Progamming still going on .. Attempting to get everybody the spots they want.

Hello Festival goers and movie makers,
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

Thank You All !!!!!…. Acceptance Letters Were E-Mailed Last Night

We want to thank everyone deeply for the great submissions this year.
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...

Hello - 

Here are listings for each venue with links to their websites and other information. We have converted a Cafe, Private Club, Recording Studio, and an Interactive agency here in Northern Liberties on a single block radius. With our partner, PSAV, we are looking to provide a unique audio / video experience.

Venue:

RUBA: 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)

Download the current festival program here: 

Festival Program

Editing the last 40 entries on WAB ... Who would have thought 3 years later it would still be like this ...

Ok, by hand, one after the next.
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.

People of film and cohorts,
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...

Official selections for the Philadelphia Independent Film festival are almost ready to be posted. Were actually logging all information. We'll be emailing shortly. Thanks for the patience!



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

Finalizing 2010 Philadelphia Independent Film festival entries ... We'll be on time!

We are about ready.

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

Screening: My Heart Beats by EunHee Huh. #PUFF #PhilaIndie

Posted: Philadelphia Independent Film festival
/ 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!

Of course we'll be mailing the considerations this Monday as planned but of course we have begun the selection process. If you want to stop by the studio for some insight, please do so at:
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

Screening: I Am Here Now ... @PhilaIndie #PUFF

Posted: Philadelphia Independent Film festival / Philadelphia Underground Film Forum.
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

Screening: Eagles in the Chicken Coop by Brent Florence. #PUFF #PhilaIndie

Posted: Philadelphia Independent Film festival / Philadelphia Underground Film Forum.
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

Screening: Allegiance Directed by Ted Garland and a cast of many others. #PUFF #PhilaIndie

Logged: Philadelphia Independent Film festival / #PUFF

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

Logged: Philadelphia Independent Film festival / #PUFF

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

Screening: Kandahar Break ... Independent film making at it's best.

The Philadelphia independent Film festival is proud to have this movie as an official submission and now as an official selection. Directed by David Whitney. With Shaun Dooley, Dean Andrews, Rasheed Naz.

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

Philadelphia Independent Film festival is proud to support ...

First Friday at MBN = Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts MFA art collective: paint,
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

Philadelphia Independent Film Festival - making the rounds.

Posting:
http://PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFestival.com
http://Twitter.com/PhilaIndie


Contact: 215 592 - 1242 (USA)

POSTED: The Extended SUBMISSION DEADLINE has ended.

The Official 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

#PUFF Screenings: Drama, Mystery, and Animation with purpose!

Great night...
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

Working in the lab ... Screening and more screening.

People of film,
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: ~ Festival Information ~

Philadelphia
Independent
Film Festival
~
<= BOX OFFICE =>
2401 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

~ Inquire here ~
info@
PhiladelphiaIndependentFilmFestival.com
(Phone)1-267-228-0333