Thank you for the submissions. As we enter 2011 we are grateful and excited to start the year so strong. We have lots in store and are sure tu surprise you with the new site in January. This includes the Underground Film Forum (#UFF) and new venues in Mt. Airy and Center City. Of course the festival is based in Northern Liberties.
There is a lot in store. Please feel free to contact us via phone 215 592-1242 or via email info AT PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFestival.com
More soon!
We'll see you at the 4th annual festival June 22nd -26th, 2011!
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
4th Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 22nd -26th, 2011
The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival provides an environment for its participants to encourage, engage and network in the ever broadening film maker dialogs with a diverse local and international community.
We are committed to showcasing globally and locally produced work by film makers who have created a unique cinematic experience that does not feel restrained by traditional boundaries.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Festival submissions coming in strong.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival 2011
June 22nd - 26th, 2011
#film #media #piff2011
Special selections.
Check in at PhilaIndie
or view feed via this blog to your right ~~~~~~>
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wheedles Groove ...Seattle's Sacred Soul of the 70's & 80's. #uff #piff2011
@PhilaIndie: Wheedles Groove ...Seattle's sacred Soul of the 70's & 80's.
::: Listen to music :::
Screening now at the Underground Film Forum #puff #uff ... #phila
UPDATE: 3:25 AM EST
Tonights Forum has concluded. Thank you for attending.
#UFF
Country:USA
Year: 2009
Running time: 95 Minutes
Genres:Documentary, Music, Musical
Programs:Documentary Films, Face the Music, Northwest Connections
Language: English
END
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Brian Dennis Project ... Discussing the art of making art.
Documentary Feature: The Brian Dennis Project
Posted:
Amy Leonard
freeRADlab
Chronicling the creation, installation, and exhibition of an original piece of art, Joe'l Ludovich and Katherine Sender's documentary The Brian Dennis Project relates the ups and downs experienced by an independent artist. When invited to create artwork for the Philadelphia Art Alliance, Brian Dennis begins a year-long undertaking - he designs an enormous structural piece that is meant to lean on the Art Alliance's staircase. However, creating a concept model proves to be merely the first step in a long process. Dennis must weather uncertainty, frustration, confrontation, and a good deal of elbow grease. But to Dennis, who dedicates his life to art, all of the stress is worth it when the piece is complete and opening night rolls around.
The Brian Dennis Project features simple documentary style shooting and editing, capturing the impromptu essence of Dennis's artistic process. Because of the minimalist style of the film, the raw emotions that surface at each stage of Dennis's journey shine through, allowing viewers to vicariously experience the art making process. Though the process is frequently hampered by a number of setbacks, the excitement and sense of accomplishment at the creation of the piece can be thoroughly felt.
A simple yet heartfelt documentary, The Brian Dennis Project offers a holistic glimpse at the struggles and joys of being an artist.
Thank you to the Philadelphia Art Alliance.
End.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Wed night #uff blog post going up soon ...
Update: 08 08 2010:
Posted - underground film forum blog
Update: 08 25 2010:
Brian Dennis Project
and
Hockey Mom
have been moved to pre-post status.
Thanks again.
END
Philadelphia Film Maker Michael Ryan Lawrence - Jack in the Box
Philadelphia Film Maker Michael Ryan Lawrence - Jack in the Box
Short (30 mins)
END
Monday, August 2, 2010
Wheedle's Groove by Jennifer Maas (Documentary). Philadelphia Independent Film Festival review.
Blogger
freeRADlab
Amy Leonard
Screening -
Title: Wheedle's Groove (Feature)
Director: Jennifer Mass
Movie (IMDB) Site: Wheedle's Groove
With interviews, footage, and recordings chronicling the music scene in Seattle from the 1960's through today, Jennifer Maas's documentary Wheedle's Groove provides and in-depth look at black music in the Pacific Northwest. The documentary discusses the scene as a whole, but focuses on groups such as The Black and White Affair, Cookin' Bag, and several others. Despite the obvious talent and drive found in these groups, none of them made it big due to a number of factors - race, politics, location, and luck. However, their records live on, and many of the former members continue to perform and make music today.
Heavily influenced and intertwined with politics, segregation, and race, much of the 60's and 70's black music was rife with political and social commentary. Due to a lack of radio outlets and venues for black musical groups, their music stayed relatively hidden beneath more prominent white bands. White clubs refused to allow black bands to play at their establishments, and white radio stations turned many black artists away - all while hiring similar-sounding white groups. However, several commercial success stories from Seattle (such as Quincy Jones) fueled the ambitions of black groups. Despite their inability to break into a larger market, these bands hold a valuable place in musical history - and in the record collections of music enthusiasts.
Wheedle's Groove sheds light on a musical movement that took place while the world had their eyes and ears elsewhere. What this soulful music lacks in popularity and prominence, it makes up for in attitude and spirit.
RT: 82:00 min
Language: English
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
David Whitney Philadelphia Independent Film Festival Interview 2010.mov
RT: 14:00 min
Language: English
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Screening: Let the Truth be Told. #UFF #PUFF #piff2011 #
Director: anonymous
Feature length
Lurking beneath the depths of every government conspiracy is a plot hatched by someone. This plot may lay in fact or fiction. At times it contained both. You can never be sure.
When the film we are about to screen was left for us, we initially were told not to screen it. We were told that the material was to much about the truth and that the the truth be told, the world would quake. What we are about to see is has never been publicly screened before.
Let the Truth be told.
... Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
A Witch is amongst us ... Bruja (Short) Directed by: Andres Peyrot. #UFF #PIFF2010
Blogger:
Sean Hamilton
Benjamin Barnett
freeRADlab
Screening -
Title: Bruja (Short)
Director: Andres Peyrot
Movie (IMDB) Site: BRUJA on IMDB
Andres Peyrot's stunning short film Bruja begins with a plane arriving in Panama City carrying Lorraine(Saundra Santiago), a broken, Americanized, woman, going through an emotional and tough divorce who is returning to Panama to be with her father. The story is told through sound as the camera jumps between vibrant images constructing a portrait of a bustling third world city and its people.
Easily distracted with her troubles, Lorraine is driving when she nearly hits a young woman crossing a busy intersection. She then pulls over and feeling shocked and perhaps a little bit nurturing, tells the girl to get in her car so she take her home. When they arrive where the girl lives, she does not speak other than saying she thinks it is the right place. An eerie feeling comes over Lorraine and then her nose suddenly starts to bleed. The girl, staring, takes out a cloth to wipe the running blood, slowly. "Agricia can help you" she says, and tells Lorraine to come back to pick her up the next day. The last thing she says is "You could be dead."
When Lorraine returns the next day the mysterious (despite being upbeat and currently dressed) girl takes her to a village outside of the city to a woman who tells her that someone has cast a spell on her and that it will eat her from the inside out and turn to cancer if she doesn't get it out. The woman tells her they will do it in two days.
Lorraine must then decide whether or not to go through with the shamanistic treatment she has been spontaneously offered, which would go against her self proclaimed profile as a "pragmatic woman." The inner struggle is It becomes apparent that there could be danger involved, and she finds herself traveling on a boat deep into the jungle (one of the film's most visually defining moments) to a world almost completely removed from her own where her survival is in the hands of strange native people she can only trust are trying to help her through practices she can not understand.
Although Bruja is a worth a look just for its unique and exotic setting alone, both technically and visually the film is a standout; and every department from cast to camera to art direction to location scouting to wardrobe and everything in between deserves a great deal of the credit for this impressive accomplishment.
The story (inspired by true events) can appear thin to the needy film goer, but it certainly has clarity of story; brilliantly paced and constantly changing speeds, and is clearly driven by deliberate soundscape including an cool original score of stripped down Latin music.
This is a film about an approach to healing, and the journey a woman embarks upon to receive it, albeit an unexpected one. It humors the comforting notion that there is a place out there that if we can just get to will absolve us of our problems, though perhaps in some cases the greater part of the healing takes place along the way.
TRT: 19 minutes
Language: Spanish w/ English subtitles
Friday, July 23, 2010
Predilection by Mario Garcia. A Bank Robbery for the ages... Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
Short: Predilection
TR:
Review: Amy Leonard for the Media Bureau.
Predilection, a fast-paced action short directed by Marcio Garcia, delivers stunning visual effects and production value rarely found in the realm of independent short films. In Rio de Janeiro, a team is assembled to execute a large-scale bank robbery. A carefully implemented operation plays out, but not without its share of action, excitement, and suspense. The team consists of a range of personalities and backgrounds, all which show their true colors and talents under pressure.
Packed with gunshots, car chases, and Matrix-like slow motion shots, Predilection delivers an exciting plot complete with interesting characters and top-notch direction. Featuring the city of Rio de Janeiro as the scenic backdrop, constant action and anticipation keep the narrative moving forward. The tension lasts from the opening sequence to the last moments of the film, where one final revelation is in store.
Garcia’s high-energy action Predilection provides a short but thrilling ride chronicling a large-scale, expertly executed bank robbery. Or is it?
Origin: Brazil
TR: 15:00
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Philadelphia Independent Film festival North American Premier... Feature: Kandahar Break
Feature: Kandahar Break
TR:
Review: Amy Leonard for the Media Bureau.
David Whitney's Kandahar Break weaves politics, love, and betrayal into an action-packed thriller set in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Amid the breathtaking landscape surrounding Kandahar, British engineer Richard Lee is hired by the Taliban to clear mine fields in conflict-ridden Afghanistan. Following the death of his wife, Richard falls in love with his interpreter, Jamilah, despite strict Taliban law forbidding extramarital relations. When the affair is discovered by a local police chief, Richard must escape to Pakistan before the Taliban kills him. As he makes the perilous and harrowing trek to the border and searches for safety, Richard gains a deeper understanding of himself while learning who he can and cannot trust.
A revealing portrait of a country in crisis, Kandahar Break delves into conflicts and issues that plague Afghanistan. David Whitney exposes the oppression of the Afghan people by the Taliban, whose rule is characterized by violence, oppression, and ruthlessness. Under Taliban law, women are viewed as little more than objects, and rights such as fair trial do not exist. After working with the Taliban, Richard is forced to face the brutal consequences of their rule firsthand. He must confront guilt and regret as he takes a physical and emotional journey across the desert.
Kandahar Break encapsulates the beauty and tragedy of Afghanistan's people. Amidst a corrupt government and violent surroundings, glimpses of friendship, humanity, and love are offered and a small but definite shred of justice can be grasped.
Language: English (British)
Monday, July 5, 2010
North American release of Kandahar Break at Philadelphia Independent Film Festival ...
Kandahar Break (2009)
This is an excellent movie that received a great response at the festival this year. Tight film making, excellent acting, and a sure fire story line that makes for great suspense, love and intrigue set in a pre / post 9/11 world. NYC will be the site of it's theatrical release in September and we'll be there.
Speaking with David Whitney at the fest exposed us to some real life stories about shooting in Pakistan, working in a Taliban influenced environment, and a lot more. We'll have a full review soon.Released on September 21, 2010 |
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Tiffany Yoon ~ Stockholm.
Stockholm. See why the Philadelphia Independent Film festival and the audience picked her as a winner for this years fest.
