Tinsel & Tine Spotlights

PHILADELPHIA INDEPENDENT

FILM FESTIVAL

May 2-5, 2018

By Le Anne Lindsay, Editor

Post Update: 5.3.18

Original Post:
Hatched in 2007 out of the MediaBureau.com film initiative, The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival has been holding its own among the plethora of film festivals we get to enjoy each year in Philly. #PIFF11 will be held at Levitt Theater at the Gershman Y (401 S Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19147) and the South Street Cinema (327 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147) where audiences will experience a global and locally curated mix of film, technology, and storytelling.

New this year – THE FILMMAKERS LOUNGE open to all festival attendees, brought to you by PRSguitars and Seed And Spark (Located on the ground floor of the Gersham Y) featuring daily discussions and screenings including animation and music videos. And workshops on how to Produce, Direct, Write, and Finance Independent projects and films. Not to mention you can win PRSguitars gear, meet your next Actor or Director for a film.

The Full List of Films and Events is listed on PIFF website and on T&T’s #PhillyCalendar, but Here’s Just a Few Highlights:

Opening Night Film (Wed. May 2nd): ULTRA LOW (U.S., 2018) Director – Nicholas Gyeney, will be in attendance – East Coast Premier.
A meta drama described as a cross between Clerks and Entourage, following a real-life filmmaking team in an unfiltered look behind the scenes as they struggle to break down the doors of Hollywood. (Director Nicholas Gyeney in attendance)

RETURN SAFELY (Director Eric Burleson, U.S., 12 mins)
Already too late to turn back, a young Traveler must complete her quest in returning a mysterious object, while battling the dangers of the landscape and predators.

DAY 2: Thursday, May 3rd

A NIGHT LIKE THIS. Director Frank Battaglia, in attendance (12 min) (Marlton, NJ. USA). As a storm approaches outside, a group of criminals sit in a dive bar trading stories as mysterious strangers enter the establishment.

WITHOUT YOU (Director Sonny Vellozzi, in attendance (80 mins), Local. U.S. World Premier.
Two singers, Ryan Vincent, a YouTube sensation, and Isaac Briggs, a struggling lounge act, both dream of fame and fortune… But are they willing to pay the price.

Day 2: Thurs May 3rd – 2nd Venue: South Street Cinema

DAY 3: Friday, May 4th
SEED & SPARK @ PIFF #11
(filmmakers lounge)
WORKSHOP #1 3:30pm – 4:30pm
CROWDFUNDING TO BUILD INDEPENDENCE
Description: Seed & Spark’s cornerstone class lays out the steps toward a
successful crowdfunding campaign, as well as a career-long action plan
most likely to create a lasting, flourishing, direct relationship with
your audience. Youll learn how to find your audience, structure your
crowdfunding campaign, pick the right goal and incentives, and much more.

THEY ARE STRANGERS. Director Zane LErario (Philadlephia, PA. USA) (85min). (PHILLY PREMIERE)
Rebecca Thayer, an acclaimed writer living in Philadelphia becomes conscious of her boyfriends infidelity. Reluctant to confront him, she takes a darker path a decides to find out who the new lover is.

DAY 4: Saturday, May 5th

A whole day of screenings and events too many to name, but this looked interesting, I just found out what “Ska”music was from watching Gwen Stefani talk about it on Jimmy Kimmel.

Short Films Screened at Philadelphia Independent Film Festival

OPTIMISTIC YES – (documentary – Director – Jeff Pliskin, 15 min)
A blur of ska and funk performance footage, spoken word, and surreal imagery, with Angelo pulling double duty as both Angelo Moore and his alter-ego Dr. Madd Vibes.

Be sure to follow Twitter|Instagram @PhilaIndie for updates and Twitter|Instagram @tinseltine @tinsel_tine for coverage of the festival. #PIFF11 #piffFilms