IIFF Interactive

MILITARY INELLIGENCE AND YOU REVIEW

2007-05-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

Check out Twitch critic Collin Armstrong's review of Military Intelligence And You by clicking here. We'll post more reviews as Collin sends them to us.

AWARDS PART 1: BEST FEATURE & JURY AWARDS

2007-05-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

AWARDS PART 2: BEST SHORT, SPECIAL JURY PRIZES & CATEGORY AWARDS

2007-05-05T14:32:00.000-07:00

AWARDS PART 3: OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO LOCAL CINEMA

2007-05-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

AWARDS PART 4: AUDIENCE AWARDS

2007-05-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

AWARDS CEREMONY PHOTOS

2007-05-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ron Keedy, owner of Key Cinemas, with his award for "Outstanding Contribution To Local Cinema."
(From left to right:) Joel Umbaugh, director of the IIFF "Fifi" promos; Steve Marra, director of Evidence of Life; and Alex Johnson, part of the Red Harvest team.
Erika Yancey's parents were on hand to accept the "Hoosier Lens Award" on her behalf. Erika, an Indianapolis native, produced Marrying God.

IRISH FILMMAKER, TONY HERBERT, CHATS ABOUT HIS FILM, SPEED DATING

2007-05-04T11:23:00.000-07:00

Indianapolis International Film Festival: Tell me a bit about the concept for Speed Dating.
Tony Herbert: The idea actually came from a conversation I had with some of my girl friends about their experiences with speeding dating and it sounded hilarious. It just grew from there.

IIFF: So, have you ever been speed dating?
TH: (Chuckles and smiles) I had never been until after the idea for the movie had been conceived and after the script had been written. Some of the other actors and I decided to go. We just thought it’d be wrong to make the movie and not go speed dating. At the time I was 27 and all the women were like 35. One line from the movie came from this…”I’m just interested in your DNA.”

IIFF: You wrote, directed and acted in this film. When you were writing the part of the bad guy did you think, “I have to play this part?”
TH: Not really, because I already knew I would play it. I write a part for myself in everything.

IIFF: The soundtrack for Speed Dating was phenomenal. When can people get ahold of it?
TH: We’d like to have it ready in six months, but there’s a lot to tie up to make that happen.

IIFF: You’ve been traveling on the festival circuit for a while now. Where else have you been?
TH: I’ve been to Phoenix, Paris, where the film won the Audience Award and Malibu, where we won the Grand Jury prize.

IIFF: How does your experience at IIFF compare with the other festivals you’ve been to?
TH: Every festival is different. This is probably the smallest festival I’ve been to, but the welcome and the reaction have been just as positive as other festivals.

IIFF: You’ve told me you have plans to move from Ireland to L.A. to continue making movies. Is there anything you’re apprehensive about in doing this?
TH: At the beginning of any project it’s daunting, but it’s exciting. As long as I work with good people who feel I have something to contribute it should be a rewarding experience.

-Margaret Henney

INT'L FILM WEEK WINDING DOWN

2007-05-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Governor Mitch Daniels officially proclaimed April 27th thru May 4th as "International Film Week" in the State of Indiana (click above image to view full-size document). Tomorrow night is the last chance for "citizens to duly note this occasion" at the Awards Ceremony and Closing Night Party in the 2nd Floor Car Gallery of the Stutz Building. Party begins at 6:30PM. Awards begin at 8. Ticket info found here.

IIFF FILM REVIEWS

2007-05-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is the first batch of festival film reviews from Twitch critic Collin Armstrong:

GLASTONBURY

THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

BLACKOUT

Many more will be posted in the coming days and weeks as they become available.

HOOSIER LENS FILMS DRAW IN CROWD

2007-05-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

The screening of the Hoosier Lens films on Monday evening was a fun and sentimental event for everyone in the audience. Whether you were involved with one of the films, supporting a filmmaker, a proud Hoosier or just surrounded by them, you could feel the excitement in the room.

