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RAHWAY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2016
The Fourth Annual Rahway International Film Festival returned on October 21-23, 2016 at UCPAC's Hamilton Stage for the Performing Arts. The film lineup consisted of 12 feature length films and 50 short films by filmmakers from around the world spanning 15 different countries as well as local filmmakers right here in New Jersey. There were also "Brunch & Learn" Seminars, Networking Hours, and After-Parties. We ended the weekend with a Women in Film Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony honoring Dena Seidel.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for photos and videos of what took place at RIFF 2016!
Credit: Alex Stross, 2016
Credit: Alex Stross, 2016
Credit: Alex Stross, 2016
Credit: Alex Stross, 2016
Credit: Dale Clark of Peacemaker Photography, 2016
Credit: Alex Stross, 2016
Credit: Dale Clark of Peacemaker Photography, 2016
Credit: Dale Clark of Peacemaker Photography, 2016
Credit: Dale Clark of Peacemaker Photography, 2016
Credit: Dale Clark of Peacemaker Photography, 2016
Credit: Stacy Ignacio, 2016
Credit: Dale Clark of Peacemaker Photography, 2016
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RIFF 2016
FILM COMPETITION WINNERS!
Rahway International Film Festival showcased 11 impressive feature length films and 49 short films in competition by talented filmmakers across the globe. The following awards were decided by our panel of judges, in additional to the Audience Choice awards by text message voting. We are proud to announce the winners of the Rahway International Film Festival 2016 below.
Best Feature Narrative
Best Feature Film
Audience Choice for Best Feature Film
Hear the Silence (Höre die Stille)
Hear the Silence (Höre die Stille)
His Dying Wish
Director: Ed Ehrenberg
Director: Larry Rosen
Director: Ed Ehrenberg
Best Feature Documentary
Best Editing in a Feature Film
Best Screenplay of a Feature Film
Daddy Don't Go
The Wedding Invitation
Daddy Don't Go
Director: Emily Abt
Director: Rainy Kerwin
Director: Emily Abt
Best Cinematography in a Feature Film
Mignon 'Mossie' van Wyk
Lars Doppler in Hear the Silence
(Höre die Stille)
Best Actor in a Feature Film
Best Actress in a Feature Film
Director: Darrell Roodt
Director: Ed Ehrenberg
Director: Rainy Kerwin
Best Short Narrative
Best Short Film
Audience Choice for Best Short Film
The Girl and the Gondola
Sara and Mimi
East of Hollywood
Director: Carla Barros
Director: Chris Caccioppoli
Director: Abbe Robinson
Best Screenplay of a Short Film
Best Short Documentary
Best Short Animation
Sara and Mimi
Player Two
Reinventing the Reel
Director: Michael J. Gorlick
Director: Zachary Antell
Director: Carla Barros
Best Editing in a Short Film
Eye of India
Director: Benn Berkley
Best Cinematography in a Short Film
Eye of India
Director: Benn Berkley
Best Actor in a Short Film
Director: Andrew Saunderson
Best Actress in a Short Film
Director: Christoph Rainer
RIFF 2016 JUDGES & Q&A MODERATORS
David Schoner
Judge & Seminar Speaker
David is currently the Associate Director for the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission. He produced 2 award winning independent films (A Dangerous Place, Murder Reincarnated, that are distributed by outlets such as Screen Media, Netflix, Blockbuster, York Ent). He also has set up feature film screenplays proposals which have awarded/recognized by organizations such as Producers Guild Of America, IFP, Panasonic Digital Filmmakers Award. In his spare time, David raises funds and is involved in various educational and child related charitable endeavors. David is also leading a RIFF 2016 "Brunch & Learn" Seminar.
Robin Kampf is an award-winning writer, producer, director, cinematographer and editor with several years of experience in non-fiction documentary and news/features production. Robin began her career in TV production working in local news and features while managing a team of producers for a local TV station. Robin was recognized by the National Academy of Cable Programmers with 4 National Ace awards for producing as well as receiving "Producer of the Year" from the New Jersey State Cable Television Association. She currently has owned and operated her own video production company working in all facets of production in cable, broadcast and corporate television. Robin continues to serve as an adjunct practitioner professor teaching studio and field production and editing at several notable colleges and Universities in the tri-state area.
