Editor

New Yorkers in need of an indie film fix will be happy to hear that The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) has announced their slate of films, parties, and red carpet premieres. NYIIFVF runs from September 18 – 25 in Manhattan and will showcase a diverse range of features, shorts, documentaries and animations from all over the globe. The opening night kick-off party takes place at the new 1930’s themed Hollywood club, Mansion (530 W28th Street) on Sep 18th from 6-10pm. Film screenings begin Sep 19 on 2 screens at City Cinemas Village East (181 2nd Avenue at 12th Street). Legendary actor entertainer Dick Van Dyke is among the high profile names confirmed to attend the eight-day film extravaganza.

In keeping with NYIIFVF’s unique and successful formula of 15 years, more than 200 films will be screened in the competition covering every topic and country imaginable. Genres include, world cinema, art house, comedy, romance, drama, action, thriller, horror, gangster, noir, experimental, animation, docu-dramas as well as a compelling slate of top notch documentaries. Over 40 countries will be represented including: Armenia, Australia, Belarus, Brazil Greece, Ireland, Italy, the U.K., Scotland, Wales, Spain, Canada, Israel, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, The Netherlands, China, Japan, New Zealand, Denmark, Romania, Russia and all over the U.S. NYIIFVF’s founder/executive producer, Stuart Alson commented, "Our mission and brand remain intact - our goal is to give independent filmmakers an invaluable opportunity to show their films, meet industry, possibly win awards and give New Yorkers a chance to see some of the latest movies on the indie circuit. I am particularly delighted with our international category, which has attracted a record number of well-made films. Some real gems and up-and-coming filmmakers will be discovered at this year’s event. The internationalization of the festival is something I am very proud of. ”

FILM HIGHLIGHTS:

The Wonder Kids: A tiny dance studio sets out to save the art-form of tap-dancing, and, not only produces many of the world's greatest dancers, but saves the lives of thousands of inner-city kids in the process.
Narrated by Dick Van Dyke and featuring Savion Glover, Debbie Allen (Fame) Victoria Rowell and very precious commentary from tap dancing legend Fayard Nicholas. Army Archerd describes The Wonder Kids as ‘remarkable”
Directed by Jim Petersen & Pamela J. Richardson, 109min. Award-winning Documentary.
**EAST COAST PREMIERE: Screening on Friday Sep 19 at 8pm. Dick Van Dyke confirmed on the red carpet at 7pm.

Strength and Honour: (IRELAND) A retired Irish-American boxer, is forced to break his dead wife's last wish to not box again, in order to raise the substantial funds needed for the surgery that could save his son's life.
Starring Michael Madsen (Heat), Vinnie Jones (Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Patrick Bergin (Patriot Games) and Richard Chamberlain (The Thorn Birds)
Directed by award-winning writer/producer/director Mark Mahon 90min, Action/Drama.
**NEW YORK PREMIERE: Screening Sunday Sep 21 at 8pm. Michael Madsen expected to attend

Beyond Our Differences: With all of the problems facing the world today, people are longing for meaning. Many seek answers in spirituality, but often faith and religion are hijacked by a fundamentalist few who use the name of God to promote their own ends. With this dichotomy in mind, we call upon key religious leaders, politicians, and luminaries in their fields to tackle the most complex issues in the modern age, and we ask what inspires them to affect positive change. “One” portrays experiences that provide a new perspective on how non-violent activism and compassion can be effectively used in resolving even the most difficult disputes.
Principal Cast: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Author Deepak Chopra, Ela Gandhi (grand-daughter of Mahatma Gandhi) Andrew Young top aid to Martin Luther King Jr. former president of Iran Mohammad Khatami Prime Minister of Malaysia Dato’ Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Musician/Activist Peter Gabriel.
Directed by Peter Bisanz 74min, Documentary
**EAST COAST PREMIERE Screening Tuesday Sep 23 at 8pm

Frankie D: The story of an upscale African-American carpenter who gets ripped off by two African-American ghetto kids, and instead of throwing them in jail, when he realizes how horrific their life is, he takes them as his, because he was these kids.
Starring: Todd Bridges (Diff’rent Strokes, Everyone Hates Chris, Skaters on Edge), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Sister Act and Dreamgirls on Broadway) and Aaron Meeks (Soul Food)
Written and directed by award-winning director Rosemary Edelman (CBS’s Side by Side) 95min. Drama.
EAST COAST PREMIERE Screening Sunday Sep 21 at 6pm

