Reckless Press

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LIIFE Awards

Winners take over at LIIFE awards ceremonies

by Kristen Buckley and Colin Hekimian

          1980s brat-pack princess Ally Sheedy (“Breakfast Club,” “St Elmo’s Fire”), who received LIIFE ‘s Humanitarian Award, joined with veteran actor William Sadler (“Shawshank Redemption,” “Iron Man 3”), who received Long Island International Film Expo’s LIIFEtime Creative Achievement Award, to mingle with host actor Kevin Brown (“30 Rock), Anthony Laciura (“Boardwalk Empire”) and Federico Castellucio (“The Sopranos”) to present awards during LIIFE’s annual gala awards ceremony last week at the Bellmore Movies.

          In a twist, host Kevin Brown presented Mr. Castellucio with a Best Director Award for “Checkmate, Keep Your Enemies Closer,” which starred Mr. Sadler. Mr. Castellucio dedicated his award to the late James Gandolfini, star of “The Sopranos.”  Mr. Castelluccio said, “I dedicate this award to two people.  I dedicate it to my cousin who passed away recently and James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano).  He was a great friend, an incredible actor, and a true inspiration.”

          “I am humbled and surprised by this award,” Mr. Castellucio told this newspaper after the win. “I made a good friend in Bill Sadler when shooting the movie. He’s so versatile.”

          He then spoke of his good friend Mr. Gandolfini, saying they worked together on several scenes regularly in “The Sopranos” and that he admired him for his talent. “I saw him twice in the ‘God of Carnage’ [on Broadway] and he was magnificant.”

          “I will greatly miss him,” he concluded.

    Big Long Island winners  

          The big Long Island winners of the evening were “Send No Flowers” and “Tilt of a Rose.” Both films tied for the Best Long Island Film Award.  “Send No Flowers” won two other awards: the Audience Award, which is determined by audience ballots, for local director Fred Carpenter; and Best Actor in a Feature Film, for Russ Camarda.

 

          In his acceptance speech Mr. Carpenter declared that “Send No Flowers” was the “best film, best group of people I’ve ever worked with.” 

          Mr. Camarda praised LIIFE as “one of the best indy film festivals in the world” during his own acceptance speech. “Tilt of a Rose” also won the award for Best Supporting Actor in a Short Film for Matt Heller.

          The shorts and feature from the festival’s opening night won their own awards and nominations. The Belgium short “Bona Nox” was nominated for Best Story in a Short Film and Best Foreign Film. 

          “Bona Nox” lost to the French short film “Time 2 Split” in the latter category. “Wet Behind The Ears” won the Gold Pass Award, which was decided by the festival’s Gold Pass holders, and Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film for Michael Giese.

          Bellmore resident Leslye Abbey’s documentary “The Buffalo Nation/ Children Are Crying” was nominated for Best Movie Trailer. “Beyond Broken,” a short documentary about a Garden City artist struggling with multiple sclerosis, took home the Best Documentary Award.

    Loosening up

          After the gala, actors, directors and winners all hung around, congratulating one another.

          Writer Lee Kolinsky of “Send No Flowers” told this newspaper “It’s great to see this film get made and to have it taken to this level. The theater was rocking and rolling during the premiere. The support the audience showed was unbelievable.” 

          Added Fred Carpenter, director of “Send No Flowers,” “I was excited that we won the audience award, because that is an award from the crowd and from the people. It was great to win. Long Island is a breeding ground for talent.”

          Mr. Kolinsky and Mr. Carpenter had worked together previously on a film called “The Blue Lizard.”  Mr. Kolinsky said, “It’s a great experience to work with Fred.”

          Upon accepting Winner of the Best Actor award for “Send No Flowers,” Russ Camarda of Lindenhurst remarked that “I’ve been kicking around dark theaters for 20 years now, so its nice to be recognized finally.”

          Mr. Carpenter said, “It’s a great thing that we get to show these films.  I’ve been at this independent filmmaking for a while.  I’ve directed 18 films and this – “Send No Flowers” is my best one.”

          Steve Sage, director of “Bullified”  winner of Best First Film, said, “It felt amazing and unexpected to win Best Firss Film.” On the importance of independent films, he said, “Independents take a lot of blood, sweat and tears.  Our budgets aren’t as big, so each filmmaker has to wear 15 different hats.  The director might have to do the lighting, producing, editing, and lighting.  They aren’t easy.”

