Pardon the Intrusion took home the award for Best Film at the 2015 Charleston International Film Festival. Keep in Touch took home the Jury Award for Best Feature, while The Parker Tribe and Omo Child: The River and the Bush (pictured above) won Jury Awards for Best Short and Best Documentary, respectively. Jeff Affrunti was awarded Best Screenplay for Survival of the Fittest.
The festival attendees echoed the jury’s choice for best documentary and recognized Girl on the Edge for Best Feature, If I Could Talk for Best Short, El Alpinista for Best Foreign Film, and Claire & The Keys for Best Animation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KUQqSWh_Nc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWGeOaHbr4w
The special honors of Best Actress and Best Actor went to Sterling Jerins for her role in Before the Bomb and Ben Condron for his performance in Hunter’s Fall.
Charleston IFF also presented a new award this year. The “Outstanding Supporter of the Arts” award—which will live on in perpetuity—was awarded to Mayor Joseph P. Riley for his incredible contributions to establishing and growing the arts scene in Charleston, ongoing support of the Film Festival, and service to the Charleston-area community as a whole. Mayor Riley’s son, Joe Riley III, accepted the award on his behalf.
Summer Peacher, Charleston IFF Co-Founder and Executive Director said, “We’re thrilled with how much the Festival has grown over the past eight years—from the highly competitive film selection process to the continued increase in event attendance. We’re so grateful to everyone who had a role in making this year an incredible success.”Charleston International Film Festival
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“Pardon the Intrusion” “Keep in Touch” “Omo Child: The River and the Bush” Among Winners of 2015 Charleston International Film Festival
Pardon the Intrusion took home the award for Best Film at the 2015 Charleston International Film Festival. Keep in Touch took home the Jury Award for Best Feature, while The Parker Tribe and Omo Child: The River and the Bush (pictured above) won Jury Awards for Best Short and Best Documentary, respectively. Jeff Affrunti was awarded Best Screenplay for Survival of the Fittest.
The festival attendees echoed the jury’s choice for best documentary and recognized Girl on the Edge for Best Feature, If I Could Talk for Best Short, El Alpinista for Best Foreign Film, and Claire & The Keys for Best Animation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KUQqSWh_Nc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWGeOaHbr4w
The special honors of Best Actress and Best Actor went to Sterling Jerins for her role in Before the Bomb and Ben Condron for his performance in Hunter’s Fall.
Charleston IFF also presented a new award this year. The “Outstanding Supporter of the Arts” award—which will live on in perpetuity—was awarded to Mayor Joseph P. Riley for his incredible contributions to establishing and growing the arts scene in Charleston, ongoing support of the Film Festival, and service to the Charleston-area community as a whole. Mayor Riley’s son, Joe Riley III, accepted the award on his behalf.
Summer Peacher, Charleston IFF Co-Founder and Executive Director said, “We’re thrilled with how much the Festival has grown over the past eight years—from the highly competitive film selection process to the continued increase in event attendance. We’re so grateful to everyone who had a role in making this year an incredible success.”
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THE WANNABE Starring Patricia Arquette to Open 2015 Charleston International Film Festival
The 8th annual Charleston International Film Festival (Charleston IFF) will showcase 86 films from the U.S. and around the world, and kicks off next Wednesday evening with an Opening Night Reception on John Street, followed by a special screening event at Charleston Music Hall of The Wannabe. Written and directed by the incredible Nick Sandow with executive producers Martin Scorsese and Dean Delvin, The Wannabe is a gripping crime drama starring Vincent Piazza, Patricia Arquette, and Michael Imperioli.
Charleston IFF Co-Founder and President, Summer Peacher said, “Screening The Wannabe as our opening night feature film is just one of the many things we’re pumped about for this year’s Festival. Whether you’re a member of the local film community or just love going to the movies, you don’t want to miss a moment of the drama.”
The eighth annual Festival will take place November 4–8, 2015 at Charleston Music Hall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n3UYrpyv8Q
The Wannabe
Drama (91 mins.)
Director/Writer: Nick Sandow
Producers: Lizzie Nastro, Vincent Piazza, Michael Gasparro
Executive Producers: Academy Award® Winner Martin Scorsese and Dean Devlin
Cast: Vincent Piazza, Patricia Arquette, Michael Imperioli, Nick Sandow
Synopsis: Obsessed with mob culture, and desperate to fit in, Thomas sets out to fix the 1992 trial of John Gotti. He believes if the plan is executed, it will put him at the center of all that he idolizes. The plot is foiled setting off events worthy of mob lore. The Wannabe intertwines real people and true events, past and present, with fantasy.