Two of the Hoosier Lens films, Edge of the Road and the short film Partially True Tales of High Adventure, made their world premiere at this years’ Indianapolis International Film Festival. The short film, Snoozer, made its Midwest premiere. The two remaining shorts, Happiness and Evidence of Life, were screened earlier this year at The Really Big Short Film Festival at the IMAX Theater in the Indiana State Museum. Both were awarded top honors at that Festival.

Three of the five Hoosier filmmakers were present at the Monday night screening, including the director of Evidence of Life and the Executive Director of CENAMA, Steve Marra, the director of Partially True Tales of High Adventure, Murphy Gilson, and the director of Happiness, Duncan Alney. Before the show began, the filmmakers in attendance were introduced and stood up proudly as their family and friends cheered them on and raised their drinks in celebration.

Other notable attendees included Greg Malone of Road Pictures, the director of Red Harvest, Dylan Griffith, film critic for Twitch, Collin Armstrong, cast member of Evidence of Life, Laura Valler, star of Happiness, Joe Vuscovich, Teresa Mann of Mann Made Films, Co-executive Producer of The Curiosity of Chance, Lisa Shahet, Co-creator of the IIFF mascot, Lynette Eklund, Alex Johnson of Venogram Productions, Director of the IUPUI Solution Center, Teresa Bennett, and cultural visionary, Jane Rulon.

-Margaret Henney

IIFF CATCHES UP WITH INDIANA FILMMAKER, MURPHY GILSON, ON HIS SHORT FILM, PARTIALLY TRUE TALES OF HIGH ADVENTURE

2007-05-02T08:13:00.000-07:00

Indianapolis International Film Festival: Was this the world premiere of Partially True Tales of High Adventure?
Murphy Gilson: Yep. This is the first time it's been shown to the public and having this movie premiere here is just perfect. There are a few Muncie jokes in the film and they're going over big with the Indianapolis crowd. There's something about returning home from L.A. too. Everybody has just been so supportive of me and the film here.

IIFF: What was the inspiration for your picture?
MG: Well, it's based on some of my short stories (http://moifee.blogspot.com) which are themselves loosely based on my life in Hollywood, but by the time the film hits the screen, the truth has been lost in the the exaggerations.

IIFF: On working with Shannon Elizabeth?
MG: Shannon was excellent. She didn't know me, but dug the script. She showed up on time and ready to go. She had a lot of questions and ideas. She went with it though and trusted me a lot considering she was playing with her image a bit. She's really, really funny. She doesn't get a chance to show that nearly enough. I mean, everybody remembers her in American Pie for one thing - well, two things - but everybody forgets how funny she is in that. Watch that again and Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back.

IIFF: Advice for aspiring filmmakers?
MG: I've been getting this one a lot lately. I dunno. Heck, I'm an aspiring filmmaker! I will say this, with the state of technology, everybody has access to the equipment. Last year a couple of guys made a movie called My Date with Drew with a camera they bought at Circuit City and then returned it 30 days later for a full refund. The movie got national distribution and Circuit City has since changed it's return policy. That being said, being a professional filmmaker is like being an opera singer or being an Olympic athelete. It takes years of study and hard work to get it right. It ain't easy and I know I've still got a long way to go.

IIFF: What's next for you?
MG: I've got a video for the band Candlebox sometime this summer and I'm working on a new feature screenplay. I've already got some interest in it. I'd like to see Partially True Tales of High Adventure turned into a TV series too, so we'll see what happens with that.

For more information on Murphy Gilson's film, Partially True Tales of High Adventure, go to www.partiallytruetales.com

GORDY HOFFMAN INTERVIEW

2007-05-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

Chad Richards caught up with writer/director Gordy Hoffman today at the Keystone Arts Cinema to discuss his film A Coat Of Snow, his experience in Indianapolis for the festival and what's next for him.

DISCUSSION WITH BARAK HEYMANN

2007-04-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, the IUPUI Office of International Affairs hosted a discussion with Israeli filmmaker Barak Heymann. Barak's documentary, Bridge Over The Wadi, a compelling look at the Israeli-Arab conflict, screens again tomorrow at Landmark at 3:45PM.

