PRESS RELEASE: (JERSEY CITY, NJ - September 6th 2014) What do Tommy Hilfiger, Zaperrazzi Vodka and Autism Speaks have in common? They're all coming together on 18-21 September 2014 to support the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City (GDIFF)! And the festivities start on September 16th with a Kickoff Party hosted by Tommy Hilfiger.
GDIFF has really established itself as the most prestigious film festival in NJ. "It's amazing how the festival has more than doubled in terms of films, donor support and community support," says Bill Sorvino, actor and founder of the Golden Door International Film Festival. Now in its 4th year, the films screenings are held at various locations throughout Jersey City, with the Opening Night and Awards Night taking place at the historic and breathtaking Landmark Loews Theater in Journal Square.
Screening venues include Panepinto Gallery, Panepinto Studio, Brightside Tavern, The Westin and Hudson County Community College.
The festival calendar is jam-packed with screenings, seminars, and fun activities, such as making your own mini "animated" movie book with Flipbooks at the Kickoff party.
Autism awareness and acceptance have become two of the important missions of the philanthropic arm of the Golden Door Film Festival and they honor that by screening various autism-related films. The festival opens with "Six Letter Word" (directed by Lisanne Santor) and "The Odd Way Home" (directed by Rajeev Nirmalakhandan), both starring Rumer Willis (daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore). It will also be screened in Washington Park on Saturday, September 20th as part of "WP Live, Arts and Music in the Park".
Other autism related films include "Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours" (directed by Kimberly Townes), and "Acceptance" (directed by Gene Gallagher). GDIFF and Sensory Kids & Social Minds also partnered up to host an Autism Awareness Event, consisting of seminars and workshops on Sunday, September 21st.
But the social issue awareness does not stop there. GDIFF is also screening the "Just Like You" film series, which consists of short films dealing with autism, burn victims, cancer, and Down's Syndrome (directed by Jen Greenstreet).
With over 90 films, including short films, documentaries, and feature films, there is something for everybody's taste. Other must-see films include South African film "African Gothic" (directed by Gabriel Bologna), "Rain" (directed by Kristen McGary), "Rye Coalition: The Story of the Hard Luck 5" (directed by Jenni Matz), "Destressed" (directed by Garry Pastore) , "Waiting for a Train" (directed by Uladzimir Taukachou and Alex Vetrov), and "Danny and the Wild Bunch" (directed by Robert Rugan).
This year, the community really stepped up to show their support. Zaperrazzi Vodka, recently acquired by Fasolino Foods, Wine & Spirits Co. is one of the main sponsors of the festival. "Zaperrazzi Premium Vodka is all about glitz and glamor. Fasolino Foods, Wine & Spirits Co. has been operating in Hudson County for decades, so what better way to support New Jersey's most prestigious film festival, than by promoting business to the great city of Jersey City," says Antonio Fasolino, CEO & President of Fasolino Foods US.
Other sponsors include Barnana, Senator Frank Guarini, GMPC Printing, Norman and Bettina Roberts Foundation, Purity Organics, United Water, Friends of the Loews, St Peter's University, Silverman Properties, Shoprite, Uber Cars, and Mundial Sports Network.
The Grove Square Bistro will serve as the Filmmakers' Lounge all weekend and there will be informative seminars on filmmaking, crowdfunding, and the art of living a creative life with Donna McKenna (casting director), John Trigonis (filmmaker and author of "Crowdfunding for Filmmakers"), and Richard Vetere (internationally known screenwriter). Seminars will take place at the Grove Square Bistro and The Merchant.
For more information about the films, screenings times and venues, and to buy tickets, visit http://www.goldendoorfilmfestival.org
ABOUT THE GOLDEN DOOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing filmmakers and their work, as well as promoting autism awareness with the support of Autism Speaks. Set in the backdrop of Jersey City's local treasures, this four day film festival holds the opportunity for filmmakers, actors and crew members to network with colleagues and share your work with the public. For film enthusiasts, this festival is the perfect way to catch indie films while they are
on the rise and to enjoy all that Jersey City's arts and culture scene has to offer. Additionally, we wish to bring focus to this great city's resurgence as a player in the NY metropolitan area.