Robin Kampf
Judge
Rick Sordelet is a professor at Yale University School of Drama lecturing in Acting and Stage Management. He is known as the country’s leading fight director. His film credits include “The Game Plan” with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “Dan in Real Life” with Steve Carrell and “Just a Kiss” with Marisa Tomei and Peter Dinklage. His Broadway credits number over 50 productions including shows such as “Beauty and the Beast”, “Lion King”, “Tarzan”, and “Aida”. Additionally, he has recently sold a feature script and television show to Legendary Pictures and has been working with his partner as a show doctor to two upcoming major motion pictures.
Rick Sordelet
Judge
As co-founder and director of CineKink, an organization currently in its twelfth season that recognizes and encourages the positive depiction of sexuality in film and television, Lisa Vandever curates and oversees an annual film festival and touring series, designed to promote and showcase such works. A producer and consultant with over twenty years of experience in film and television, was formerly the director of programming for a regional network of public television stations, worked as a development executive for two New York-based independent production companies and was associate producer of the Sundance award-winning feature film, "Songcatcher." Originally from Oregon, Vandever has lived in Rahway since 2004, along with her husband, Alan, and an occasional stray cat.
Lisa Vandever
Judge
Mahogany Reynolds is a triple-threat, versatile actress; who consistently books a wide range of roles in film, television and theater. Prior to becoming a performing artist; Mahogany worked as a professional print journalist, talk show host, and on-camera reporter. As her way of sowing a seed, and helping aspiring young talent build a career in the performing arts, Mahogany created Just Be You Performing Arts, and serves as the organization's Executive Director.
Mahogany Reynolds
Q&A Moderator
Ron MacCloskey began his career in the Catskill Mountains and then on Cruise Ships. He has been a performer, writer and producer since 1979. He wrote a one man show called GROUCHO: "A Comic In 3 Acts" As Groucho he has been seen on Cruise Ships, The Bottom Line in NYC, and HBO Films at Bryant Park. He created and host his own game show HORSE PLAY and now has his own award winning cable TV show called Classic Movies With Ron MacCloskey. He has written two tribute shows that debuted at Lincoln Center. One for Boris Karloff and the other for Jerry Lewis.
Ron MacCloskey
Q&A Moderator
Jai Simone, poet, performer, author and keynote speaker has appeared on stages from New York to Honolulu. Also a media darling, she has been featured on television, the radio and in print. Dominating the erotica genre, as well as women’s empowerment and activist works, this vixen steals hearts and changes lives with her one woman show, the J. Simone Experience. This dynamic artist teaches workshops on finding your voice through poetry, healing through art and sensuality/sexuality. Taking these topics to heart, Ms. Simone is also a sex educator, fond of the term Seduction Instructor and founder of Ophelimity, a company dedicated to empowerment, education and helping you achieve a more fulfilling intimate life. www.JaiSimone.com and www.SeductionInstruction.com.
Jai Simone
Q&A Moderator
Mike Patten & Will Fleming
Q&A Moderators
One is from a film background, the other is from animation. That makes Mike Patten and Will Fleming quite the team! Mike Patten graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 2015, where he completed his animated short film, "Gulf. Uniform. Lima. Lima.". Will Fleming graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2012 with a BA in Film. There he completed his thesis, the sci-if/horror film, "Gumball". Both Mike and Will share a deep appreciation of film, that's why they have started their own podcast, "3 Day Rental"! They are joined along with their co-host Brandon Lane discussing some fan favorite films from the nineties. You can hear them for yourself at https://m.soundcloud.com/user-552812905! Or follow them on Twitter: @3dayrentalcast.
LOBBY & NETWORKING EVENT MUSIC VIDEO SHOWCASE
OCTOBER 21, 2016 - OCTOBER 23, 2016
All Weekend: Hamilton Stage Lobby*
Friday, October 21, 2016 6:30pm-7:45pm: Opening Night Cocktail Hour, Fazioli Room**
Saturday, October 22, 2016 7:30-8:30pm: Lobby Networking Hour, Hamilton Stage Lobby***
Ten original music videos will be showcased in the Hamilton Stage Lobby & Networking Events throughout the festival and separate from Film Competition.
