The Great Neck Arts Center is hoping to crack some smiles with October’s upcoming Gold Coast International Film Festival.
Comedy will be a major theme of the annual festival, which will run from October 21-27 at a number of North Shore venues and was formally announced in a press release last week.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature stand-up comedy performances and will honor comedian Susie Essman, who starred in Larry David’s sitcom “Curb Your Enthusiasm” for more than a decade.
Great Neck Arts Center Executive Director Regina Gil said the focus on comedy was part of the festival’s mission to be approachable to all North Shore residents, from cinema buffs and philanthropists to parents and children looking for a fun night out.
“The idea is, everyone really is invited. It’s not some exclusive, you have to be a member of a certain group or certain price point to attend,” Gil said. “What make soy feel better than comedy?”
The festival will highlight character actors and comedians including Joe Piscopo, Eddie Griffin, Jackie Martling and Paul Provenza. Securing the participation of Essman, who will be honored at the festival’s opening night gala, was also a coup, according to Gil.
“The fact that she was willing to come and accept an award from us and do her shtick that she’s become famous for.. it just kind of tickled us,” Gil said.
Gil also credited comedy writer and producer Jeffrey Gurian, a friend of Essman’s, who is heading the festival’s live event programming.
The festival will also highlight themes including women in film and Israeli cinema, according to the press release.
The Israeli consulate has been very supportive of the festival’s efforts, Gil said.
“It’s an amazing film industry. It’s all over the map in terms of right, left and middle of the road politics, and it’s a very dynamic film industry,” Gil said.
Screenings will be held at Bowtie and Soundview theaters on the North Shore, Gil said.
The arts center scored a high-profile screening earlier this year with a private advance showing of blockbuster “The Great Gatsby” that featured an appearance by director Baz Luhrman.
Last year’s Gold Coast Film Festival featured a pre-wide release showing of “Silver Linings Playbook,” which would go on to be nominated for eight Academy Awards and see star Jennifer Lawrence win Best Actress for her performance.