Death, Taxes... and Chocolate!: Award-winning indie dark chocolate comedy. Take a leisurely, thought provoking cruise with six witty, environmentally and socially conscious friends who are empowered to shape their own destiny in planning their final days.
Directed by “Bud” Dowdey 82min, Dark Comedy/Romance/Spoof/Educational
Co-written and Executive Produced by Dr. Andrea Levinson
**EAST COAST PREMIERE with private afterparty to follow
Screening Sunday Sep 21 at 6pm

Halford Live at Rock in Rio III: Thirteen cameras are fixed on metal's most diverse band of the decade as the metal god delivers one of his best live performances in front of two-hundred thousand + Brazilians featuring Halford, Fight and Judas Priest classics and an in-depth look on the making of the critically acclaimed Halford debut, Resurrection.
Featuring: Rob Halford (Vox), Mike Chlasciak (Guitars), Pat Lachman (Guitars), Ray Riendeau (Bass), Bobby Jarzombek (Drums). Also starring Roy Z. (Producer) and John Baxter (Executive Producer)
Directed by John Baxter 100min, Music Documentary
**Screening Mon Sep, 22nd at 8pm (SOLD OUT) & Tues, Sep 23rd at 8pm**

Blackspot: (New Zealand) On a late night road trip, two companions discover that running from things in the dark, only brings you closer to what you should fear...
Starring: Luke Hawker (Black Sheep) Avatar, I Think I’m Going, Kissy-Kissy), Simon Smith (Manslaughter), Camille Keenan (30 Days of Night)
Directed by Ben Hawker 94min, Thriller
Screening Mon Sep 22 at 10pm

Megatron: (Romania) The story of Maxim an eight-year-old who lives with his mother in a village not far from Bucharest. For his birthday, his mother takes him to a McDonald's restaurant.
Winner of the Palme d'Or for a short film at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.
Directed by Marian Crisan 14 min, Drama/fiction
Screening Tues Sep 23 at 10pm

Good God Bad Dog: An eminent scientist awakes one morning to find that the world has passed into darkness. The sun has failed to rise, and like the Biblical Flood, it seems that the world is coming to a bleak end. Science fails to explain the phenomenon, and faiths clash in a global crisis as the people struggle to find meaning. “Good God Bad Dog” is an eloquent parable that expresses the desperation of today’s collective psyche, and mirrors the doomsday fears so prevalent in modern society. Starring: Tom Sizemore (Heat, Reservoir Dogs) and
Directed by Beni Atoori 19min, Drama
Screening Sat Sep 20 at 10pm

Chasing Happiness: Jen, Karina, Andrea and Raphael live together in an upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles. They seem to be working in Health and Therapy related fields, but in actuality they are pandering to the base needs of a depraved clientele: sex, gambling and “fad fitness” programs and procedures are all on the menu of services for sale. Scamming their way through life has left these young people unfulfilled and somewhat philosophical. A humorous and touching story of four lost souls on the day of New Year’s Eve, during which they each must undergo a change, and make certain resolutions and decisions that will define the direction of their future lives.
Directed by Beni Atoori 86min, Comedy
Screening Sat Sep 20 at 10pm

Newark Street Preachers: In Newark, NJ a new generation of "street preachers" march and pray where gang violence rules, on a mission to stop the killings and to reclaim the deadly streets for Jesus.
Directed by award-winning director D.R. Hernandez 90min, Urban/Spiritual
Screening Sat Sep 20 at 4pm

Under the Skin: A journey into the underground world of Japanese traditional tattoo.
Directed by Billy Burke 60min, Documentary
Screening Sat Sep 20 at 8pm

Skels: Three brothers in blue are forced to balance the sordid work of the streets with the turbulence of life at home.
Directed by Luke Cahill TV PILOT, 47min
Starring Bill Humphreys, Mike Murphy, award-wining actor Thaddeus Schneider (Law and Order/Rescue Me), Erin Cunningham and Justin Osterthaler (Law and Order)
Screening Thursday Sep 25 at 6pm. Afterparty to follow


Confirmed red carpet premieres, talent attending and panels will be forthcoming. Afterparties will take place at a variety of venues around Manhattan including Still NYC, Mad 46 Rooftop lounge, Azza, Public House, Butterfield 8, Libation and Guest House.
Single tickets can be purchased in advance at www.nyfilmvideo.com for $12 and $15 at the door. Package tickets and all-access V.I.P passes are also available. Media credentials can be obtained by faxing a request to 702-361-6309 on company letterhead no later than Sep 12th 2008.

Official Sponsors for the 2008 festival include dynamic film distribution company ITN Distribution, Inc, Filmon.com, a dynamic film download and streaming site and Sun Warrior, a high end company that distributes the best raw eco-friendly vegan organic protein and anti-aging rejuvenating whole super food supplements.