- Alibi - Jerzy Jung (NJ, USA)
- Beatin - Artist Anna Kova (France)
- BLACK - KEOMA (Germany)
- Frost - Sven Helbig (CA, USA)
- I Don't Wanna Lose You - Annor Doeman (CA, USA)
- Invisible Man - Huey the Ferret (David Cortello) (NC, USA)
- A Passage to India (NJ, USA)
- Priestess of the Gate - Alicia Hayes (AR, USA)
- The Right Way - Cat London (NJ, USA)
- Tonight is the Night - Jump In The River (Spain)
*Tickets are not required to visit the Hamilton Stage Lobby.
**Tickets to Friday's RIFF Opening Night Feature Film: “The Wedding Invitation" includes access to the Cocktail Hour.
***All festival tickets include access to the Saturday Lobby Networking Hour.
FRIDAY NIGHT / OPENING NIGHT SCHEDULE:
OCTOBER 21, 2016
Friday, October 21, 2016
6:30pm-7:45pm: Cocktail Hour, Fazioli Room
8:00pm-10:30pm: Screenings + Filmmakers Q&A, Hamilton Stage
Preceded by Short Films:
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"Small Fry" directed by Corinne Antonelli (NJ, USA)
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"Dear Susie" directed by Leopoldo Caggiano (Italy)
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"Frame of Reference" directed by Ian J. Keeney (NJ, USA)
Rahway International Film Festival Opening Night Feature Film Presentation:"The Wedding Invitation" directed by Rainy Kerwin.
Country of Origin: California, USA
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Synopsis: Three best friends are on a mission to get dates for the wedding of a lifetime. They have one week to track down their men and turn them into plusones. Their mission, splattered with drunken‐dry‐heaving, walk‐of-shame moments will require them to break all of the dating rules to find love.
Ticket price includes a preceding Cocktail Hour with complimentary glass of champagne and hors d'oeuvres at 6:30pm. Cocktail attire is encouraged, but not mandatory. Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with attending Directors and Crew from "The Wedding Invitation" & "Frame of Reference".
Afterwards, please join us for the Opening Night After-Party to end the night at Patria Latin Bistro. Show your ticket to ANY of the weekend's events for free admission!
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
OPENING NIGHT AFTER-PARTY AT PATRIA LATIN BISTRO
Friday, October 21, 2016 11:00pm-1:00am
Patria Latin Bistro, 169 W Main St, Rahway, NJ 07065
Let's kick off the festival weekend right! Please join us for the Opening Night Party at Patria Latin Bistro.
Show your ticket to ANY of the weekend's festivities for free admission! There will be a complimentary light buffet and Happy Hour bar pricing.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE: OCTOBER 22, 2016
Saturday, October 22, 2016
11:15am-12:30pm
Fazioli Room
Rahway International Film Festival Seminar Series: Info Coming Soon!
During this "Brunch & Learn" Seminar, attendees will be treated to a light brunch buffet before a one-hour long filmmaking seminar led by leading local filmmakers in the industry. To see last year's seminars with topics including pitching a screenplay, location scouting, and production management, click here.
Seminars are included with the purchase of an All-Access Day Pass but tickets may also be purchased individually.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
1:00pm-3:00pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Hamilton Stage
Rahway International Film Festival Short Films Presentation
Showcasing works that inspire empathy, equality, and awareness through film, RIFF has got it all. With shorts films ranging from documentary to animation to drama to comedy, these films from all over the world will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think.
Shorts Block #1 Lineup:
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"Must Hurry" directed by Christopher J. Cullen (NJ, USA)
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"East of Hollywood" directed by Chris Caccioppoli (NY, USA)
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"Reinventing the Reel" directed by Michael J. Gorlick (Canada)
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"The Girl and the Gondola" directed by Abbe Robinson (U.K.)
