By Maria Esteves - June 1, 2010

Presenting characters that overcome life's difficulties, filmmaker Roberto Rizzo (RR) is founder of the New York City International Film Festival (NYCIFF). Rizzo's passion for film began at the age of four, is writer, producer, director of Trust Me, Couples, Fascination, and Connecticut Cooking & Conversation, founded Vesuviano Pictures, has appeared in 13, 30 Rock, My Father's Will, New Amsterdam, and others. RR has performed many interviews and several articles have been written about him. NYCIFF is expected to become New York City top launching pad for international filmmakers from around the world. The festival runs from August 12-19, 2010. The opening star-studded gala inauguration black tie red carpet event commence Thursday, August 12, 6:00 pm, at the Hudson Theatre. Isabella Rossellini and other celebrities are set to walk the carpet. I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Roberto Rizzo in New York, on Tuesday, May 11, 2010.

ME:  What inspired you to be in the film industry?

RR:  My mother's passion for film was my inspiration. I was going to movie the theatres since I was four years old with my mother. I love to write and create characters in order to tell a story and film is the best way to tell stories. 

ME:  Who, when, and how was the festival founded?

RR:  I am the founder of NYCIFF. Attending the premiere of my film COUPLES at Cannes Film Festival in 2008 was a great experience. I met many industry people from all over the world, from producers to filmmakers to distributors and writers. I created NYCIFF because I want to give every filmmaker an opportunity to showcase his or her film. I am actually receiving films from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, China, Japan, South Africa, Germany, Holland, United Kingdom, USA, Latin America, and Mexico.

ME:  What are the goals of the festival?

RR:  The goal of the festival is to bring films from all over the world and be the host to international filmmakers. New York City is the center of the world, every filmmaker's dream is to showcase their film in NYC, and my festival will welcome them. 

ME:  How will the festival be different from others?

RR:  NYCIFF is personally in touch with the filmmakers. This year our inaugural will showcase free films to the public in Times Square and throughout NYC. We will celebrate Argentina's Day as part of Argentina's Bicentennial Independence Day (200th anniversary).  Our slate of films are many, from Latin America to GLBT community.

Films premiering in the festival include Colombia's EN TUS MANOS, directed by Ron Jacobs, Argentina's PACO written and directed by Diego Rafecas, Spain's FLAT LOVE, directed by Andres Sanz, narrated by Isabella Rossellini, and LODO, directed by Karlos Alastruey.  

ME:  How are the festival awards decided?

RR:  Jury Awards are decided by filmmakers and Audience Awards by the public audience in the categories of feature, documentary, horror, animation, short, musical video, actor, actress, and director. For example, in the category of horror films the principle judge is Steve Dash of "Friday the 13th."        

ME:  What films have you directed? 

RR:  I written, produced, and directed TRUST ME, COUPLES, a short film FASCINATION, and a television pilot CONNECTICUT COOKING & CONVERSATION.

ME:  What has been your greatest accomplishment? 

RR:  My greatest accomplishment is the satisfaction of starting and completing a project. Being the founder of NYCIFF. The festival runs from August 12-19, 2010. The Opening Gala Inauguration Black Tie Red Carpet event is Thursday, August 12, 6:00 pm to midnight at the Hudson
Theatre. The Opening Gala premieres are PACO written and directed by Diego Rafecas, FLAT LOVE, directed by Andres Sanz, and a special presentation from Germany. 

ME:  What goals have you yet to accomplish? 

RR:  To make NYCIFF a jump-start network for passionate international filmmakers from around the world. The honor of being
an award recipient.       

For more information, please visit: http://www.nycinternationalfilmfestival.com.