KC Duggan — ϲ Thu, 07 Jan 2016 20:35:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 AmeriCU Credit Union and ϲ International Film Festival present Brew & View 35mm Film Series /blog/2012/04/06/americu-credit-union-and-syracuse-international-film-festival-present-brew-view-35mm-film-series/ Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:43:04 +0000 /?p=35575 The organization that brings year-round programming to Central New York, in collaboration with AmeriCU Credit Union, will present this season’s final Brew & View screening on Friday, April 20.

The series concludes with a double feature of “The Big Lebowski” (8 p.m.) and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (10 p.m.). Don’t miss the chance to see two of the most popular cult films ever made in 35mm! All will have the chance to win reusable AmeriCU Credit Union bags. And there will be a live auction to benefit the CNY SPCA, featuring bowling-related prizes. If you would like to donate an item for the auction, contact Jeff Meyer 436-4723.

Screenings will take place at the Palace Theater, 2384 James St., ϲ. Tickets are $10 for all ages and are available at the door (for single screening or double feature); doors open at 6:30 p.m. Beer and wine are available for purchase for those 21 or olderwith valid ID.

Written and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, “The Big Lebowski” stars Jeff Bridges as Jeff Lebowski, an unemployed Los Angeles slacker and avid bowler, who is referred to (and also refers to himself) as “The Dude.” After a case of mistaken identity, The Dude is introduced to a millionaire also named Jeffrey Lebowski. When the millionaire Lebowski’s trophy wife is later kidnapped, he commissions The Dude to deliver the ransom to secure her release. The plan goes awry when The Dude’s friend Walter Sobchak (John Goodman) schemes to keep the full ransom. Steve Buscemi, Philip Seymour Hoffman, David Huddleston, Julianne Moore, Tara Reid and John Turturro star in the film, which is narrated by a cowboy known only as “Stranger,” played by Sam Elliott.

Terry Gilliam directed the colorful, stylized, pseudo-psychedelic $21-million adaptation of the 1971 Hunter S. Thompson classic “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey into the Heart of the American Dream,” about sportswriter Raoul Duke, Thompson’s alter ego, on a wild drug-crazed road trip; a paranoid plummet into the belly of the beast, with his pal, lawyer Oscar Zeta Acosta.

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‘Science and Magic in Film’ series continues /blog/2012/03/19/science-and-magic-in-film-series-continues-2/ Mon, 19 Mar 2012 15:17:52 +0000 /?p=34285 and continue their collaboration on the series Science and Magic in Film. This four-part series began in January and runs through April 2012 on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Each screening includes a discussion.

Single screening tickets are available at the door for $8/$5 Red House members and students. Programs begin at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Red House Arts Center, 201 S. West St. Free parking is available.

This collaborative series celebrates the science fiction genre, and brings the audiences a chance to explore the impact of technology, artificial life, electronic music and the science of memory in cinema. The guest speakers provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of science fiction and the history of the science and magic in film.

On April 3, the series will present “The Last Wave” (1977), with guest Owen Shapiro, professor of film in the Department of Transmedia in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at ϲ, and an award-winning experimental documentary filmmaker.

The film asks, “What if someone with a very pragmatic approach to life experienced a premonition?” Directed by Peter Weir, “The Last Wave” is about a white Australian lawyer whose seemingly normal life is disrupted after he takes on a murder case for Aborigine defendants. He discovers that he shares a strange and unexplained mystical connection to the small group of local Australian Aborigines accused of the crime.

On April 24, the series will presesnt “Blade Runner” (1982), with guest Jim Loperfido, CEO for the ϲ International Film Festival, founder of the Auburn Cinefile Society, who has been at the forefront nationally of independent video dealers’ efforts to regulate and lobby for their industry.

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SYRFILMFEST presents Best of Fest /blog/2012/03/06/syrfilmfest-10/ Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:12:22 +0000 /?p=33812 Did you miss some of the great films at SYRFILMFEST’11? Join us for this special series.

The organization that brings year-round programming to Central New York in collaboration with ArtRage Gallery will present a five-part series showcasing films from the ϲ International Film Festival. The series continues on March 10 with a screening of “The Miracle,” “Life’s a Bitch” and “Formol.” Additional screenings will take place in April and May.

