NJ State Film Festival at Cape May
From Underdog Woman to 9/11's Father Judge, all types of heroes are converging at the annual film festival. "At a time when there are so many world concerns, we feel fortunate that a number of films submitted to this year's festival coincidentally have a hero's theme," said Stefan Prosky, curator of The NJ State Film Festival at Cape May.
The late Father Judge was a true firefighting hero who died in the tragedy of 911. That is why this moving documentary of his life will be one of the feature presentations at the 6th annual film festival. "Father Judge's powerful story has inspired us to use this screening as an opportunity to honor the unsung heroes of our own community who give so much," shared Ed Henry, the festival's Chairman. "We will begin this event with a reception at Cape May's local fire station, followed by the film being shown just across the street at The Church of the Advent” said Henry.
"The Saint of 911" provides an uplifting look at the inspiration this one man gave to countless people in New York and New Jersey through his work and faith. Partial proceeds of the showings will go to local firefighters from Cape May, Cape May Point and the West Cape May Fire Departments.
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The festival will also offer a look at one woman's creative endeavor to honor the underdog hero in us all. Suzanne Muldowney has shared her portrayal of Underdog Woman in many parades in New Jersey, spreading her philosophy of good overcoming evil. New Jersey filmmaker, Boris Gavrilovic, is the director who was inspired by Susan's commitment and how misunderstood she has been in her quest. The film is called “My Life as an Underdog” and it will be a feature presentation at the festival this year. “The festival is also donating partial proceeds of these screenings to local Autism Organizations”, continued Henry. "This brilliant costume maker who shares her story through dance, was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, a form of autism," shares Boris in the film. "We hope that showing this film will encourage people to have a new level of respect for Suzanne and will help promote her continued participation in our local parades," said Henry.
A third kind of hero in this year's festival will be Dan Millman, a world champion athlete and a true pioneer in the metaphysical and self-empowerment world. Based on his record selling book, "The Way of the Peaceful Warrior," this viewing will be on a short list of limited release screenings across the nation.
“Beyond our focus on heroes, we are expanding the scope of the festival this year, as we welcome a film from the Carnegie Mellon International Film Festival in Pittsburgh” said Todd Land, Director of Marketing. "We are creating a new relationship with Carnegie Mellon that will allow a new out of state audience for our New Jersey filmmakers. We have also co-curated an international film that will be shown at both festivals. “This relationship allows more opportunities for both festivals to pull from as well as an international component”, continued Land. This year we are introducing a film from The Czech Republic, which is a spoof on a Wal-Mart style store that the filmmakers actually fake the community into thinking it is opening. It’s entitled Czech Dreams and has received rave reviews around the world. "We are excited to present one of our films at your festival and look forward to further developing our relationship with your filmmakers," said Jolanta Lion of Carnegie Mellon University.
"The film festival will continue its primary focus on New Jersey-developed films, but is offering this special showing to enhance the spectrum of what we bring the people of New Jersey," indicated Prosky. "Of course we will also be bringing a wonderful selection of NJ films in our Festival of Independents shown throughout the day on Saturday”, continued Prosky. The festival will also highlight local artists at a special-event brunch entitled, "Film Inspired by Art," at Congress Hall this year. "We are able to share the works of local artist Gerry Lynch and Sam Maiten through the films of Cape May filmmaker, Craig Rinkerman. “We feel that sharing the success of these local New Jersey artists, who have works showcased in museums throughout the world, will bring celebration to the southern New Jersey region” said Annie Mullock, Special Events Director. The festival's tradition of offering young filmmakers' workshops continues on Thursday of the festival week and is free and open to all students interested in learning about creating a short film.
This festival is adding new awards, each named after our past Governor Award winners. The Susan Sarandon Award will be given to the artist who submits a film that strives to promote community awareness of the arts or education. “We were excited to hear from Susan Sarandon and worked with her to develop the award that ties in with a focus that she believes in”, said Ed Henry, Chairman of the Festival. The Sabol award (for Steve and Ed Sabol of NFL films) will be given to the film that has the best use of cinematography. "To us at NFL Films, this is like being inducted into the filmmakers Hall of Fame," said NFL Films president Steve Sabol. "It's a humbling honor to my father and I that creative cinematographers for years to come at the Cape May Film Festival, will earn an award with our name on it." The Robert Prosky Award (prior winner Robert Prosky) will be given to the best actor of the films presented. We will also have an award for Best Screen Play named after the founder and former artistic director of the festival, Ron Rollet. Mr. Rollet retired from the festival this past year.
The New Jersey State Film Festival at Cape May opens Thursday, November 16 and runs through Sunday, November 19. This year's films include an eclectic group of shorts and features that will be shown in many local venues throughout Cape May," said Mullock. "Our Opening Party pays tribute to a local hero Bruce Minnix, whose life in the arts and impact on Cape May have been profound", said continued Mullock. “Mr. Minnix is truly a local hero and we are pleased to present him at this years Opening Night festivities” expressed Mullock. For more information call 609 884 6700 or visit the festivals web site at www.njstatefilmfestival.com.
Author: Press Release
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