          Ally Sheedy went on stage to accept the Humanitarian Award.  Famous for starring in “The Breakfast Club,” “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “WarGames,” Ms. Sheedy now teaches at LaGuardia High School. She runs a shelter for teenage kids and she does work for the LGBT community. The Bellmore Movies donated $500 towards her charity, the Ali Forney Center.

 

The Bean

Canary and the Cat

perform at The Bean Café

 

          From George Gershwin to George Micheal (and everywhere in between), an evening of jazz, rock, standards, country and more will be served up this Friday, August 2, at The Bellmore Bean Café, 2718 Grand Avenue, by Canary and The Cat.

          Canary and The Cat are Bellmore residents Laura Perdicaro, vocal stylist, and Tony DeStefano, guitarist extraordinaire.

          Silky smooth bluesy versions of ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” by Fats Waller and “Love Her Madly” by the Doors “are very happy to be together in our performances, said Mr. DeStefano. “A great song is a great song,” he said.

          The performance will start at 8 p.m. at the coffee house in the heart of Bellmore.

          A variety of coffees, teas, wine and beer will be available, as well as an assortment of cakes, cookies and pastries.

          Laura and Tony are also host of the weekly Open Muc Night at teh Bellmore Bean every Thursday at 8 p.m.

16th ANNUAL LONG ISLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM EXPO

(#2013LIIFE)

 

Star-Studded Closing Night Party and Awards Ceremony on July 25, 2013

    Location:

-Buffet Dinner and Entertainment - Filmmaker’s Lounge - Directly West of the Bellmore Movies

-Awards Ceremony - Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710

  Schedule:

5:00 PM-7:00 PM - Buffet Dinner and Entertainment by Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter Jerry DeMeo in the Filmmaker’s Lounge

6:20 PM-6:45 PM - Celebrities arrive at Bellmore Movies and are available to the press

6:45 PM - Doors open to Bellmore Movies

7:00 PM-10:00 PM - Awards Ceremony at Bellmore Movies

   

Celebrities Expected to Attend Awards Ceremony Pending Their Schedules:

Kevin Brown (30 Rock) - Host

Ally Sheedy - Awards Ceremony Recipient

Judith Roberts - Awards Ceremony Recipient

William Sadler - Awards Ceremony Recipient

Sean Young - Presenter

Tony LoBianco - Presenter

Federico Castelluccio - Presenter

Anthony Laciura - Presenter

Debra Markowitz

Local indie talent growing through LIIFE

by Kristen Buckley, Colin Hekimian and Danielle Sopchak  

          The Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) officially opened its 16th season at the Bellmore Movies last Friday, complete with Long Island celebrities Jackie Martling and Russ Camarda commanding early attention during the 5-7 p.m. reception for independent filmmakers, actors and producers hoping to make inroads into the world of independent filmmaking.

          Mr. Martling, from Bayville, and Mr. Camarda, from Lindenhurst, star, along with Hollywood actors Sean Young, Tony LoBianco and LIIFE favorite Robert Clohessy in Fred Carpenter’s new film “Send No Flowers,” a Mafia mob film that headlined the 9 p.m. time slot.

 

          Mr. Carpenter, director of the heavily anticipated “Send No Flowers,” fielded questions on the red carpet along with Mr. Martling, Michael Lovaglio and Mr. Camarda. 

          Mr. Carpenter told Bellmore Life that Merrick writer Lee Kolinsky came to him with the script and he liked it, moving them to make the movie. Mr. Carpenter, an experienced director anad previous LIIFE award winner, was able to successfully engage the interest of the star-studded cast to join in making the film.

          Mr. Camarda, a two-time LIIFE award winner, is also the editor, executive producer and contributing writer of “Send No Flowers.” He won the top Technical Award for Best Editing and accepted his award saying, “this is the best film festival on the East Coast.”

          Mr. Martling, a veteran Long Island comedian who works on Howard Stern’s Sirius radio show, – and plays a strip club owner in the film – praised the film and Mr. Carmada’s riveting performance in the movie.

          Mr. Martling couldn’t wait to see the film. “I haven’t seen it yet,” said Mr. Martling. “It’s going to be fun.”

          Mr. Camarda frequently collaborates with former Baldwin director Fred Carpenter and was happy to be back on his “home turf,” saying that screening the film on Long Island is “like playing Shea Stadium.”

