|
IFFF Success Stories
Fred Vargas from CCI Distribution, has just announced three new feature titles have been added to their roster. The three films were award winners in the 2008 IFFF: "Alice, Upside Down", "Sticks & Stones", and "The Plumm Summer". Congratulations to all!!
www.ccientertainment.com
"Alondra Smiles" is awarded Honorable Mention at the 5th Annual ION International Film Festival which was held at the Third Line Gallery in Dubai, UAE. The festival featured nineteen films produced by filmmakers from elevn different countries. The ION Film Festival choose Dubai for its eclectic group of cultures and great degree of global diversity.
Previous accolades and nominations for "Alondra Smiles" are Best Independent Feature at the Kids First! 2008 Best Awards (world's largest children's film festival) and also nominated for Best Picture at the Imagen Awards. It garnered the Best Feature Film at the Indie Gathering Film Festival/United Latino Film Festival in Cleveland, Ohio. The film was also honored with Best International Feature Film at The Heart of England Film Festival (England) and won the Directors Gold Award at the International Family Film Festival in Hollywood earlier this year.
"Producing this small film alongside friends and family was a heartfelt endeavor. And knowing that audiences can connect to the intimacy and love that was put into it makes it even more special." said Juan F. Villa, producer of "Alondra Smiles."
Conchita Villa Director/Writer/Producer cnvilla@villamediaprod.com
************************
The Little Red Truck," which won IFFF's 2008 Best Feature Documentary award, is now in theatrical release in cities across the country. It will open in Beverly Hills on October 10 at the Laemmle Music Hall,
9026 Wilshire, Blvd. Several other cities will open the film that same day including Irvine, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Kansas City and more.
The IFFF award has really been an instrumental door-opener as we continue to add cities to our theatrical release. We are continually grateful to have received this recognition from your organization. Thank you!
- Scott and Paula Merrow entered last year’s short comedy screenplay “The Spider Experiment” which was a Finalist in their category. Since last February they have completed a short live action film of the script which has been entered into this year’s festival. This talented couple also penned the 2007 winning comedy short film “A Piece of Pie” which was produced by Tough Cookie Productions.
- Scott Hylton’s winning feature screenplay from 2005, “Treasure of the Painted Forest” was produced as a feature comedy and entered into the 2007 IFFF. The film was a Finalist in its category and signed a distribution deal at the festival with Artist View Entertainment.
- Monterey Media, the producers of the 2007 IFFF Best Feature Drama, “Eye of the Dolphin”, have completed and submitted a new feature film for this year’s competition, “Pearl Diver”.
- Rahel Kent, the producer/writer of the short animation “Santa’s Camels”, a Finalist in Short Animation category in 2007, signed an international distribution deal with Short Films International. The film has been released worldwide. When the Swedish TV picked it up, they translated it into Swedish in perfect rhyme, just like the English version…what a thrill for Rahel.
- “Beautiful Dreamer” was the 2007 Directors Gold Award and producer Bradford Sublett has signed with CCI for international distribution.
- Christopher Canole won the 2007 Best Feature Screenplay in the Sci-Fi/Adventure category with “Felix the Flyer”, and as a result of his win, Chris has received over one hundred enquiries about the script, and continues to win Awards at other festivals such as Twin Rivers, San Diego International Film Festival and Queens International.. He is currently working on a production deal.
2009 IFFF Testimonials
My producer and I attended the 14th annual International Family Film Festival this year. My screenplay, "Kite Kids" was a Semi-Finalist. Having never attended the Family Film Festival before we really did not know what to expect. I must say that the whole experience was absolutely fabulous!
We drove in from Las Vegas and were greeted kindly by Patte Dee McKee one of the festival organizers. We were able to network and meet a lot of great people including fellow screenwriter's and top industry professionals. The panels were superb. We found them to be very helpful and informative. Chris and Suzanne Shoemaker do a fabulous job heading up the festival. It's great to know that quality people are inspiring us all to create wholesome family entertainment. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Joey Rocha, Screewriter/Director
I am proud to have been a part of the IFFF line up this year!
I received that beautiful Finalist Certificate in the mail this week, it will look great on my wall at work.
Sean Conly, "JABBAWAKI" Animator, Toronto, ON Canada
I am proud to have been a part of the IFFF line up this year!
I received that beautiful Finalist Certificate in the mail this week, it will look great on my wall at work.
Angad and Gurmeet Singh, "ROOTS AND WINGS", producer, writer, director
Thanks so much for having "Holyman" at the festival - it was a lot of fun. It's truly amazing how you are able to pull this all together.
Thanks again.
David A.R. White, "HOLYMAN" producer, writer, actor, director
and PureFlix Distribution
We are dedicated to creating quality programming that gives children the chance to enjoy the natural world before they have to save it. We feel lucky that we can create family programming that allows adults and children to laugh together, and to be excited about the world around them. Thank you for the screening opportunity at the IFFF.
Laura and Robert Sams, "THE RIDDLE IN THE BOTTLE", producers, directors Sisbro Studios, LLC Portland, Oregon
You did a beautiful job with the screenings, and we thank you for making that experience a fun one. Your hard work and dedication is recognized and very much appreciated. I feel terrible about not being able to attend the Awards Ceremony not only to support the other filmmakers, but to humbly receive recognition for the hard work and love that goes into such a project. It's rare to get such acknowledgement for creative endeavors and to have the opportunity to be around other filmmakers in celebration.
Danielle Jacobs, "boy/man", producer, director Present Day Pictures
Thanks again for putting on such a wonderful event, with such a warm reception for filmmakers and writers. I felt very welcome, and met a number of like-minded people who also care about creating positive entertainment, and who make for good company.
Katarzyna Kochany, screenwriter and filmmaker "ELLIOT MOOSE: The Windy Creature" and "HORSE FOR SALE " Vancouver, BC Canada
Looking back at IFFF in the rear view mirror, I can honestly say that it was everything I hoped and dreamed it would be. I got to introduce my family and friends to our film in a beautiful theater. I dreamed it would be a moment of healing for all the family members who had to watch the pain of what unfolded in our lives over the years, and it was. I'll never forget that feeling of being in a dream when Chris Shoemaker said, "The Top Applause Award goes to .DreamRiders." Oh, such emotions.
William Roulston, "DREAMRIDERS" producer, director Nobobo Productions
Thanks for the picture and thanks again for the wonderful weekend. It was a great time. I know you and your team put in countless hours before and during (and after) the event. God needs to provide a better word than "thanks" -- because thanks is not enough.
With Gratitude,
Rusty Rhodes, screenwriter "LUCKY EDDIE"
Once again, thank you for the consideration the festival gave to my script, "The Devil's Due". I really appreciate the validation, support, and "cheerleading" that you all give to us. Your staff /cohorts were wonderful as always. I was greatful for the "taxi-ing" you and Bonnie offered as well... it was helpful to not have to hassle with a car. The festival was a blast and the rest of my trip was productive too.
Carol Sabik-Jaffe, Screenwriter
The International Family Film Festival is a tremendous festival for emerging and established filmmakers alike. It is so wonderful to have a festival that is solely dedicated to the family audience. The selection of films were top notch, and the welcoming environment that was created by the festival is perfect for getting to know the other filmmakers and attendees. Hats off to the IFFF, and here's to many more years of success!
Ryan Shore, Composer, "Rex Steele: Nazi Smasher"
|
