FILM FESTIVAL NEWS: Naples International Film Festival 2019 Selects Award-winning PRINCESS OF THE ROW as Opening Night Gala film
Artis—Naples announced today that Van Maximilian Carlson’s PRINCESS OF THE ROW will be this year’s Opening Night Film selection for the 11th annual Naples International Film Festival on October 24, 2019.
A critical and audience favorite at film festivals across the country this year, Carlson’s PRINCESS OF THE ROW has won a number of awards, including Best American Independent Feature Film at the Cleveland International Film Festival; the Presidential Award at the Columbus International Film & Animation Festival; Varsity Audience Award at the Ashland Independent Film Festival; Best of the Festival, Best Film, Best Drama and Best Actor at the Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Competition; the Audience Award, Best Actress and Break Out Acting Award at Method Fest; Best Actress and Best Cinematography at the Manchester Film Festival; and Best Feature, Best Actor and Best Actress at the BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta.
Naples audiences will have their first opportunity to see the inspiring film when it screens on Thursday, October 25 in Hayes Hall (5833 Pelican Bay Blvd.). The film tells the story of a runaway foster child determined to live and thrive with her father, a homeless veteran struggling with mental illness and living on the streets of Los Angeles’ Skid Row. Produced by Shawn Austin and Edi Gathegi, and written by Shawn Austin and Van Maximilian Carlson, the film stars Martin Sheen, Edi Gathegi, Tayler Buck, Ana Ortiz and Jacob Vargas.
Writer and producer Shawn Austin and stars Edi Gathegi and Tayler Buck are scheduled to attend the screening. Immediately following the screening, audiences will have the opportunity to meet NIFF filmmakers at an Opening Night Party featuring food, drinks and live music.
Martin Sheen in PRINCESS OF THE ROW
The announcement comes soon after the Naples International Film Festival was named one of the “25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker Magazine for 2019.
In choosing the festival, which enters its third year as part of Artis—Naples, a multidisciplinary arts organization based in Southwest Florida, the panel cited the festival’s “strong backing to grow and add new dimensions to its carefully curated lineup.” The full description can be found at moviemaker.com.
NIFF, which prides itself on its support of independent filmmakers and the diversity and quality of films selected for screening, has matured into a destination festival, drawing emerging and established filmmakers eager to experience its unique atmosphere of keen appreciation for cinema. Naples film fans have built a reputation for flocking to its signature Opening Night Film and Party in Hayes Hall, followed by the three days of screenings and panel discussions at Silverspot Cinema.
“There is palpable momentum carrying over from NIFF’s 10th anniversary last fall, with more national and international interest solidifying the festival’s reputation,” says Artis—Naples Executive Vice President, Artistic Operations David Filner.
Tickets for the Opening Night Film and Party and the Closing Night Awards, Film and Wrap Party are on sale now. The full festival lineup will be announced on September 27th at which point tickets for all screenings will go on sale. For more information, visit artisnaples.org
