The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) took place on July 17-24 at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5 theater on Sunset Blvd. in...

The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) took place on July 17-24 at the Laemmle’s Sunset 5 theater on Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA.

Briege McGarrity, a partner at Independent Film Group and freelance film festival publicist stated, “The festival is more inclusive than exclusive and is very helpful to independent, emerging filmmakers who apply because they get a fair shot at screening their film, networking, possibly winning awards, attracting distributers and getting into parties and special events without all red tape hoopla and scary, clipboard-wielding publicists.”

Paul Sorvino showed his support for female filmmakers by attending the premiere of Svetlana on Svetlana, a film by Lana Parshina on Svetlana Alliluyeva (Joseph Stalin’s daughter), who for  years refused to speak with the press, knowing how  demanding they can be for information on her father and her position on communism. However, she agreed to speak with Parshina because, “You share the same name as me and you are young; and I like young people.” The film captures a witty interview with Alliluyeva on love, family and her adventures India, conveniently  at her retirement home in Wisconsin.

Kristanna Loke (Terminator 3) promoted Lime Salted Love at the opening party  held at the Cabana Club, while holistic practitioner, Dr. Andrea Levinson took a more healthy approach to filmmaking with, Death, Taxes…Chocolate! This dark-comedy turned taste buds with its delicious publicity at the opening night party, where Levinson offered her own line of sugar-free healthy dark chocolates. This film is has been nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Director at NYIIFVF.

Spiritual and mind-provoking films seem to be the theme this year at NYIIFVF and Knock ‘em Alive’s, The Mind Conjurers displays a hidden world in the subconscious of a quadriplegic couple who seek intimacy by moving the only body part they have left to flex:  their minds. Emanuel Gironi and Jackie Di Crystal star in this spiritual drama.

You may have missed NYIIFVF in July, but you still have time to catch up with them in New York on September 18th at Village East Cinemas.