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"Never Been Sicker" directed by Claire Fishman (NJ, USA)
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"Under the Heavens" directed by Tyrik Washington (NY, USA)
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"I've Just Had a Dream" directed by Javi Navarro (Spain)
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending Directors, Crew, and Cast.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
1:00pm-3:00pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Fazioli Room
Preceded by Short Films:
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"Cowboys" directed by Bernabe Rico (Spain)
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"Eye of India" directed by Benn Berkley (United Kingdom)
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Documentary Presentation: "The Farmer & I" directed by Irja von Bernstorff.
Country of Origin: Germany | Filmed in Bhutan
Synopsis: "The Farmer & I" is a hybrid film, part fiction and part documentary. Cultural barriers and tensions arise between German filmmaker Irja and Bhutanese farmer Sangay when they team up to create a fictional yet educational TV series to encourage the new generation of Bhutan to create value in rural areas instead of emigrating to the big cities. Their differences mirror Bhutan’s hardships implementing sustainable growth after centuries of isolation. Both, individuals and country, must find a way to collaborate if they are to keep their identity but join the world scene.
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending Directors.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
3:15pm-5:15pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Hamilton Stage
Preceded by Short Film:
"Ugly" directed by LeRon Lee (NJ, USA)
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Film Presentation: "Life is Short" directed by Antoine Allen.
Country of Origin: New Jersey / New York, USA
Genre: Drama
Synopsis: A look at the lives of five New Yorkers dealing with a variety of life's challenges and conflicts. Little do they know that all will be over soon. If you knew that the end of the world is about to come, would you do anything differently?
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending Directors.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
3:15-5:15pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Fazioli Room
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Film Presentation: "Mignon Mossie van Wyk" directed by Darrell Roodt.
Country of Origin: South Africa
Genre: Coming of Age Drama
Synopsis: "Mignon Mossie van Wyk" tells the story of how a teenage girl learns to find her feet in a world filled with sorrow, heartache and disappointment. The film shows characters in the midst of their lives with all of its complicated relationships. It’s a story about friendship, falling in love, dealing with loss and finding your running shoes.
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending filmmakers.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
5:30pm-7:30pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Hamilton Stage
Preceded by Short Documentary:
"A Job I Can Enjoy" directed by Milena Velis (PA, USA)
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Documentary Presentation: "Daddy Don't Go" directed by Emily Abt.
Country of Origin: New York, USA
Synopsis: Captured over two years, “Daddy Don’t Go" follows four disadvantaged fathers in New York City as they struggle to beat the odds and defy the deadbeat dad stereotype.
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending filmmakers.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
5:30pm-7:30pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Fazioli Room
Preceded by Short Film:
"Another Empty Space" directed by Davi de Oliveira Pinheiro (Brazil)
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Film Presentation: "Journey to Love (Lakbay2Love)" directed by Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil.
Country of Origin: Philippines
Genre: Romantic Drama
Synopsis: The film opens with Typhoon Haiyan, the worst storm to hit the world and the Philippines, juxtaposed with French-Filipina videographer Lianne’s own devastation from a break-up. Assigned to do a video feature on biking, Lianne crosses paths with Jay-R, a forester whose life seems to be worlds apart from Lianne’s own reality, but unknowingly affects the course of her journey.
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending Directors.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Saturday, October 22, 2015
7:30pm-8:30pm
Hamilton Stage Lobby
The Lobby Networking Hour will offer complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Rahway International Film Festival serves not only as a showcase for independent short films, but as a networking opportunity designed to bring artists together to collaborate with like minds. This event will allow you the opportunity to schmooze with others like yourself in the heart of the Rahway Arts District!
Actors, producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, musicians, composers, designers and ALL other artists are encouraged to attend! Have your business cards and resumes handy, this is your chance to make new connections, meet new people, and create new works!
*All festival tickets include FREE admission to the Lobby Networking Hour.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
8:45pm-10:45pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Hamilton Stage
Preceded by Short Film:
"Killer Friends" co-directed by Zach Noe Towers & Tina Carbone (CA, USA)
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Film Halloween Special Presentation: "The Dark Tapes" directed by Michael McQuown.
Country of Origin: Florida, USA
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
Synopsis: A genre-defying found-footage mixture of horror, sci-fi, myth, mystery and thrills told as four interlocking tales in one intelligent anthology. Ghosts, spirits, creatures, demons and more from the paranormal world collide with rational curiosity.