Curt Chambers, Danny Rodriguez & DJ The Saint ... Media Bureua News room.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
OFFICIAL WINNERS: Philadelphia Independent Film Festival 2010
Last night was a fitting closing night ceremony - loose, exciting, and heartfelt. Thank you to: PSAV, G Rich & team, HDSDmedia.com, MediaBureau.com, BuyBoards.com, MBPS.cc, NLNA, GPTMC, RUBA, Abbaye, Red Cup, Random Tea Room, Doll Face Studio, Cafe Treece, Honey's Sit & Eat, Cafe Lau Maude, Pura Vida, Lafayette Bistro, 700 club, North Bowl, Chuck Treece, Little Brown Chair(!), The Rezarekt, Jason Walker, Surgeon, Keith Atkinson, Greenable, Almanac Market, CLEAR, Sphere Communications, & http://phila.org.
Below are the Official Winners of the 3rd Annual Philadelphia Independent Film festival 2010.
Thanks to everybody who made this happen. After a long ride, we are solidly on track to provide a unique and aggressive programming experience for the Philadelphia Independent Film festival and the City of Philadelphia.
If you attended, please let us know. We saw many camera's and sketch artists and we would love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures. You can upload them to the Festival Facebook and website account if you desire or link to our website what you have posted.
We applaud everybody who submitted to us. We look forward to see you at our weekly screenings.
With great thanks,
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
++++++++++++++++++
OFFICIAL WINNERS
++++++++++++++++++
3rd Annual Philadelphia Independent Film Festival 2010
--------------------------------------
Best Feature:
Kandahar Break (David Whitney ~ Director)
Honorable Mention - Feature
The Beginner (Benjamin Coccio)
Honorable Mention - Feature
Putt Putt Syndrome (Alan Cognata– Director)
Best – Short:
Qing Lou Nu ( Bryan Hopkins ~ Director)
Honorable Mention - Short
Furs ( Jill Knox-Gosse)
Best – Political
Who killed Chea Vichea? (Rich Garella ~ Producer / Bradley Cox ~ Director)
Honorable Mention - Political
Auf Wiedersehen: Till We Meet Again (Linda G. Mills ~ Director / Producer)
Best - Special Feature
Letters from the Desert: Eulogy to Slowness (Michela Occhipinti – Director / Producer)
Honorable Mention - Special Feature
Blue Wonder ( John Shenk / Akemi)
Best - Feature Length Music Documentary
Average Community (Fred Zara ~ Director and Christopher Zara ~ Writer /CoProducer)
Honorable Mention - Feature Length Music Documentary
Riot Acts – Flaunting Gender (Madsen Minax ~ Director)
Best Film - Foreign
Stockholm (United Arab Emirates) (Tiffany Yoon Director/Producer)
Honorable Mention - Foreign
Bruja (PANAMA) (Jason Yamas ~Producer)
Best - Animation
The Lift (Robert Kohr)
Honorable Mention - Animation
The Cow Who Wanted To Be A Hamburger (Bill Plympton)
Best - Music Video:
Nicolas Maranda – “646” (Nicolas Maranda ~Director)
Honorable Mention: Music Video
Ruse of Fools – “The Flood” (Mark Gonzalas – Composer)
Honorable Mention - Music Video
DJ Ease Back / Prince Lord - The Light (DJ Ease Back - ~Director)
Post: 6 26 2010
UPDATED: 6 27 2010
END
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival 2010
Where:
Ruba Hall, Media Bureau, DollFace Studio, Cafe Treece, Random Tea Rom, Ritz East
VENUES Ruba Hall: 414 Green Street Philadelphia, Pa 19123 ... (Capacity: 120)
Media Bureau: 725 N. 4th Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 ... (Capacity: 52)
DollFace Studio: 737 N 4th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 ... (Capacity: 55)
Cafe Treece: 338 Brown Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 ... (Capacity: 48)
Random Tea Room: 713 N 4th Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 ... (Capacity: 20)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
TODAY: Philadelphia Underground Film Forum #PUFF...
My Kidnapper,
Kandahar Break,
and The Quiet Ones...
Film makers r here.
Animation Festival 1:30 at Media Bureau...
5:00 John Shenk BLUE WONDER @ Random Tea Room...
#piff2010 #PUFF #uff
See you at the Philadelphia Independent Film festival!
Script Writing class in session ... Adam Levenberg. Philadelphia Independent Film festival.
www.hireahollywoodexec.com/about to start class.
See you in the News Room on 338 Brown street...
Below Cafe Treece... #piff2010 #puff #uff
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Synopsis: Lionel Laget and Trirème Films Team.
Posted: Genesis and history of my movie ...
The film is based on a true story. During the curfew the Second World War, sometimes leaving their tram depot. Always connected to electric current, a forgetting to tighten the brake, and a tram left alone!
Thus, the townspeople thought they saw trams ghosts!
Creation of the film :
It is a combination of old photographs, a model of tram, and the genuine old tram.
To comply with the films of the 30s, we turned burlesque characters in Super 8.
A music of a modern classic, the audience accompanies the fear, comedy and emotion.
As in Marseilles, Philadelphia has kept some of its trams. The PCC has provided for over forty years with excellent service.
This film has helped to prevent the destruction of old trams in the city!
Your old tram network has probably had its ghosts!
Lionel Laget.
"Til We meet again screening ... Philadelphia Independent Film festival kicks off ... #puff
To a sold out house the festival has begun!
Thank you to Linda Mills and Peter Mills who are in attendance.
See blogs for vposts and other tidbits ...
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Jim Marrs to attend Philadelphia Independent Film festival ... June 24, 2010
Jim Marrsdiscusses Bird's Eye View as part of the Philadelphia Independent Film festival 7pm @ Media Bureau.
