The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) is gearing up to return to Los Angeles

Those needing an indie film fix will be happy to hear that The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) is gearing up to return to Los Angeles with an exciting lineup of independent films, red carpet premieres and special events, taking place July 17-24, 2008. NYIIFVF kicks off with a film/art market and networking party at the stylish Cabana Club on Thursday July 17 from 6pm-Midnight. In keeping with NYIIFVF's unique and successful formula of 15 years, over 100 eclectic films will be screened during its summer run at the legendary Sunset Laemmle 5 Theatre in West Hollywood, (8000 Sunset Blvd) from July 18th - 24th. Dick Van Dyke, Sydney Poitier, Kristanna Loken, Mila Jovovich, Bill Cosby, Adrian Grenier, Debbie Allen, Kevin Dillon, Todd Bridges, Natasha Alam, Thaddeus Schneider, Bobby Moresco, Kyle Lowder, Shaun Taub, Robert Rusler, Justin Whalin, Aaron Meeks, Cheryl Cosenza, Claudia Mason, Jason Brooks, Kate Del Castillo, Allison Anders, Lauren Nadler, Lana Parshina and even members of the Saudi Royal Family are among the bold-face names expected throughout the 8-day extravaganza.

Known as "The Voice of Indie Film", every genre imaginable is represented at this year's summer's run, including, world cinema, comedy, romance, drama, thriller, horror, action, experimental, animation, docu-dramas as well as a compelling slate of high-quality documentaries. NYIIFVF will host emerging filmmakers from all over the world along with press, distributors, celebrities, delegates, and indie film lovers.

NYIIFVF's founder/executive producer, Stuart Alson commented, "Our goal is to give filmmakers an invaluable opportunity to showcase their films, experience west coast film culture, meet celebrities and members of the film industry, possibly win awards and give audiences a chance to see the latest selection of movies and talent on the indie circuit. "I am particularly thrilled with our international category, which has attracted many well-made films. Some real gems will be discovered at this year's LA event. The internationalization of the festival is something I am really proud of," continued Alson.

LA FILM HIGHLIGHTS:

Lime Salted Love: A minimalist, surreal examination of abandonment, guilt, abuse and psychic pain set in this minute's hipster enclaves of Los Angeles. The film depicts the tale of three bonded brothers broken by the accidental death of one and the residual guilt draping the remaining two. Starring: Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3); Kate del Castillo (Under the Same Moon, Bordertown); Jason Brooks (Days of Our Lives, Baywatch Hawaii); Billy Drago (The Hills Have Eyes, The Untouchables, Charmed).

Directed by Danielle Agnello & Joe Hall, 86min. Art house.

**PREMIERE: Kristanna Loken and Shaun Taub confirmed on the red carpet.

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.

Hosted by Dick Van Dyke and featuring Savion Glover, Debbie Allen (Fame) and Victoria Rowell.

Directed by Jim Petersen & Pamela J. Richardson, 109min. Documentary.

**PREMIERE: Dick Van Dyke, Debbie Allen and Victoria Rowell expected on the red carpet.

Chasin' Gus' Ghost: Superb documentary on the history of jug band music. It is a historical retrospective that spans the globe and honors many great talents from yesterday and today. Features John Sebastian (Lovin' Spoonful) and Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead).

Directed by Todd Kwait, 97min, Music Documentary.

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 (Different 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 Rosemary Edelman (CBS's Side by Side), 95min. Drama.

**PREMIERE: Todd Bridges, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Aaron Meeks expected on the red carpet.

Love Like Blood: A story from the streets of New York. Kevin (Thaddeus Schneider (Law & Order, Rescue Me) is a notorious car thief at the top of his game. His life is about stolen cars, sex and cash. But as good as Kevin is, he knows it's only a matter of time until he'll get caught. Before his life starts to completely unravel, Kevin tries to walk away from his criminal lifestyle and start over.

Written and directed by Stephen Bozga, 84min. Drama

**PREMIERE: Thaddeus Schneider and award-wining singer/songwriter April Deverau confirmed for the red carpet. Kevin Dillon expected on the red carpet.

Death, Taxes... and Chocolate! 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 Dark Comedy, Romance, Spoof/Educational

**PREMIERE: Talent confirmed Dr. Andrea Levinson, Riley Weston (Sister Act 2, Felicity) and Olja Hrustic (Spiderman 3, The Grindhouse).

Eagle Talon The Movie: The Chancellor Only Lives Twice: Groundbreaking film that utilizes mainly flash animation in Japan. FROGMAN, the king of tongue-in-cheek humor of the late night Japanese TV, attacks the whole entertainment industry with a nonsense comedy with a secret society whose silly conspiracy is never to come real.

Directed by FROGMAN, 75min. Flash Animation.

Under The Skin: A journey into the underground world of Japanese traditional tattoo.

Directed by Billy Burke, 58min. Documentary.

The Pikers: Havoc reigns as a family of hillbillies moves into the ghetto, much to the consternation of the neighborhood overseer. Starring comedian Jackie Martling; Michael A. Shepperd, Inger Tudor and Nancy Schofield.

Directed by Cone Chamberlain, 24 min. Comedy.

Nina: Social documentary about creative, accomplished, intelligent women; feminism; free expression; sex; and pornography. Featuring adult actress Nina Hartley (Boogie Nights).

Directed by R. C. Hörsch, 92 min. Documentary.

Svetlana about Svetlana: Joseph Stalin's daughter made an exception and broke her silence for Lana Parshina's directorial debut. Featuring Svetlana Alliluyeva's exclusive interview, "Svetlana about Svetlana" is a story about one Svetlana searching for another in the quest to find answers on the questions that bothered her since she was 10.

Directed by Lana Parshina, 44min. Documentary.

**PREMIERE: Adrian Grenier, Natasha Alam and Mila Jovovich expected on the red carpet.

Chekhov and Maria: Russian playwright, Anton Chekhov is ill with tuberculosis and is cared for by his sister Maria with whom he lives in Yalta. He is desperately struggling to complete his play, "The Cherry Orchard." With Maria's help he is able to continue writing, but when Maria discovers that he has secretly married the Moscow Art Theatre actress, Olga Knipper, she feels betrayed and schemes to prevent him from returning to Moscow. When Chekhov discovers how manipulative Maria has been, they have a major confrontation. Eventually there is a reconciliation. Chekhov finally completes his play and leaves for Moscow.

Directed by Eric Till, 80min. Fictional Drama.

*Screening Sunday July 20 at 4pm at Sunset Laemmle 5

The Sunset Laemmle 5 (8000 Sunset Blvd, theaters 2 & 3) will host the NYIIFVF. Single tickets are $12 and can be purchased in advance at www.nyfilmvideo.com or at the Laemmle festival box office beginning July 18. Package tickets and VIP all access passes will also be available. Keep visiting www.nyfilmvideo.com for festival updates. All screenings and red carpet interviews will be hosted by former MTV VJ Shorty Brown.

The opening night party on Thursday July 17 will take place at The Cabana Club (1439 Ivar Ave., Hollywood) from 6pm - midnight. 

Festival sponsors include Samsung and Filmon.com. Nightly after-parties will be held at some of LA's hottest clubs such as Kiss Lounge, Avalon, Joseph's, The Green Room and Dolce. As always, insightful film panels will be coordinated and moderated by Briege McGarrity.

visit www.nyfilmvideo.com