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending Directors.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Saturday, October 22, 2016
8:45pm-10:45pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Fazioli Room
Preceded by Short Film:
"First Encounter with Authority" directed by Yavuz Özer (Turkey)
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Film Presentation: "Hear the Silence (Höre die Stille)" directed by Ed Ehrenberg.
Country of Origin: Germany / Poland
Genre: War Drama, Suspense
Synopsis: This is the story of the men and women at the time of the German attack on Russia in 1941. A small, lost unit of German soldiers is looking for shelter in a remote, snowy small village in Ukraine deep within enemy territory. The soldiers have to make a stop in the village to get provisions and transport so that they can join their troops again – maybe a very dangerous thing to do. HEAR THE SILENCE is a parable about the loss of innocence during times of war that results in brutal preventive actions. People get trapped in an unstoppable circle of violence.
Following the films, there will be an Audience Q&A with attending cast members Alexandra Grant & Lars Doppler from "Hear the Silence" travelling in all the way from Germany!
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
SUNDAY SCHEDULE: OCTOBER 23, 2015
Sunday, October 23, 2016
11:15am-12:30pm
Fazioli Room
Rahway International Film Festival Seminar Series: Info Coming Soon!
During this "Brunch & Learn" Seminar, attendees will be treated to a light brunch buffet before a one-hour long filmmaking seminar led by leading local filmmakers in the industry. To see last year's seminars with topics including pitching a screenplay, location scouting, and production management, click here.
Seminars are included with the purchase of an All-Access Day Pass but tickets may also be purchased individually.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
1:00pm-3:00pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Hamilton Stage
Rahway International Film Festival Short Films Presentation
Showcasing works that inspire empathy, equality, and awareness through film, RIFF has got it all. With shorts films ranging from documentary to animation to drama to comedy, these films from all over the world will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think.
Shorts Block #2 Lineup:
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"Lucas, Kevin, and the Technicolor Dream Watcher" (Student Film) directed by David Paris & Colin Tunney (NJ, USA)
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"Player Two" directed by Zachary Antell (NY, USA)
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"Fish" directed by Andrew Ruiz (NY, USA)
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"Birthday Boy" directed by Andrew Saunderson (CA, USA)
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"Two Years" directed by Lauren Hall (NJ, USA)
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"Sara and Mimi" directed by Carla Barros (Brazil)
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"Leaving" directed by Debra Markowitz (NY, USA)
-
"Roubado" directed by Erica A. Watson (CA, USA)
-
"So I Was Wondering..." directed by Richard Arum (WA, USA)
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending Directors, Crew, and Cast.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
1:00pm-3:00pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Fazioli Room
Preceded by Short Films:
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"Inspired" directed by Maggie Kaszuba (NJ, USA)
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"The Truth, a Short, Short Film" directed by Barbara Becker Holstein (NJ, USA)
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"Cuerdas (Strings)" directed by Pedro Solis Garcia (Spain)
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Documentary Presentation: "The Ability Exchange" directed by Bing Wang.
Country of Origin: New York, USA
Synopsis: The Ability Exchange is an intimate documentary film that delves into an innovative Disability Studies course at NYU Tandon where engineering students and self-advocates with cerebral palsy team up to make movies. This observational “empathy engine” illustrates the trajectory of personal growth and bonding that these first time filmmakers experience in the classroom and beyond, during a journey of which the line between ability and disability gets blurred, traditionally assigned roles of "filmmakers" and "subjects" blend, and the definitions of “normalcy” and “inspiration” are challenged. The Ability Exchange thus invites the viewer to reflect on what it takes to understand and appreciate a person, a community, a culture, and how this exchange of abilities and perspectives empowers lives.
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending Directors.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
3:15pm-5:15pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Hamilton Stage
Preceded by Short Film:
"City by the Sea" directed by Mu Sun (CA, USA)
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Film Presentation: "Living with the Dead" directed by Christine Vartoughian.
Country of Origin: New York, USA
Genre: Drama
Synopsis: A runaway girl finds herself living in the forest with an adventurous boy in this quirky love story about love, loss, dead writers, and Polaroids.
