LBIFF returns with expanded line-up of feature films, documentaries

The Island Now

The Long Beach International Film Festival will be celebrating its fourth anniversary this year, bringing a fresh line up of exciting films from around the world to Long Island. 

Taking place Sept. 24-27 primarily in Long Beach, the event will once again branch off into Rockville Centre as well. There are also three new screening venues to expand its film programming — along with filmmaker’s lounges and after parties at local restaurants and hotels.

“We feel the official selections of 2015 are a representation of how film artists and our community can come together and experience the magic of how movies change the way we see the world,” said Ingrid Dodd, festival co-founder. “It’s not just about the red carpet glamour and glitz, we want to embrace everyone, and let people know there is something here for everyone, and for all of us to share in the experience whether it’s all four days or just one movie”.

More than 4,000 festival goers came out to support the festival’s “Taste on the Beach” and “Shorts on the Beach” on Aug. 7, that offered a preview of films and cuisine that September’s event will bring.  LBIFF is ramping up for its premiere events, films, industry panels, red carpets, and parties.

The festival will include screenings of films in the Long Beach Cinema 3 and 4 and at the Madison Theatre at Molloy College. Organizers are also building a movie theatre inside the Long Beach Hotel with seating for up to 200 festival-goers. Additionally, the LBIFF Filmmakers Lounges will offer food and beverage from sponsors and local restaurants  — a place where festival pass holders can mingle with industry professionals.

 “We’re proud of the wide spectrum of films we have from animation and comedy, action sports and romance, award-winning foreign shorts and studio sneak previews while also creating a dialogue around important issues in our films such as breast cancer, the environment and mental health,” said LBIFF co-founder Craig Weintraub.

Movie lovers can attend all four full days with pass purchases or single screenings – with an enormous roster of more than 80 films, including feature-length narrative, documentary, short and animated movies from around the world. These films will be competing for a series of audience awards, jury, and festival honors. 

The winner of Best Feature Film will receive one complementary studio day at Grumman Studios in Bethpage, along with the services of a colorist from Technicolor to assist in any future projects.

Opening Night at Madison Theatre at Molloy College features “Lamotta: The Bronx Bull” a feature film from director Martin Guigui starring William Forsythe, Paul Sorvino, Joe Mantegna and Tom Sizemore exploring the tumultuous life of boxer Jake LaMotta. Local boxing luminaries expected to be in attendance include Chris Algieri, Seanie Monahan and Burt Young on Thursday Sept. 24, at  7:30 p.m. at the Madison Theater at Molloy College in Rockville Centre.

This year the festival has added a new category, “The Joan Jett Music in Film Series” in honor of longtime supporter and Long Beach resident Joan Jett’s involvement in the Festival and as an homage to her induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year. Other films in the Joan Jett Music Film Series include “All in Time”, “Landfill Harmonic” and  “Lee’s 88 Keys” – a feature documentary that shares the story of 2015 Jazz Hero Award Winner, composer and pianist Lee Shaw.

Other acclaimed titles in this year’s competition include “Till We Meet Again”, a New York based dramatic adventure film by director Bank Tangjaitrong starring John Matton and Linnea Larsdotter; “Landfill Harmonic”, from directors Graham Townsley and Brad Allgood which follows the amazing journey of a garbage picker, a music teacher and a group of children who create the most unlikely orchestra out of trash. The documentary, featured on 60 Minutes, screens along with environmental films “Just Eat It” and “The Burden”. 

Wrapping up the festival will be the he LBIFF Gala Awards hosted by former “Sopranos” star Steve Shirippa, on Sunday Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. at Madison Theater at Molloy College.

For a full schedule of events, visit www.longbeachfilm.com/film.

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