Click here to watch the entire discussion. The actual event begins at 8 minutes 30 seconds; you can fast forward to there. Real Player required for viewing.

CATCHING UP WITH STEVE MARRA, DIRECTOR OF EVIDENCE OF LIFE

2007-04-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Indianapolis International Film Festival has a conversation with Hoosier filmmaker, Steve Marra about his short film, Evidence of Life, which will be screened in the Hoosier Lens category at 7:45 p.m. at the Landmark Keystone Art Cinema.

Indianapolis International Film Festival: What's the inspiration behind your film?
Steve Marra: I wanted to create a memorial to 9/11, but with a more personal message. The tragedy is vivid in everyone's mind, but the loss of nearly 3,000 human lives is, even today, six years later, almost too much to conceive. Certainly, on many levels and with all that is happening in this fragile world today, 9/11 is a dreaded memory, but without an emotional definition, unless you were directly effected. The message in Evidence of Life is that EVERY human life is precious. Depicting the loss of one family is a huge loss to us all. To me, that makes it personal. That puts the horrifying event in a personal light. All those people that we lost were just like the rest of us.

IIFF: Do you have a direct/personal connection with 9/11 (i.e. family? friends?)
SM: Other than knowing some people who live near ground zero, I have no direct connection to the events of 9/11. I have only the sense of loss that we all share.

IIFF: Can you talk briefly about the process and what makes this film unique?
SM: I believe this film takes a different approach to memorializing the loss of human life on that day. Obviously, many filmmakers have presented their own dramatic recreations of that day to the world, and they chose the docu-drama method as their voice. Evidence of Life is a fictional drama about "what if." That is the dramatic vehicle by which I chose to drive this memorial.

IIFF: Thoughts on the Indianapolis International Film Festival?
SM: For the most part, it's come a long way in four years. I think Brian, Krista and everyone involved should be applauded for their tireless efforts. IIFF will be a formidable festival in the years to come.

IIFF: What's next for you?
SM: I have several feature projects offered to me for my editing services, which is my second true love. Writing is my first. I also have a project in the fall that I am scheduled to direct. Should be fun.

Evidence of Life will be screened along with Edge of the Road, Happiness, Partially True Tales of High Adventure and Snoozer. For more information on the film visit www.adrenalinemotionpictures.com

GOING ALL THE WAY...TO THE RATHSKELLER

2007-04-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

Dan Wakefield’s soft voice and sweet demeanor added to the overall charm of the screening of his film, Going All the Way. The film, which was set and shot in Indianapolis, was screened Sunday evening at the IUPUI Herron School of Art. References in the film to Herron, Indiana University and a dance scene filmed at the Rathskeller made the Hoosier audience sit up a little taller (myself included) and say, “I know all about that.” Silly? Maybe. But still, the familiarity and the authenticity of the film transported us into the story and even made us a little proud.

After the screening, Wakefield and the Festival’s Found and Director, Brian Owens, talked about the film and opened the session up for questions. Wakefield spoke sweetly about his experiences with the film, explaining how, as a writer, he felt so lucky to have been actively involved in the filming. Like a proud papa, Wakefield spoke of his interactions with the cast and crew during that summer of filming and even introduced some of the crew that had come to support the film at the screening.

After the session, the group headed over to the Rathskeller for a Tenth Anniversary Celebration of the film. And celebrate we did. Any excuse for a good beer is a good excuse to me, but Dan Wakefield and his film were really something to raise our glasses to.

-Margaret Henney

GOING ALL THE WAY PARTY @ RATHSKELLER

2007-04-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

Indianapolis "cultural pioneer" Jane Rulon with Going All The Way author and screenwriter Dan Wakefield.

The original program and ticket from the film's premiere 10 years ago:

Collin Armstrong, film critic for Twitch, was at the party. He has been watching many of the films from the festival this year and we'll provide a link to his reviews as they become available.

After months of planning and preparation, some of IIFF's board of directors take time to enjoy the festivities. In back (l-r) is David Moscowitz and Krista Hoffmann-Longtin, president. Up front (l-r) is Kelli Safford, secretary; and Dorothy Henckel, vice president/treasurer.