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Charleston International Film Festival Moves to the Fall and to Charleston Music Hall
In its eighth year, Charleston International Film Festival (Charleston IFF) is moving its five-day celebration of film—typically held in April—to the fall with the 2015 Festival taking place November 4–8. The Festival is also changing venues, moving exclusively to Charleston Music Hall this year for its intimate feel and superior acoustics for film.
Summer Peacher, Charleston IFF Co-Founder and President said, “We’re excited to build on the momentum created from last year’s Festival; these changes will help us do that. We couldn’t ask for a better venue and partner than Charleston Music Hall, and we plan on taking full advantage of everything fall in Charleston has to offer our local and out-of-area attendees.”
The 2014 Festival showcased filmmakers representing 11 different countries. The 75 shorts, animations, features, and documentaries shown covered a diverse range of emotionally charged and socially important themes. As the Festival continues to grow in strength and popularity, 2015 is positioned to be Charleston IFF’s strongest event yet.
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7th Charleston International Film Festival Wraps; “Grape” Wins Best Film
The seventh annual Charleston International Film Festival (Charleston IFF) culminated in an Awards Gala where Grape took home the award for Best Film and Amber Karlins was awarded Best Screenplay for Aurora. 3 Mile Limit, written and directed by Craig Newland, took home the Jury Award for Best Feature, while Harry Grows Up and The Lady in Number 6: Music Changed by Life won Jury Awards for Best Short and Best Documentary, respectively.
The festival attendees chose 120 Days for Best Documentary, Crackerjack for Best Feature, The Armadillo for Best Short, Bittersweet for Best Foreign Film, and Blue for Best Animation. Best Actress went to Alex Lombard for her role in Sophie and Best Actor was awarded to Konstantin Lavysh for Karaganda.
The legendary Gale Anne Hurd was presented an award for Achievement in American Film. Hurd was introduced by actor Bill Paxton (Aliens, Tombstone, Apollo 13) who said, “I hold a dear place in my heart for Charleston, as it was a location for my first major motion picture, The Lords of Discipline. Coming back to visit for the festival to honor my friend and colleague, Gale Anne Hurd, was a pleasure.”
Hurd boasts an illustrious career that includes producing award-winning films and television programs, such as The Terminator, Aliens, The Abyss, Armageddon, The Incredible Hulk, Tremors, Dante’s Peak, and The Walking Dead.
“Having filmed in Charleston early in my career, it was an honor to receive the first Achievement in American Film Award from such a well-curated festival,” said Hurd. “In a sea of film festivals, Charleston IFF is one that is truly magical.”
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Free Workshops at the 2014 Charleston International Film Festival
Charleston International Film Festival unveiled its 2014 workshop schedule, which includes a session with esteemed casting directors Laray Mayfield (Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Laura Verbeke (Flight of the Conchords), as well as actor and former professional athlete Ed Marinaro (Hill Street Blues, Blue Mountain State).
The four workshops planned for the seventh annual festival this April 9th – 13th feature insight and advice from the best in the business on topics ranging from casting and acting to video editing and virtual cinematography. As always, these valuable sessions are free and open to the public.
Charleston IFF President/Co-Founder Summer Peacher said, “We want to remind the local community that there’s more to Charleston International Film Festival than screening incredible films. As part of an ongoing mission to educate and inspire through the art and science of film, we’re proud to offer these awesome workshops, free of charge.”
If you can only make it out to one festival workshop, The Yin & Yang of Casting & Acting is a must-attend session. Professional casting director Laray Mayfield will share invaluable insight, experience, and inside knowledge gained throughout her successful career, which includes casting remarkable features including Fight Club, The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, The Social Network, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, and Footloose (2011). Mayfield also cast the first two seasons of House of Cards with her partner, Julie Schubert, earning the pair an Emmy for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series.
Additional panelists for the workshop include Laura Verbeke for casting, as well as veteran actor Ed Marinaro, who will field questions on acting, auditioning, and how to get an agent. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just an avid film lover, The Yin & Yang of Casting & Acting is a unique experience to meet and learn from some of the industry’s best.