(Alien abduction & Gov't secrecy)
(With other screenings planned)
#PUFF" /via @PUFForum #uff
Posted: freeRADlab
Monday, June 21, 2010
Press: Links 06202010 - Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
Blogs:
Culture Mob !!! Blog !!
Who Killed Chea Vichea?
Courier Post Online
DevianArt,(Lisa Spiller)
nsmphilly
Throws of Passion
Newspapers:
Steven Rea, Inquirer
Philadelphia City Paper
Online news sources:
Northern Liberties Outside In
Yahoo Events
Yelp - Who killed Chea Vichea?
Philly Fun Guide
Production Hub!
Film Makers and other sites (mentions):
Quiet Ones ...
MovieSet
Local.com
Hello Philadelphia
The River Why
Bullet Film
Who Killed Chea Vichea? #Piff2010 #PUFF #uff #PhilaIndie
/ Philadelphia Underground Film Forum.
Screening's:
Media Bureau - Saturday ~ 2:45pm - 3:45pm
Random Tea Room - Friday ~ 6:00pm -
Ruba - Sunday ~ 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Amy Leonard
freeRADlab
Title: Who Killed Chea Vichea?
Bradley Cox's unsettling documentary Who Killed Chea Vichea? follows the investigation of the murder of Chea Vichea, leader of a Cambodian worker's rights union. A champion of justice and the humane treatment of laborers in Cambodia's extensive production industry, Chea Vichea was shot and killed on the Chinese New Year in 2004 in front of a newsstand on the street. Amid demands for justice from Vichea's many supporters, Cambodian police arrested two men alleged to be the culprits despite considerable evidence to the contrary. The political nature of the arrests raise disquieting suspicions about the Cambodian government, giving followers of Vichea little hope of justice or reconciliation in the future. Meanwhile, two men serve a 20-year prison sentence for a murder they likely did not commit while Vichea's family mourns the unresolved murder of a beloved brother, husband, and father.
Featuring interviews with Vichea's family and supporters as well as family and friends of the men convicted for his murder, Who Killed Chea Vichea? weaves a disturbing tale of corruption, injustice, and unanswered questions. Through investigative-reporting style filmmaking, Bradley Cox unveils a nation in sociopolitical turmoil despite reassuring claims to the contrary made by numerous international ambassadors. Under threat of death or incarceration by the government, many Cambodian citizens fear to speak out against this and other injustices occurring in their country.
Who Killed Chea Vichea? speaks to an international audience about human rights and democracy. It provides excellent insight into a disturbing situation, developing a compelling story that calls viewers to action against corruption and injustice around the world.
Movie site: http://WhoKilledCheaVichea.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WhoKilledCheaVichea#!/group.php?gid=76083065273
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RGarella
TRT: 56 min
Language: English / Khmer
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
PayPal has been enabled. You can buy tickets for screenings. http://PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFestival.com #uff #puff #piff2010
We are almost sold out for Opening night. If you want tickets to American Jihadist and / or 'Til We Meet again, please do so now. We are adding screenings as the days go on based on demand, so it is possible you might not miss out on a screening.
Feel free to call the BoxOffice at: 215 59 2 - 1242.
See you at the Festival,
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Bastard Art, directed by Vince Corkadel, follows Gothic musician, Andi Sex Gang’s, musical timeline. #PUFF #uff #piff2010 #PhilaIndie
/ Philadelphia Underground Film Forum.
Screening: Cafe Treece Friday 6:00pm
Nicole Eckenroad
freeRADlab
Title: Andi Sex Gang and the Way Bastard Art Could Have Been
Bastard Art, directed by Vince Corkadel, follows Gothic musician, Andi Sex Gang’s, musical timeline. It is a chronological documentary that gives an account of the many breakups of the Sex Gang Children. The film highlights indie struggle and suggests that Andi Sex Gang and his children have been ignored by mainstream music culture.
Andi Sex Gang believes that music should be “a free and fluid thing,” which to me, gives reason NOT to work chronologically. The film finds the need to stick to this rigid timeline, and therefore loses the opportunity to reach a climax – a payoff for the interesting subject of “The way goth could have been.” Instead, the end works like a Where Are They Now, summing up simply that. Bastard Art could have stood to amplify the conflict between big labels and little musicians… and it maybe could have used an external mic and a manual focus.
That being said, I’m loving that it put non-mainstream music in the spotlight for 95 minutes, and I’ll probably keep thinking about not only the way goth could have been, but how music could have developed differently because of Andi Sex Gang.
Movie site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtm5K_19ibw
Facebook:
Twitter:
TRT:
Language: Queens English
Madsen Minax's documentary Riot Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music Performance #PUFF #uff #piff2010 #PhilaIndie
/ Philadelphia Underground Film Forum.
Screening: Cafe Treece 6:00pm (338 Brown St.)
Amy Leonard
freeRADlab
Title: Riot Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music Performance
Madsen Minax's documentary Riot Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music Performance features transgender musicians and performance artists discussing their music, art, and identities. Highlighting acts from across the
In a society where gender norms implicitly dictate most social interactions, transgender people find themselves occupying an unconventional, and often unaccepted, social space. The manner in which trans artists utilize this non-normative space varies from simply acknowledging it as an essential part of themselves to deliberately riffing on traditional gender norms. Some artists define themselves in terms of a specific gender, while others choose not to classify themselves in those terms. However, all the artists interviewed in Riot Acts are first and foremost human beings, artists, and individuals. Though their gender identity is a part of who they are, it does not define them or their art.
Though Riot Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music Performance follows transgender musicians, it speaks to a larger questions about identity that all people can relate to. What is gender, and how does it define who we are? How does gender affect our relationships to ourselves and others? How does gender oppress the expression of our true selves?
Movie site: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1527721/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RiotActsthemovie
Twitter:
TRT: 76min
Language: English
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Film Maker page has been posted ...and more updates.