MIDWEST PREMIERE OF A COAT OF SNOW

2007-04-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

Duncan and Angela Alney, along with friend Rico Garduno, turned up at Landmark for the Midwest premiere of Gordy Hoffman's directorial debut A Coat Of Snow. Gordy wrote the Sundance award-winning Love Liza for brother Phillip Seymour Hoffman and will lead the "Screenwriting Master Class with Gordy Hoffman" tomorrow from 10AM-5PM at IUPUI. We'll have more from Gordy on the blog later this week.

eXcelLENT STUDENT SHORT FILMS

2007-04-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

High school students Ross Oman and Aaron McCowley discuss their short film Never screening with the "eXcel Shorts" program at the Herron School of Art on the IUPUI campus. The program contains films from Indiana high school students and is presented free of charge by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance.

TECHNOLOGY MEETS CULTURE

2007-04-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

The Curiosity of Chance crew was on hand to answer people's questions at the "Emerging Technology/Merging Cultures" educational panel at the Herron School of Art this afternoon. Panelists were Kacy Andrews (Executive Producer), Lisa Shahet (Producer), and Russel P. Marleau (Director).

WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH RED HARVEST

2007-04-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Dylan Griffith, director of the short film Red Harvest (screening as part of The Creeps shorts program) candidly shares a few reasons why people may want to see his film.

ROCK 'N ROLL NIGHT!!!

2007-04-27T21:09:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Porolniczak, promotions director at 92.3 WTTS hands out station schwag to attendees of Rock 'N Roll night at IIFF.

People lined up and excited for the screening of Gimme Shelter. Dir. Albert Maysles was on hand afterward to answer questions.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY PICS

2007-04-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Below are some pictures from the Opening Night Party, held this past Wednesday night at the World Wide Motors Mercedes Showroom:

DALE DOCUMENTARY TO SCREEN AT FEST

2007-04-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dale reveals public triumphs and private moments

The Indianapolis International Film Festival will screen two showings of the film Dale, a documentary about the late NASCAR driving legend Dale Earnhardt. Screenings will be today at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, April 30 at 5:30 p.m. at Key Cinemas.

Dale was created through a collection of archival footage, home movies, and personal interviews with family and friends.

“Rory Karpf and Ryan McGee crafted this fascinating tribute and I love that they allowed Earnhardt to speak for himself,” said Festival Founder and Director Brian Owens. “No actor could possibly corral the energy, the passion, and the swagger that Dale Earnhardt brought to his sport and to the world.”

The documentary features Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt, Teresa Earnhardt, and narrator Paul Newman.

“We’re so thankful to be able to bring this moving documentary to Indianapolis, the racing capital of the world,” said Owens. “We feel we’ve brought this film home.”

B.I.K.E. AND AWAY FROM HER SCREENINGS

2007-04-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

Below: Laura Mancini, programming intern, and Carl Doninger, volunteer, greet festivalgoers in the Landmark Theater lobby as they come to see the 7:15 screening of Away From Her(screening again on Monday, April 30th at 5:30PM).

Below: Patrons line up for tickets to the 7PM screening of B.I.K.E. (presented by IMOCA and screening again on Monday, April 30th at 1:30PM).

Below: Ryan G and Beau Yarrow, in town with the film Walking Out On Love (screening as part of the 92.3 WTTS Rock 'N Roll night tomorrow at 5:30PM in Landmark) check out the talents of fellow filmmakers in the festival.

IIFF COMMERCIAL #2: FIFI AND COFFEE

2007-04-26T03:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the second promo produced by Road Pictures for the 2007 IIFF. This one features "Fifi" swinging by a coffee shop to carry a patron off to the festival.

IIFF COMMERCIAL #1: THE DROP OFF

2007-04-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

Take a look at The Drop Off, one of the commercials featuring "Fifi" the new festival mascot. This is one of two promos that will be airing on Comcast and before each screening.

The spot was produced by IIFF sponsor Road Pictures of Indianapolis.