          Mr. Camarda said, “The quality of the music in this movie is unlike any other independent film.”

          Vincent Nigro, who scored “Send No Flowers” – and who won a technical award for Best Original Score for a Feature Film – owns his own studio in Massapequa. This is his sixth independent film score and each takes about 12 weeks of intense work to create, he told this newspaper.

  Indy encouragement abounds

          The universal opinion of the party revelers was that independent filmmaking provides a tight-knit community experience, especially around the film festival circuit. 

          Director T.J. Collins, who won a LIIFE award in 2009, spoke to Bellmore Life about the growing independent film industry, and what sets it apart. “It’s a very exciting time for independent filmmaking,” noting that the process is longer and allows more freedom to blend genres and serve the story, which he believes to be the most important element of filmmaking.

 

          “In independent film, you can blend genres and the process takes longer so by the time someone is finishes making a film the interests of the audience can change.”

          Because audience interests can change by the time a movie is completed, “It all comes down to how original the story is, because story is the most crucial part of filmmaking,” he remarked.

          He added that the industry is seeing growth because of the emergence of more online outlets where indies can get their films seen.

          Mr. Camarda said that the independent film industry has become an easier entry point for filmmakers to make and send out films, and everybody on an independent film pitches in.

          Joe Pomarico, director of a short film “This is Love,” said that film festivals are “a great way to network with people.”

 

          Jake Lloyd, the writer and director of the short Western film “The Skull Rosary of Frao’ Ranggoh,” told us that filmmakers “tend to see the same people in the indy film circuit,” reinforcing the idea of community and networking in both the independent film industry and the independent film festival circuit.

  Another important theme  

          Another important theme of the evening was the Long Island perspective, since most of the films in LIIFE have either been shot on Long Island or feature filmmakers who are from Long Island or New York.

          “Send No Flowers” was shot in several Long Island locations, including Merrick, Malverne and Old Brookville. 

          Sean Robinson’s short film “The Puritans,” which has already been shown in 30 film festivals around the world, was filmed in Southold because Mr. Robinson was inspired by the town’s hauntingly beautiful setting. 

          Andrew Henriques, the director of the vampire short “Ten Questions,” is from Bellport in which he made the short at his hometown studio.

 

          Nugent Cantileno, the writer/producer/director of the nostalgic 40s-style short film “Tilt of a Rose,” is from Mineola and shot several scenes in his hometown at The Black Sheep Ale House. 

          Many filmmakers have been inspired by Long Island for both aesthetic and personal reasons, a sentiment displayed at the official opening night of the Long Island International Film Expo.

  The old college try  

          Mineola’s Nugent Cantileno and Valley Stream’s Robert La Rosa collaborate on two LIU Post student projects.

          “Tilt of a Rose” is a flapper-filled speakeasy film depicting a 1940’s Old Hollywood scene, in which a down-and-out actress with a bad addiction flashes back to the roaring 20s. Mr. Cantileno and Mr. La Rosa, both film graduates from LIU-Post (formerly C.W. Post) filmed it at LIU Post’s campus and in Mineola.

          The cinematographer, Mark Riou, won the LIIFE Award for Best Cinematographer for “Tilt of a Rose.”  Mr. Riou told Bellmore Life, “To make the movie work, we had to nail the look of the film for people to believe it. I did a lot of research on styles and watched a lot of ’40s movies. To do so, we used eBay, and goodwill for the right clothes.”

          When asked how it felt to win the award, Mr. Riou said, “It’s awesome.  It’s great because I graduated college a year ago and to win an award a year after graduation is amazing.”

          Mr. Riou also did the cinematography for Robert La Rosa and Nugent Cantileno’s film, “End of the Great American Businessman.”  The story concerns a man who is unemployed and is in a “disconnected state and does not know what to do with his life,” says Valley Stream co-director Robert La Rosa. The screenplay is based on the feelings of a father while he was unemployed for two years, giving the story line a local emotional connection to Long Islanders.

          Jeffrey Miller discussed the trailer for Bellmore resident Leslye Abbey's upcoming film “Buffalo Nation/ The Children Are Crying,” for which he is editor.

          The documentary showcases the lives of the Lakota native Indian tribe in South Dakota reservations and the strife they endure. Mr. Miller says that conditions are indeed getting worse and nobody is helping. 