The Film Maker page has been posted as you all know by now. Thanks for all the ideas and comments. We will be adding much more content as we all interact including video during the fest. Take a look and let us know what you think.
Keep these websites in mind:
For active discussion on the screenings we will be using the fest blog as well as your own blogs:
http://PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFestival.blogspot.com
For active daily event updates we will be using:
http://Twitter.com/PhilaIndie with a SEARCH (hash) tag of: #piff2010 #puff #uff
For Event invites, panels, discussions, and updates (most by you all that we are feeding onto our page)
we are using Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=56954853058&ref=search
We have included your synopsis, movies, links to websites, and trailers. The site is also searchable for people simply looking for information. You are also able to email the link to your lists. If you have a publicist (or you are a publicist reading this), this is an effective way to quickly target potential people who might want to see the screening.
We have also posted a schedule that seems to change as the days go by. Please note, we are accommodating "every" request. We have not moved your screening, however, unless you have been contacted. So do not worry that something might happen unexpectedly.
More soon.
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 23 -27, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival Venue Listings ... 2010..REPOST...
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Announcing the Panels and Speakers this week... #Piff2010 #PUFF #uff #PhilaIndie
Programming is still going on! We believe we have accomodated EVERYBODY and their requests. That was a tall order. We believe that because of this we were able to get more than 17 film makers here to represent their movies. Thank you.
We have a great variety of speakers for this years festival. As of this writing, many (42 and counting) film makers have commited to speak and discuss their films. We will be posting to this blog this week as it unfolds but have laready been discussing via Twitter at PhilaIndie and on Facebook as you know. We will have many provacative discussions including journalist Jim Marrs , Actor / Philosopher Mark Borkowski , Director DAVID WHITNEY, Musician Chuck Treece, and many more... Panels will include http://Film.org on the future of film, an Animation discussion, and more!
PUFF, Philadelphia Underground Film Forum, is the sponsor of these events. All events will take place in Northern Liberties and are walking distance!
All events are FREE with festival badge and will sell out! If you would like to attend and do not have a badge, please get there early!
regards,
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Philadelphia Independent Film festival posts Programming Schedule
By now most of you have called, email, txt, or stopped into the studio. This has been a great experience discussing the movies and the business of movies. Thank you.
We will have a pdf shortly and of course are available via phone.
We'll see you at the festival.
Benjamin F. Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Progamming still going on .. Attempting to get everybody the spots they want.
It's coming down to the wire and we'll be working into the night. Many of you have contacted us about better days and we are doing the best we can. For those of you wishing certain slots and explaining that you can come in during those days, we are putting you at the top of the programming list.
Remember, if you plan to attend as a film maker, please let us know. Many of you are on panels and or doing demonstrations already. Let us know if you are interested as their are many people who would love to hear your story ... So you better make them good!
See you at the festival,
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thank You All !!!!!…. Acceptance Letters Were E-Mailed Last Night
We’ve received over 300 submissions this year, so I can’t tell you enough, how difficult it was coming up with the final list. Judges and screeners alike were extremely passionate over your films. And that’s why we love what we do, to have films touch us in a way that makes you want to fight for them.
Acceptance emails were sent out last night, if you did not receive one please check Without A Box in case we made a mistake in our email post. We will be posting a full list of accepted films shortly.
Again we were overwhelmed by the amount of love and support we’ve received from filmmakers all over the globe.
It’s going to be another great year, so if you can make it to the festival we’d love to meet all of you in person. Thanks again, Win or lose you’ve all done an exceptional job. Please keep doing what you do and good luck in all your endeavors.
PS.
Accepted or not, if you’d like to have in in-depth review of your film, please contact us after the festival and we’d be more than happy to talk with you about it.
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Venue listings...
Monday, May 24, 2010
Editing the last 40 entries on WAB ... Who would have thought 3 years later it would still be like this ...
Many of you have emailed and called and thanks for doing so. It's been excellent discussing the movies in such a way.
Maybe next year we'll ask everybody to call us and we'll be able to chat for a few on what we saw...
The WAB work flow interface and process is interesting. Any interactive agencies out there looking for a good IA/UX/GUI/UI job should make the pitch.
Ok, back to the screening rooms for a few...
Thanks for the great movies...
Benjamin F. Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
OK, still logging, too much logging ... Logging under pressure.
We are still adding all of the official selections information. This is much more than we figured on! That's good though. We will post by end of day today and hit the deadline. Perhaps slightly later than everybody anticipated but we'll have it none the less.
Again, fee free to contact us if you have a question o want us to look anything up.
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Ok, getting ready to post...
Benjamin Barnett
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Posting for the festival via Twitter: Philadelphia Independent
Posting for the festival via the web: Festival website
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Finalizing 2010 Philadelphia Independent Film festival entries ... We'll be on time!
We're going to rest for awhile and come back in the AM to finalize the details.
It's been some run for sure. We've been watching movies since last October and have had many, many conversations with you all. We've talked about almost everything since then and have now just about swirled it all into an engaging programming schedule.
Like we have been saying for the past few years, this time is in some ways the best part of the festival. Or you can believe, as we do, that the film festival is ongoing. The conversations about the movies are nothing short of fascinating. We loved watching scenes and discussing why they happened with #PUFF or the film makers themselves, what was suggested in a certain dialogue, why that location was used, or did the effects work, what was that actor thinking at that time, and much more.
So, for now, we'll be in touch via email tomorrow (24th). We will of course field email and phone calls for those who just need to know! We'll of course send you your official notification as well.
See http://PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFesival.com and http://Twitter.com/PhilaIndie for ongoing updates and announcements. We update our pages frequently so please check on them or sign up for our news feeds.
From the entire fest team, thanks so much for your interest.
