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    New York Film & Video Day 4-Quinto Quarto

    I met my friend Heather and her friend Ronny for lunch, before heading to the Village Cinema East for the block of films beginning at 5:45pm. Heather recommended we dine at Quinto Quarto Osteria Romana (14 Bedford Street if you’re on Varick near Houston, turn onto Downing St and then right onto Bedford ) It only opened 5 months ago. The owner, David Ranucci is from Lucca Italy, he owns 3 other restaurants: Giulio pane e ojo and Casa Tua in Milano and Cacio e Pepe in Monaco. Quinto Quarto is the first in the States. The feel of the place is so compellingly cozy and inviting inside and out,…

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    NY Film & Video Festival Day 3 – Continued

    The New York International Independent Film & Video Festival handles their submissions slightly different than most film festivals in terms of submission fees, from what I understand $300-$350 more. However, you are guaranteed a screening for that amount. That’s not to say any film submitted gets into the festival, but if you are turned down your money is returned. This higher fee also doesn’t guarantee you an audience for your film; the block of films I saw tonight consisted mainly of people connected with each film. Still, if you are a first time director wanting to get started showing at festivals, buying a slot at NYIIFVF is a great way…

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    NY Film & Video Festival Day 3

    I decided not to rush to the theater, I’ve got so much visiting to do while in NY this week, that I doubt I’ll make it to any screenings before 4pm. But I’m still “working”, giving attention to the food part of this film and food blog. My sister and I had Sunday Brunch at Jerry’s Cafe (90 Chambers Street) I understand it used to be a popular spot in SoHo. The funky red leather booths and zebra stripped decor sets the mood for afternoon cocktails. My sister was only mildly impressed with her Amaretto French Toast, and they no longer serve Turkey bacon. However, we both agreed the Mac…

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    New York Film & Video Day 2 – Continued

    So I’m posting this as the party at the Telephone Bar (149 2nd Ave) is happening around me. It’s not all work, I’ve partaken of a glass of wine and my fare share of bar food. The Telephone bar is also where I spent most of the afternoon, as their free Wifi is good and fast and their delicious brunches come with a Bloody Mary! This evening’s film selections were much more “inspiring” (see Day 1 post). The First Concert (17 min) Director: Stefanie Borges (pictured) (Australia)A truly sweet film about a little girl of maybe 7 or 8 who lives with her grandmother in a charming but poor little…

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    NY Film & Video Festival Day 2

    So I only got slightly lost finding the 6 subway line this morning and made it in time for the seminar- Topic: The Truth About Distribution. The audience was completely made up of the filmmakers with films showing in this festival, and yours truly. The discussion was lead by the festival’s Executive Director and Founder, Stuart Alson. Alson is also the Publisher of Independent Film Quarterly and President of ITN Distribution which acts as an agent for filmmakers, packaging and selling films to distributors such as LionsGate and overseas markets. Alson puts me in mind of Skye Masterson from Guys and Dolls, a “gangster” with a romantic soul. I love…