Below is the complete workshop schedule for the seventh annual Charleston International Film Festival:
Movie Editing Workshop
What: Learn the fundamentals of video editing using non-linear software.
When: Wednesday, April 9 at 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Where: College of Charleston, Room 203
25 Saint Philip Street, Charleston SCAnimation Workshop
What: Take a deep dive into virtual cameras, rotoscoping, and keyframing.
When: Wednesday, April 9 at 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Where: College of Charleston, Room 203
25 Saint Philip Street, Charleston SCThe Yin & Yang of Casting & Acting
What: Jump on the casting couch and get a fresh perspective from both sides of the script.
When: Saturday, April 12 at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Charleston Music Hall
37 John Street, Charleston SCVirtual Cinematography Demonstration
What: See a live demonstration of motion-tracked virtual camera.
When: Saturday, April 12 at 3:00 p.m.
Where: College of Charleston, Room 220 in the JC Long Building
9 Liberty Street, Charleston SC
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Sneak Preview of DRAFT DAY, Starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner to Open Charleston International Film Festival
DRAFT DAY, starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, and Sam ElliottThe 7th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF), taking place April 9th to 13th, 2014, in historic downtown Charleston, revealed a lineup 78 films, including features, documentaries, animations, and shorts, including from the festival’s own Lowcountry film community.
This year’s opening day feature is a sneak preview of the soon-to-be released film DRAFT DAY, starring Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, and Sam Elliott. Directed by Ivan Reitman, who produced the cult-classic Animal House and directed family-favorite films such as Ghostbusters, DRAFT DAY follows general manager Sonny Weaver (Costner) on the day of the NFL Draft, as he has the opportunity to rebuild his team if he can trade for the number one draft pick. He must quickly decide what he’s willing to sacrifice in pursuit of perfection on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with dreams of playing in the NFL. Football and film fans alike are sure to love this sports drama, which won’t release into theaters until April 11.
Throughout the festival, films are grouped into blocks of shorts or documentaries, as well as evening programs, which include one feature paired with a short film. As many filmmakers, directors, producers, actors, and writers will be present for the screenings, festival attendees have the rare opportunity to meet the many talented folks behind the films and ask questions during Q&A sessions at the end of each block. Whether you’re a film aficionado or just enjoy going to the movies, you will not be disappointed with the impressive quality and diversity of films at this year’s festival. The full schedule is available online.
New to this year’s festival, a film written by Goose Creek High School student Megan Montgomery as part of CIFF’s Script-to-Screen Education Initiative, will debut during Block One on Saturday, April 12. Chosen from more than 150 local students who participated in the initiative, Montgomery’s screenplay was developed by professional filmmakers into the short film, TURPENTINE NAILS.
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“A House, A Home,” “Commencement” Among Top Winning Films From 2013 Charleston International Film Festival
[caption id="attachment_3798" align="alignnone" width="550"]
A House A Home[/caption]The 2013 Charleston International Film Festival closed on Sunday night with the Awards Gala, where legendary cinematographer Bill Butler received the festival’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.
A House, A Home took the award for Best Film and William Blake was awarded Best Screenplay for his work Isaiah’s Rest – An Edisto Ghost Story. The Jury Awards were given to Breaking at the Edge for Best Feature in which Rebecca Da Costa and Milo Ventimiglia played the leading roles. The film was directed by Peter Antonijevic, and produced by Peter D. Graves, David A. Jones, and Warren Ostergard. Nissar Modi was the writer. Other Jury Awards included Smile for Best Short, and Solo La Caña for Best Documentary.
[caption id="attachment_3799" align="alignnone" width="550"]
Commencement[/caption]On the flip side, the audience picked AKA Doc Pomus for Best Documentary, Commencement for Best Feature, Love Scene for Best Short, Counting Happiness for Best Foreign Film and Green Acres for Best Animation. Counting Happiness was also awarded Best Actor for its leading man Satyam Singh, who’s not even five years old. Best Actress was awarded to Marin Hinkle in Commencement.
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Cinematographer Bill Butler to Receive Charleston International Film Festival Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill Butler, the respected and innovative cinematographer, who has worked on films including Jaws, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Grease, Rocky II – IV, Flipper, Stripes, Anaconda and many, many more will be honored at the 2013 Charleston International Film Festival.