See you at the festival.
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Screening: My Heart Beats by EunHee Huh. #PUFF #PhilaIndie
/ Philadelphia Underground Film Forum.
Lisa Spiller
freeRADlab
Title: My Heart Beats
EunHee Huh's My Heart Beats tells the story of a 37-year-old English professor named Juri Yoo (Dong-Sook Ryu) who, in a desperate attempt to revitalize her monotonous life, has decided to break into the Korean porn industry. However, in order to be cast she has to put herself through strenuous training and dieting. Eventually Juri is paired with Byul (Tae-Hee One), a 23-year-old porn actor, but, when it comes time to shoot her first scene, although she has gotten exactly what she wanted, she resists her partner.
My Heart Beats is a thought-provoking exploration of what we as humans are willing to do in order to find fulfillment. It is easy to cringe at this film and wish that Juri would have more shame, or attempt to "live life" by other means. However, what Juri says she needs is "a heart" -- one that beats. Although she obviously has a heart, is it not understandable that she, in her life of isolation, could forget that it is actually beating? What better way to end a life of quiet desperation than through human contact? Is there a point that people can reach where even shame becomes secondary to acceptance?
Movie site: My Heart Beats
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=600200403#!/pages/My-Heart-Beats/176655233198?v=info
TRT: 110mins
KOREA (English Subtitles)
Official selection weekend has commenced! Stop by the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival studio!
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
725 N 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
Please note: By being posted for discussion / review on this blog does not mean a film have been accepted. Our film forum, PUFF, has had regular discussions and we post them as is. It certainly means we screened your movie ;)
We do plan to post as many reviewes of movies that will screen during the fest!
As usual, we are shocked by the overall style, craftsmanship, and story telling, of the submissions. The range of submissions in our opinion shows people are experimenting with film and that Actors all over the world are going for it. We have experienced a large amount of fantastic use of cinematography. Overall, our thought is that with the proliferation of affordable camera equipment, we are seeing better film making, not worse.
We have a fantastic festival in the works which includes a healthy use of roundtables, discussions, demonstrations, and more.
Check the website and the blog for ongoing discussions!
Thank you ... more soon.
Benjamin Barnett
Festival director
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Screening: I Am Here Now ... @PhilaIndie #PUFF
Amy Leonard
freeRADlab
Title: I Am Here Now
An esoteric exploration into the state of present day society, Neil Breen's I Am Here Now touches on a myriad of issues surrounding environmental destruction, capitalist greed, and interpersonal conflict. In the film, an alien Being descends to earth to find that the human race has developed a corrupt capitalist society that has fostered disregard for nature and the fellow man. Angered by this disregard, the Being sets out to eliminate corrupt lawyers, businessmen, politicians, and criminals. The film asks provocative questions about mankind's purpose on earth and how we relate to both the planet and each other.
These questions are articulated through detached dialogue that hints at the disconnect between our words and intentions as well as visual effects and graphic sequences that create a sense of unsettling surreality.
Metaphor, actualized through both the plot and visuals, plays an important role in this futuristic thriller, allowing viewers to construct their own interpretation of the proposed meanings. I Am Here Now offers an interesting and unique portrayal of issues that beseige humanity. It will challenge viewers to think about humanity and
our place on earth in a new way.
TRT: 86:00
English
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Screening: Eagles in the Chicken Coop by Brent Florence. #PUFF #PhilaIndie
Lisa Spiller
freeRADlab
Screening Title: Eagle in the Chicken Coop.
Brent Florence's 97-minute feature Eagles in the Chicken Coop is an innovative take on the coming of age story, told in mocumentary form. The film, told from the point of view of an investigative documentarian, explores the tension between the filmmaker and the industry as it follows the story of two young filmmakers and their struggle to shoot their first feature-length film. As Armondo (Kenny Luper) and Bill (Brent Florence) struggle to find themselves as writer/director/producers, they are met with opposition every step of the way from Nameless Studios, their satirically shallow production company. While Armondo ad Bill are out to create a heartfelt and meaningful first feature, Nameless Studios are expecting a made-for-TV mature movie. As a result, their production of The Lone Rancher becomes a battlefield as they fight to take artistic liberties while still upholding their contract, which mandates that they include a sex scene every five minutes and lands them with an impossible cast list.
Eagles in the Chicken Coop brings the least glamorous facet of the film industry to light. Because film is such a public art form, the wishes of those closest to the film can be overlooked, becoming secondary to the general audience's reception of the final product. Although executed humorously, the mocumentary provokes serious thought.
END
TRT: 97 min
English
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Screening: Allegiance Directed by Ted Garland and a cast of many others. #PUFF #PhilaIndie
Allegiance.
The important thing to remember about Allegiance is that it tells a true story: that of Isaac Jones, the Revolutionary War era owner of the historic Golden Ball Tavern in Boston, MA. Jones sells only Dutch tea in an attempt to maintain neutrality during the early days of the Revolutionary war (1775) and as a result loses the loyalty of old friends and neighbors. Allegiance communicates the ridiculousness of the British position during the Revolutionary war. The movie, in a documentary style, portrays a specific event that took place during a significant era in America's history. The story is communicated well and the ebb and flow of tension and temporary calmness keep the pacing interesting but easy for the viewer to follow. The perhaps over the top costuming appears to "perfect" which takes the edge off the drama unfolding, but who cares!
One of the most fascinating aspects of this film is the (many) people behind it. The production was a tremendous result of the combined efforts of students from the Weston High School Video Program, members of the Screen Actors Guild, members of the professional Independent filmmakers community of Boston, and the many re-enactors that live the life and times of the era on a day to day basis. It is a true example of the collaborative nature and possibilities of film.
