Hoboken International Film Festival's blog

HIFF is a worldwide renowned film festival. Showcasing the edgiest domestic and international movies and their filmmakers, HIFF will kick off on April 4th with its opening night films--that will be viewed by nearly 1,000 fans and industry personnel at Pier A Park, located directly on the Hudson River and overlooking the majestic New York City skyline. The 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award winner will be Cloris Leachman (The Last Picture Show; Young Frankenstein; The Women; The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Dancing With the Stars). At this past year's Gala Awards Ceremony, noted as one of the best in the country for its Oscar-like class and fanfare, Billy Dee Williams personally accepted the HIFF Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2007 HIFF Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Charles Durning (2-time Academy Award/8-time Golden Globe/12-time Emmy winner and nominee). The 2006 recipient was Frank Vincent. In addition to nonstop screenings during the week of the festival, HIFF offers a slate of panel discussions held by top industry leaders.
The 2007 group included an Academy Award winning producer, CBS news anchors, MTV casting director, CBS soap opera star, a studio executive and a star talent manager. HIFF also offers unique, star-studded special events. Some past special events include: the "Keg Party Blowout & Screening" sponsored by Sheraton Suites on the Hudson, Harbor Bar and Brasserie, and Stella Artois--featuring the movie "Beer League" and a party with the movie's filmmakers and stars including Artie Lange (The Howard Stern Show); a series of films from Academy Award nominated actor Danny Aiello, with a special Q&A held by Aiello and the filmmakers of his new film "The Shoemaker," as well as a live concert by Aiello and his band; a series of Charles Durning films and special screenings and parties with Durning. HIFF awards the winning filmmakers with cash prizes in the following categories: Best Feature Film; Best Director (Feature Film); Best Screenplay (Feature Film); Best Actor (Feature Film); Best Actress (Feature Film); Best Short Film; Best Documentary; Best TV Pilot; Best Unproduced Screenplay. There are also awards given in several other categories. In addition, there is a Grand Prize (for Best Narrative Feature Film) of a distribution deal offer (2009 company TBA). All festival venues are located in the heart of New Jersey's artistic capital, with gorgeous, waterfront scenic views of the New York City skyline.