENTS: Feature-length narrative films or documentaries are usually grouped with a short (20-30mins.) and a super-short (3-7mins.) in a viewing session. Other sessions include panel discussions with writers, producers and directors. Scripts will be read. Live performances of improv and comedy will be interspersed between, around, betwixt and among the movies and panels. And on the 16th at 5:30pm there’s a music video extravaganza.

There’s even a closing party the evening of the 16th culminating with the Fan Award presentation to the winner/”Best” in each category. Most sessions cost $10. And the Opening and Closing parties are$15. What more could you ask for? Good Movies and entertainment. Great value. Fun. Fun. Fun… right here in our own backyard.

September 27, 2011 5:15pm