POSTED: Lisa Spiller
TRT: 32:00
English
Screening - My Kidnapper by Mark Henderson and Kate Horne #PUFF #PhilaIndie
My Kidnapper.
My Kidnapper is an exceedingly well-executed example of the newly emerging genre of self exploratory documentaries following the story of seven tourists kidnapped by Columbian guerilla fighters (ELN) seeking media attention for human rights violations in the region. Mark Henderson, the director and producer, was also the kidnap victim that the narrative follows. It's an interesting take on Stockholm syndrome: liberated kidnap victims feel the need to return to their captors (with whom they have developed a warped species of friendship) in order to find solace.
My Kidnapper blurs the line between victim and kidnapper. Henderson does this by leading us back and forth, through a visual and narrative experience, from his view and that of the Kidnapper. The personalities of the ELN and the reasoning behind their deeds are revealed, creating a controversial look into the minds of a militant human rights group for the viewer.
Yes, the kidnap victims had their basic rights taken from them, but is that somehow justified in this narrative? Or was the entire ordeal just a contradiction to the freedom that the ELN were fighting for?
See you at the Festival.
TRT: 82:46
English / Spanish
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Screening: Kandahar Break ... Independent film making at it's best.
I truly compelling story of money, politics, love, betrayal, and war. This sotory is based on a true story. We could not help but feel the tension and panic as a team of British mine clearing engineers working for the Taliban navigate their way through the streets of Kandahar and home after crossing the local warlord.
This story grips you into seeing the conflict, pre 9/11, as nothing short of money and ultimatly revenge. The acting is so good that it worried us that we were watching a documentary film. We had no idea of the story prior to popping this into the screening room and giving it a go ...
Kudos to David Whitney and team for such a gripping movie.
See you at the festival,
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Philadelphia Independent Film festival is proud to support ...
print, film, sculpture, and DJ Prof spinning Hip Hop, Electronica,
Randomness, and a little more of that other stuff....
4th & Brown-Northern Liberties... 6pm.
All art will be on Display until May 28th.
Posted by: Fest Street Team
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival - making the rounds.
http://PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFestival.com
http://Twitter.com/PhilaIndie
Contact: 215 592 - 1242 (USA)
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
POSTED: The Extended SUBMISSION DEADLINE has ended.
If you still want to submit, it's going to take a walk in and some good stories. ;)
The official notification date is May 21st - 24th.
Thanks again and to all who have committed to our festival from around the country and the globe, We Salute You.
The entire Philadelphia Independent Film Festival crew.
#GPTMC
#HDSDmedia
#FSC
#PUFF
@PhilaIndie
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
#PUFF Screenings: Drama, Mystery, and Animation with purpose!
We watched a series of movies last night that showed a common theme, great Camera work. We also screened 12 animations (We will discuss them later). Their were many comments on the ability of Independent Film to generate good imagery while trying to tell stories. But what was also said was that camera can't save story! Acting also can't be saved by Camera and that a movie is a sum of many, many parts. Their was a lot of disagreement on this ...
Here's 2 discussion points:
Day Labor by Brandon Oneill Kohl is a metaphoric but serious look at immigration. Taken from the Home Depot for cheap labor, the laborer's move about the societies they are hired to work for. With twists and turns, the people we meet on the corner take on a whole new role in their adopted society. This is a great look at a story many people in our immigration challenged society should see. ;)
Yep, the Day Laborer has taken over the set ...
and
Educating Cooper by Bryan Litt. A short story look at a school reporter who's mother has just passed away. Meanwhile, at the same time, he refuses to give into his corrupt / sarcastic Principal who will not print his essay about one of the schools top benefactors. All the while Audrey is running about the school channeling Alley Sheedy. Where does the story go and is it cliche for the older set? If so, does it give you the feeling that these kids are really going through "change" in their lives?
Comments?
Benjamin F. Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Working in the lab ... Screening and more screening.
Welcome back to the site ... We have confirmed guests, screenings, and events! We will tell you soon... as the week happens actually.
This is the best part of a festival in our minds. This is when the real dialogue happens and all that we have been screening for months comes down to the wire. A festival is about the whole thing and we know this, this is why we have spent many months battling economies, rebellious film forces, revealing supposed allies, and so much more.
We do this because we think we have a good idea - support independent movies from around the globe.
What do you think?
Stay tuned for daily blog updates and other interactions via our website:
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
PUFF: Screening tonight in freeRADlab ... festival screeners.
The Philadelphia Independent Film festival are screening films tonight via the selection team. Be shocked, surpised, curious, scared, sad, happy, etc. If you are interested to take part, please contact us and come through the studio tonight. We are located at 338 Brown Street, Philadelphia. Call: 215 592-1242.
See you in the studio.
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 23 - 27, 2010.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
General Submissions have ended. Late Submissions still being accepted! Screening still in progress.
It's been a great year collecting, screening and discussing your movies. We have been screening via our forum (PUFF - Philadelphia Underground Film Forum) at Media Bureau and for awhile at the Piazza and are very excited to get the word out. Thank you to all who have emailed and called. We are ok, to answer a common question, if you do this. We appreciate the chocolate cake, the offers of bribes, the hours on the phone talking local / international film making, and other things that have come our way (we got a bloody baseball bat to promote a horror movie, very cool but the fake blood was still wet!)
If you have any questions, please get in touch - 215 592 1242 / info@PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFestival.com(USA). We'll have updates for Hotels and other specials etc. soon. We will also release accepted films as they come. This is new. We want to give as much time so you can get here and make the fest as good experience as possible.