To celebrate Butler and his contributions to the industry, Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF), is presenting him with the festival’s inaugural lifetime achievement award. The award will be presented during the Awards Gala and festival finale on Sunday, April 28.
In the film industry, Butler is recognized as an innovator in television and motion pictures. He says the most gratifying aspects of his career have been the technical (camera and light) advances he made, collaborations with other gifted directors and actors, the caliber of his final work and, above all, his interactions with crewmembers. He was an Oscar nominee for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and a two-time Emmy Award winner, among many other awards and accolades.
At 91, Butler is living in Montana and still hard at work. “All I know is filmmaking,” said the Colorado-native. “I’m reading a script I just got today from someone who wants to know if I want to do it. And sure I’ll do it. I still work very well out there on the set.” He added, “There’s no retirement for me… I’m trying to get all out of life I can. I’m out there giving it hell.”
It will be Butler’s first visit to the Holy City since filming the independent feature Deceiver in 1997.
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College Student, Allison Koch Wins Charleston International Film Festival’s Spire Award Design Contest
(Charleston, SC ) – A senior and Studio Art major at the College of Charleston, Allison Koch, concepted and created the winning design for Charleston International Film Festival’s Spire Award. The award will be given annually during the festival to recognize those who exhibit the very best in the art of filmmaking and writing.
Chosen by the festival’s directors from more than a dozen award designs by College of Charleston students, Koch’s prototype truly captured the essence of the Spire, which alludes to Charleston’s iconic steeple-dotted skyline. Furthermore, the shape of a Spire demonstrates a reach for the skies, something the festival’s winning filmmakers and screenwriters truly embody.
Koch, who is from New Jersey, but grew up in North Myrtle Beach said she was influenced by art deco movie theatre architecture. “The geometric, streamlined look seemed to suit the award,” Koch said. Her piece evolved, however, as it developed. Koch explained, “the initial form I had in mind is not at all what I felt worked best in the end.”
The award will be cast in glass and given out for the first time during the 6th annual Charleston International Film Festival, April 24 – 28, 2013.
For having the winning submission, Koch will receive a cash prize of $500.
To learn more about Charleston International Film Festival or buy tickets, visit CharlestonIFF.org.
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Charleston International Film Festival Announces 2011 Award Winners; “LA I Hate You” Wins Best Film
The 4th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF), South Carolina’s premiere event for independent filmmakers and film enthusiasts, would like to announce and congratulate its 2011 Award Winners presented at the Awards Gala held at the Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina.
Golden Crescent Award
-Golden Crescent Award for Best Film : “LA I Hate You” – Produced by Warren Ostergard
Jury Awards
– Best Feature: “Angel Camouflaged” – Written and Directed by Michael Givens
– Best Short: “The Story of Us” – Written and Directed by Paul Krizan
– Jury Award for Best Documentary: “American Jihadist” – Directed and Produced by Mark Claywell
Audience Choice Awards
– Best Documentary: “(Re)Discovering Don ZanFagna” –Directed by Kevin Harrison
– Best Feature: “Cherry.” – Written, Directed and Produced by Quinn Saunders
– Best Short: “God and Vodka” – Written and Directed by Daniel Stine
– Best Foreign Film: “Atroz” – Written, Directed and Produced by Francisco Álvarez
– Best Animation: “Place Stamp Here” – Directed by Joy Vaccese and Noelle Melody
Screenplay Awards
-Golden Crescent Screenplay Competition Winner: William Blackmon for “The Featherkeeper”
-First Runner-Up: Elvis Wilson for “Driving Top Down”
-Second Runner-Up: Sheila Watson & Tony Watson for “The Manifest”
Special Honors
-Channel 5 for Best Actress: Dedee Pfeiffer in “The Tub”
-Channel 5 Award for Best Actor: Brian Dennehy in “alleged”
-Cinebarre Award for Best SC Short Film: “Saying Goodbye” – Written and Produced by Brian Rish and Jocelyn Rish[via Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF)]
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Charleston International Film Festival Announces 2011 Official Selections
The 4th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF), scheduled to run five days May 18-22, 2011 in South Carolina, announced its 2011 Official Selections.
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Charleston International Film Festival announces 2011 Dates
The 4th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF) will be held at the classic and swanky American Theater in historic downtown Charleston, SC, May 18–22, 2011.