By Maria Esteves - December 4, 2009

The 2009 New York International Film & Art Festival (NYIFAF09) presented by Independent Film Group and Independent Film Quarterly were held at the Village East Cinemas, New York, October 22 -29, 2009. NYIFAF annually present international independent films from emerging and established filmmakers, international art show, exhibits, seminars, special events, and after parties.  NYIFAF09 Closing Night premiere red carpet arrivals included festival founder and executive director Stuart Alson, Tony award winning choreographer Jamie Guan, FLOWER DRUM SONG (2002 Broadway Revival), filmmakers, producers, writers, performing artists, celebrity guests, and festival attendees. The festival closing night after party was held at Hudson Terrace, 10:00 PM.

NYIFAF09 Closing Night red carpet arrivals: Tony award winning
choreographer Jamie Guan, FLOWER DRUM SONG.

NYIFAF09 Closing Night red carpet arrivals:
festival founder/executive director Stuart Alson,
(right), with Tony award winning choreographer
Jamie Guan, FLOWER DRUM SONG.

2009 NYIFAF Closing Night World Premiere of MARATHON, directed by Biju Viswanath, produced by Richard Harteis, a documentary feature based on the life of poet Richard Harteis, and former US Poet Laureate/1988 Pulitzer Prize winner William Meredith, commenced Thursday, October 29, 6:10 PM.

NYIFAF09 Closing Night World Premiere red carpet arrivals:
poet/producer Richard Harteis, MARATHON.

2009 NYIFAF Closing Night award winning film MACHETERO, directed by Vagabond Beaumont, was held Thursday, October 29, 8:10 PM. The Award winning urban feature depicts a young New York Hispanic rebel inspired by a mentor to become a revolutionary after reading "The Anti Manifesto," by Pedro Taino. MACHETERO is Best Film award winner at the 2009 Heart of England International Film Festival, International Film Festival Ireland, International Film Festival Thailand, Swansea Bay Film Festival, and International Film Festival South Africa.

NYIFAF09 Closing Night award winning film MACHETERO red carpet arrivals: director Vagabond Beaumont, (left), with cinematographer/director of photography Jeff "AK" Akers.

2009 NYIFAF Closing Night New York Premiere of OY VEY, MY SON IS GAY, a New Generation Films, and North by Northwest Entertainment presentation, directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, was held Thursday, October 29, 8:10 PM. A comedy/drama family film set in New York City depicts the emotional realities of a same sex couple and their family.

NYIFAF09 Closing Night New York Premiere OY VEY!
MY SON IS GAY! red carpet arrivals: festival founder
/executive director Stuart Alson, (left), with director
Evgeny Afineevsky.