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending Directors.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
3:15pm-5:15pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Fazioli Room
Preceded by Short Films:
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"You Are Not Alone" (Student Film) directed by Izellah Montes, Kayleen Ojeda, Miguel Rodriguez & Yamileth Tepox (NJ, USA)
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"Keepin Up with the Society Hillians: Society Hill Victims Unit" (Student Film) directed by Cadian McGraw Jr. (NJ, USA)
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"Bad News Gabe" directed by Jeanpaul Isaacs (AL, USA)
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Film Presentation: "His Dying Wish" directed by Larry Rosen and written/produced by Rahway resident Drica Armstrong.
Country of Origin: Rahway, New Jersey, USA
Genre: Drama
Synopsis: Janet Harper thinks her life is perfect when tragedy strikes. Her husband of 20 years, Walt, dies suddenly and she is left to pick up the pieces of her life. Janet soon finds out that in order to get her inheritance she must share half and live in the same house with Walt’s long-term mistress, Meagan, or lose everything. She must make the decision to lose the precious memories that she and Walt built or comply with His Dying Wish.
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending filmmakers.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
5:30pm-7:30pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Hamilton Stage
Followed by RIFF Woman in Film Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony honoring Dena Seidel
Rahway International Film Festival Feature Documentary Presentation: "Antarctic Edge: 70° South" directed by Dena Seidel.
Country of Origin: New Jersey, USA
Synopsis: A thrilling journey to the world's most perilous environment, "Antarctic Edge: 70° South", follows a team of world-class scientists as they explore the West Antarctic Peninsula. While navigating through 60-foot waves and dangerous icebergs, the film follows the team as they voyage south to rugged, inhospitable Charcot Island to study the fragile and rapidly declining Adelie Penguin. For Schofield and his crew, these birds are the greatest indicator of climate change and a harbinger of what is to come. "Antarctic Edge: 70° South" was made in a collaboration between the Rutgers Center for Digital Filmmaking and the Rutgers Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences.
Following the film, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A and RIFF Woman in Film Lifetime Achievement Award Ceremony honoring Dena Seidel, Director of "Antarctic Edge: 70 Degrees South". She is also an award winning documentary filmmaker and published author, as well as the creator and designer of the first film major program at Rutgers University. She completed this documentary with the participation of 14 undergraduate Rutgers students.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
Sunday, October 23, 2016
5:30pm-7:30pm: Screening + Filmmakers Q&A
Fazioli Room
Rahway International Film Festival Short Films Presentation
Showcasing works that inspire empathy, equality, and awareness through film, RIFF has got it all. With shorts films ranging from documentary to animation to drama to comedy, these films from all over the world will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think.
Shorts Block #3 Lineup:
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"The Flavor of the Moon" directed by Yan Zhang (China)
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"Sing for your Supper" directed by Mu Sun (CA, USA)
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"Don't Mess with the Sharkies" directed by Richard Rabelbauer (Switzerland)
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"Uncanny Valley" directed by Federico Heller (Argentina)
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"Eggplant" directed by Yangzhi She (CA, USA)
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"Tongue Stabs Cheek" directed by Kyle Heller (Canada)
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"Pitter Patter Goes My Heart" directed by Christoph Rainer (Germany)
Following the films, there will be a Filmmakers Q&A with the attending filmmakers.
*All festival tickets & day passes include free admission to the Opening Night After-Party & Saturday Lobby Networking Hour, which will offer a complimentary light buffet and cash bar. Come join the fun!
CLOSING NIGHT AFTER-PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY AT PATRIA LATIN BISTRO
Sunday, October 23, 2016
8:00pm-10:00pm
Patria Latin Bistro, 169 W Main St, Rahway, NJ 07065
Please join us in closing the festival weekend at the Closing NIght After-Party & Awards Ceremony at Patria Latin Bistro! There will be a complimentary buffet and Happy Hour bar pricing.
Sit in at our Awards Ceremony! We will announce and present this year's awards as decided by our panel of judges consisting of leading filmmakers in the local industry. The Audience Choice Awards will be voted live by the audience throughout the film festival weekend.
Show your ticket to ANY of the weekend's festivities for free admission! There will be a complimentary light buffet and Happy Hour bar pricing.