Gregory Kallenberg, Founder and Executive Director of the Film Prize Foundation, said, “While we had high hopes this year, knowing we were unleashing the one-of-a-kind Film Prize experience on the world in a greater fashion than we ever have before, we never expected these kind of numbers. And we haven’t even reached our half-way point!”
Artis─Naples CEO and President Kathleen van Bergen said, “We are proud to be able to bring these wonderful films to our cinema-loving community here in Naples and South Florida as well as introduce those throughout the rest of the state and even the world to our NIFF world. This diverse lineup of films will provide entertainment and inspiration for our community. The Naples International Film Festival is an important part of our cultural offerings each season and we are thrilled to be able to share these films.”
Original cast members include Matthew McConaughey, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Jason London, Joey Lauren Adams, Adam Goldberg, Anthony Rapp, Rory Cochrane, Marissa Ribisi, Cole Hauser, Deena Martin, Esteban Powell, Christine Harnos, Wiley Wiggins, Michelle Burke, Mark Vandermeulen, Sasha Jenson, Jeremy Fox, Christin Hinojosa, Catherine Morris, Nicky Katt, with more to be announced soon alongside other special guests. There will be a live Q&A moderated by Patton Oswalt immediately following the script read.
Alyx: I believe that regional film festivals are able to pivot more easily because their imprints and scale are smaller. Expectations can easily be managed and adapted to the virtual model in real time, as smaller organizations can accelerate progress and remain agile, unencumbered by a larger think tank/processes/ procedures (structure) that typically exist in the larger organization culture(s).
After all of that, one of the coolest things is getting a poster for that same film. It’s a reaffirmation that the film actually exists and it’s a quick hint at what the film is about, what the filmmaker’s style is about, an opportunity to lure someone into the theater to see the film or click on it to watch it online, because it gives them a clue as to what they can expect when they see the film.
Harlem International Film Festival Program Director Nasri Zacharia said, “Our 15th edition introduced people throughout the state of New York to the unique hybrid of global cinema and local films that we have built a reputation celebrating for a decade and a half now. Harlem has long been a center, magnet, and inspiration for the arts, and while we look forward to returning to the theater next year, we enjoyed opening up all of our films, especially these award winners – virtually to the whole of New York state.”
“For our first fellowship, we are proud to highlight Afro Latino voices because Black lives are Latino lives.” says Academy Award®-nominated actor and co-founder of LALIFF and the Latino Film Institute, Edward James Olmos.
Regarding the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival’s panels and conversations, HSDFF Artistic Director, Jen Gerber, said, “None of us need to be reminded that 2020 has been a doozy. We know people are struggling and feeling isolated, therefore programs that focus on mental health are in demand more than ever before! Building off the healing waters and spa characteristics of Hot Springs, we have designed a series of virtual and in-person activities to safely allow people to gather and enjoy low-impact activities in downtown Hot Springs, such as bike rides, inspiration hikes and yoga in the park.
“ACS is doing incredible work as they tirelessly invest in independent filmmakers by closing the gap between the film industry and the storytellers of this region, says Artistic Director Jen Gerber. “This screening is a perfect marriage of both organizations’ missions as we each aim to serve independent filmmakers while showcasing some of the best films of the year!”
Out on Film Festival Director, Jim Farmer, said, “If there is one thing that we always keep in the forefront of our minds at Out on Film, it is the idea that a film festival should be a “festival.” There should be fun, excitement, and events that celebrate film and our love of it. These three new additions underline that in very different ways.
