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.
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. 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.
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