Thanks again,
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Doors - When You're Strange @Piazza and Media Bureau's PUFF Movie House
The run has ended! A solid 19 screenings and a bold opening at Tower Investments Piazza. This doc has limits as we learned by talking to the many people who lived for this band back in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Limits in the "never before seen footage' claims that's all. Some of the comments were related to the fact that a lot of people had seen all of the Jim Morrison footage at shows. Some comments were about the sequencing ... Talking about WoodStock then flashing to RFK assasination confused some people. We thought it was for theatric effect... But this concerned people.
The footage and movie making was A+ and the narration (Johnny Depp) seemed to be the guide. At times, perhaps it could have been left on it's own ... That's where the footage comes in.
TOM DiCILLO did an excellent job getting this movie together and from our discussions with Richard "Abramorama" it was an experience we'll never forget.
Philadelphia was represented in this Global release. Big thanks to Josh Goldbloom, the Piazza and Lauren Gagnon, Bart Blatstein, Chuck Treece, and the many others who rallied.
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Monday, February 22, 2010
Official Rejection - Screens and Paul Osborne hangs ...
Paul Osborne is a straight up guy and to hear his perceptions on Film Festivals is very sobering and encouraging. It seems from these discussions that the fest can give and give but the film maker will always want more. But at the same time, the Fest needs to give what they have. This is a collaboration.
Thanks Paul for being at our forum, we look forward to seeing you at the Philadelphia Independent Film festival.
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Cropsey screens in a Blizzard ...
It was true when we said that the best way to see a scary doc film like this int he snow was an answer. It's kind of like being there ... ;)
Thanks to all for the screenings.
Benjamin F. Barnett
Festival Director
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Heart of Stone screenings at #PUFF ... Feb 12, 13, 14
Heart of Stone Screenings:
Fri: 02/12/2010 - 6pm, 8pm, 10pm
Sat: 02/13/2010 - 4pm, 6pm, 8pm,
Sun: 02/14/2010- 1pm & 3pm
We plan to keep programming though the festival in June (23-27) and then throughout the year.
See the website Philadelphia Independent Film Festival or our Facebook page PUFF for ongoing screenings and updates.
Thank you!
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 23-27, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Update: Cropsey - Screening at #PUFF ... Feb 5th & 6th - 2010
CROPSEY - Doc (RT :84min)
Fri: 02/05/2010 - 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm, 10pm, & Midnight
Sat: 02/06/2010 - 2pm, 4...
Director Joshua Zeman (The Station Agent, Mysterious Skin) just gave a talk on the movie. We'll be having a Q&A after the screening. Please note: The 10:00 screening has been moved to 10:15 tonight.
Thank you!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival UPDATE 02 02 2010
February is upon us and we are enjoying these winter months. We have been hard at work with our Festival planning and have some updates. We'll be keeping to our weekly posting schedule through February at this point. Of course you will see Tweets and Facebook posts happening as the week goes by as well. Hopefully you feel informed. Let us know if you have any ideas or comments about the fest.
Festival entries: SUBMIT Online now!!!
The Without A Box (WAB) link is up (since last week actually!) You can now submit online. If you would like to continue to send us submissions via the mail, please do so! Call us with any questions: 215 592-1242 (USA)
A few people have gotten in touch already to book their stay during the fest ... We are looking to get early bird Hotel arrangements hooked up by April 1st. This would be a fest first so we are excited to make it happen! Stay tuned! Keep us posted with favorite hotels and we will try to help best accommodate your stay.
PUFF: Philadelphia Underground Film Forum
We've been having great screenings / discussions during the PUFF. We are screening weekly here in the studios as well as discussing via the PUFF web pages and the film makers. See the site for links / updates... Thank you for the support as always!
Next up is Tribeca Film fest entry, Cropsey. A scary (horror?) documentary that will keep you on the edge of your seats. Get ready.
SXSW: Will it happen?
Stay tuned for #PUFF unfestival news at the SXSW Film festival in Austin (March). We will hopefully have upto 8 movies screening there and are working on setting a 2 day event up. Let us know if you are interested in taking part.
And finally, we are sad to hear, as it has been reported, that it appears the film fest landscape has changed (once again) in Philadelphia with the postponing of the content cool Cinefest in April. We expect to see them back next year as planned.
That's it for now.
See you at the Festival,
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
June 23 - 27, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Discussing: Digital Media Strategy
PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFestival.com;
#PUFF movie house; buyboards.com; Networking eco-system.
Phase III enabled. Public release - Beta v03
Date: 01.03.2010Other reference to: Google Sidewiki
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Updated #PUFF screenings posted to Festival website ...
We have posted the January and February PUFF screenings schedule on Philadelphia Independent Film Festival website.
We'll be updating this regularly.
Thank you again to Independent film makers, IFC, and Passion River.
Benjamin Barnett
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
Festival Director
Sunday, January 10, 2010
#PUFF Screenings ... NIGHTMARE- Fri 15th & Sat. 16th
This coming Friday and Saturday #PUFF is screening NIGHTMARE. Fangoria calls this movie: A Surreal Shocker! ~ Fangoria. See the Bloody Blog review of this psychosexual thriller here: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Dylan Bank and Morgan Pehme talk about the surreal horrors of NIGHTMARE on IMDB and Fangoria!
Here's the Nightmare - 4 out of 5 Skull review ...
See you at the Forum.
Benjamin Barnett
Philadelphia Independent Film festival
Festival Director
Monday, January 4, 2010
#PUFF Movie House presents ...
Philadelphia Political Underground Film Forum
#PUFF Movie House presents ...
Conspiracies Night. $5 at door
See it feel it ...
With the recent bomb plot foiled, we have been bombarded with questions and ideas about our Political submissions and screenings. Come by with yours or just listen in to the conversation. This is sure to get hot.
Thank you to Josh Dillon and Josh Goldbloom for the inspiration.
See you at the studios.
Benjamin Barnett
Festival Director
Philadelphia Independent Film festival.