It features filmmakers, celebrities, restaurants and musicians, all of which walked the red carpet on August 7, in front of 4,000 supporters. It was billed as the “biggest beach party of the summer,” and rightfully so, since it included the latest independent short film and live musical performances, coupled with the sampling of fine food and alcoholic beverages in an intimate venue right on the beach. The evening ended with a rooftop after-party at the Allegria Hotel.
“Tonight’s event was flawless,” said Scott Franklin, film producer, in a press release. “If it’s any sign of the future of the Long Beach Film Festival, then the LBIFF will be rivaling the major international film festivals around the world in no time.”
The dignitaries in attendance included former United States Senator (NY) Alfonse D’Amato, former NY State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg from Long Beach who gave an award for community service to the Waterfront Warriors, film producer Scott Franklin (Noah), Academy Award nominee Bill Plympton, News 12 TV Personality Elisa DiStefano, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model Marisa Hunter, among many others. Other stars that have appeared at the Long Beach International Film Festival included Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett, Daniel Baldwin, Dee Snider, Chris Weidman, among others.
Among the many films that were featured included director Brooke Wagstaff’s animated film and award-winning Vimeo Staff Pick “Missing U,” which is an animated tale about the letter “I,” and her adventure in search of her missing “U.” As a Long Island highlight, director Peter Frizalone’s HBO Project Greenlight Top 200 “Mommy” made its world premiere.
Other films shown included a documentary on an ever-growing world issue “Dryden – The Small Town That Changed the Fracking Game” where the power of community takes on the power of fracking, as well as director Stephanie Donnelly’s narrative/comedy “The Cannoli” where a Long Island family dinner turns tragic and a choice must be made between dessert and family.
In addition, it featured director Sarah Menzies’ San Diego Surf Film Festival Best Short winning documentary “Catch It,” which follows Léa Brassy as her lifestyle takes a pause and she finds serenity in the Arctic surf of Northern Norway. Finally, it included the world premiere of “Eye for an Eye,” in which child’s play turns into a showdown of imagination and discipline.
As people dined, they also enjoyed live musical performances from various recording artists. The Long Beach International Film Festival celebrates the art of storytelling through cinema. It presents short films, fiction and documentary formats, and it is committed to exhibiting films that display a fresh voice and differing perspectives. The goal of these programs is to captivate, engage and enlighten audiences, as well as to provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment.
For more information on the Long Beach International Film Festival, check out its official Facebook page and website.
