October 3, 2011 - This month, local film festivals will highlight a diverse array of themes. From college music to a Wall Street panel with Oliver Stone, there is something for everyone.
Hamptons International Film Festival
The Hamptons International Film Festival, now entering its 19th year, will take place October 13-17. The festival celebrates independent film – long, short, fiction and documentary – and showcases around 100 international films each year. For more information, visit hamptonsfilmfest.org.
Imagine Science Film Festival
The Imagine Science Film Festival will include shorts and features in fiction, documentary, music and experimental genres. This year’s jury features two cutting-edge science writers: Carl Zimmer and David Eagleman. The festival kicks off on October 14 at The Museum of the Moving Image and concludes at Symphony Space on October 21. For more information, visit imaginesciencefilms.com/festival.
Fordham Law Film Festival
The Forum Film Festival, presented by Fordham Law School, illuminates the legal system with all of its triumphs, failures and moral dilemmas. From October 14-20, the festival will screen six law-related films followed by discussions with renowned artists, writers and members of the legal profession. For a complete schedule, visit fordhamfilmfestival.org/index.php.
CMJ Film Festival
The CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival is a five-day extravaganza of artist performances and cutting-edge films. Taking place October 18-22, this year’s festival will feature Cameron Crowe’s film Pearl Jam Twenty, as well as dozens of other movies, music industry panels and special events. Visit cmj.com/marathon for more info.
Queer Black Cinema
The Queer Black Cinema International Film Festival showcases films by both gay and straight award-winning filmmakers of African descent. The festival, taking place October 21-23, also includes panel discussions, workshops and a closing award ceremony. Visit queerblackcinema.org to learn more.
Media That Matters Film Festival
The Media That Matters Film Festival is one of the premier showcases for short films on important topics of the day. The 11th annual festival celebrates 12 jury-selected shorts, each under 12 minutes, tackling a broad range of social issues with humor and humanity. This year’s collection will have its debut on October 27. For more information, visit mediathatmattersfest.org.
Greenpoint Film Festival
From October 27 to 30, the 1st Annual Greenpoint Film Festival showcases programs ranging from avant-garde and experimental to radical-green films, including Jonas Mekas’ world premiere My Mars Bar Movie. The films, panel discussions and Q&As aim to celebrate the renewed joy and regeneration of this Brooklyn community. Visit greenpointfilmfestival.org for more information.
Russian Film Week NYC
Russian Film Week NYC is the oldest and most prestigious film showcase of modern Russian cinema in North America. The 11th annual festival, taking place from October 28 to November 4, features nightly screenings and Q&A sessions with cast members and directors. For a full listing of films, visit russianfilmweeknyc.com.