          Mr. Miller remarked, “The kids don’t have a future. The Native Americans were here first and the government is pushing them around.  We hope this movie gets the word out.  We are trying to give a voice to people in need.”

  Music videos, too  

          Actor/producer Camille Saturday is promoting her original music video “Secret Detective.” Filmed in Lindenhurst and Amityville, the video follows a detective who is tricked by three shady women. It is loosely based on a true story.

          Ronda Swindell, Robert Wilson and Al Buksnis performed a music video tribute to “Mr. Bojangles” (Mr. Robinson), an American tap dancer and singer, and actor of stage and film.  He was best known for dancing with Shirley Temple. It is a six-minute short film as well as a mini documentary. 

          It was filmed in Queens, Long Island, and Brooklyn in Cypress Hills cemetery, Forest Park. Mrs. Swindell is the singer of the movie and came up with the idea for the movie. Mr. Busknis is the producer. “The music made that video. It was inspiring to me,” he said.

 

          “Don’t Cry for Me” is an original song by Kyla Silk, a 13-year-old Levittown resident. Three years ago her uncle was diagnosed with cancer and in the hospital for that summer. Kyla’s song and music video, produced by John Iadevaio from Seaford, is a gripping performance about the pain of having a sick loved one.

          Portland native Alexander Fraser was at the film festival to promote his film “Last Train Home.”  It is a music video about the end of a relationship and transition.  Fraser is the director, producer, and editor and the music is modern pop folk.  Fraser said, “It has very beautiful imagery and great music.”

          The closing night party and awards ceremony celebration complete with a buffet, celebrities, winners clips and filmmakers from all over the world will be held on Thursday, July 25.

          This year’s honorees include William Sadler (“Iron Man 3”) and Ally Sheedy (“Breakfast Club”). Presenters include Federico Castellucio (“The Sopranos”) and Robert Clohessy (“Blue Bloods”) with more signing on daily. Celebrities appear schedule permitting, and the line-up could change before the festivities.

 

Reviews

July 19th, Opening Night

7p.m. Block

            The block opened with a music video for 13-year-old Levittowner Kyla Silk’s song “Don’t Cry for Me,” a modest production shot in Seaford that featured some distinctive creative qualities. A strong singer/songwriter sensibility manages to attract casual listeners as she sings about an omnipresent but always relevant subject: the pain of lost love.

Westerns ride into town as LIIFE opens for week of film

LIIFE

 

          The Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) will hold its 16th annual installment at the historic Bellmore Movies from Wednesday, July 17 through Thursday, July 25. Showing 146 films from around the world, LIIFE will showcase movies from 18 countries, with 36 of the films having Long Island ties and 35 more hailing from New York in general.

          For the first time since the festival moved to the Bellmore Movies from Malverne, traditional American westerns – with horses, tumbleweed n’ dusty cowboys – with get billing.

          “These are good films,” remarked Debra Markowitz, director of the film festival.

          “Dawn of Conviction’ is a gorgeous film,” she continued. “But we also picked them not so much for their western setting, but because they tell a good tale, they are quality films, they are entertaining and they may also provide a message of social or political import.”

          In “Dawn of Conviction,” for example, The London Gang, a group of bandits in the 1880s, wreaks havoc throughout Dakota Territory – and within the gang itself.

          In the movie, co-directors and co-writers Dennis Donovan, Matther Petterson, Patrick Hendrickson and Robert Camisa pose the question about relationships: What is it that keeps people together and what is it that pulls people apart?

          “Dawn of Conviction” will have its world premier as a feature film on Thursday, July 18, during the 5 p.m. block.

  No typical western  

          “Skeleton Canyon” isn’t the typical cowboy western. A retired marshal on the hunt for his dead son replaces a gun-slinging sheriff riding horses through town. Outlaws from the marshal’s past are inevitable in Kenneth Oefelein’s short film.

          “Skeleton Canyons” New York Premier takes place on Friday, July 19, during the 2:30 p.m. block.

          Treasure-chaser Weston Giroux sets out for a second time to find an elusive, legendary relic in Jake Lloyd’s ‘Skull Rosary of Frao’ Ranggoh.” As Mr. Giroux, this “past-his-prime adventurer,” and his less-than-experienced sidekick get closer to the relic – and the truth about what happened during the first attempt of finding the relic is revealed.

          “Skull Rosary of Frao’ Ranggoh” has its New York Premier on Tuesday, July 23, during the noon block.

  Supports independent film