“The Miracle”
by Jeffrey Jon Smith (USA) Fiction, 29 min.
In confession to her priest, Tekki Lomnicki, a little person, reveals how she dishonored her mother on a trip to Lourdes 27 years before. For a chance at redemption, Tekki will need all her courage, humor and imagination to face the truth about her life and what happened at Lourdes.

“Life’s a Bitch”
by Michaela Hoffova (Czech Republic)
Animation, 8 min.
This clever film is about a little bird who just wants to find a place where he can fit in.

“FǰDZ”
by Noelia Rodríguez Deza (Spain) Documentary, 15 min.
In a ghost village, apparently deserted, past, present and future blend and the traces of hundreds of lives remain preserved in the formol of time.

All screenings take place at 8 p.m. at ArtRage Gallery, 505 Hawley Ave., ϲ. Tickets for each event are $5 at the door; doors open at 7:30 p.m.

This event is recommended for adults only. For more information, visit syrfilm.com or artragegallery.org.

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Science and Magic in Film series continues /blog/2012/02/23/science-and-magic-in-film-series-continues/ Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:50:03 +0000 /?p=33209 and continue their collaboration on the series Science and Magic In Film. This four-part series takes place at the Red House Arts Center on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Each screening includes a discussion.

Program Passes are now available for $25; they can be purchased at the Red House Arts Center or at syrfilm.com. Single screening tickets are also available at the door for $8/$5 Red House members and students. Programs begin at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30pm at the Red House Arts Center, 201 South West St. Free parking is available.

This collaborative series celebrates the science fiction genre, and brings the audiences a chance to explore the impact of technology, artificial life, electronic music and the science of memory in cinema. The guest speakers provide an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of science fiction and the history of science and magic in film.

Feb. 28, Fellini “Satyricon” (1969); guest Jeffrey Gorney (writer, photographer, actor)

This Oscar-nominated, Italian fantasy drama film, written and directed by Federico Fellini, is loosely based on Gaius Petronius’ work “Satyricon,” a series of bawdy and satirical episodes written during the reign of the emperor Nero and set in imperial Rome. Fellini has described this film as ‘science fiction of the past,’ as though the Romans of that decadent age were being observed by the astounded inhabitants of a flying saucer. Curiously enough, in this effort of objectivity, the director has created a film that is so subjective as to warrant psychoanalysis.

Giovanni Grazzini argued that “Fellini’s Rome bears absolutely no relationship to the Rome learned about in schoolbooks. It is a place outside historical time, an area of the unconscious in which the episodes related by Petronius are relived among the ghosts of Fellini … His ‘Satyricon’ is a journey through a fairytale for adults. It is evident that Fellini, finding in these ancient personages the projection of his own human and artistic doubts, is led to wonder if the universal and eternal condition of man is actually summed up in the frenzied realization of the transience of life, which passes like a shadow. These ancient Romans who spend their days in revelry, ravaged by debauchery, are really an unhappy race searching desperately to exorcise their fear of death”.

Additional Science and Magic in Film screenings:

  • March 27, “The Last Wave” (1977); guest Owen Shapiro
  • April 24, “Blade Runner” (1982), guest Jim Loperfido
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Brew & View 35mm Film Series continues March 3 /blog/2012/02/23/brew-view-35mm-film-series/ Thu, 23 Feb 2012 16:40:41 +0000 /?p=33207 The Brew & View 35mm Film Series continues on Saturday, March 3, with a double feature of “Back to the Future” (7 p.m.) and “The Burbs” (9 p.m.). All will have the chance to win reusable AmeriCU Credit Union bags and a Stella Artois T-shirt. The films will be shown at the Palace Theater, 2384 James St., ϲ.

Tickets are $10 for all ages and are available at the door; doors open at 6:30 p.m. Beer and wine are available for purchase for those 21+ with valid ID.

“Back to the Future” (1985)
Marty McFly, a typical American teenager of the ‘80s, is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean time machine invented by a slightly mad scientist. During his often hysterical, always amazing trip back in time, McFly must make certain his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love—so he can get back to the future. Written by Robert Lynch.

“The Burbs” (1989)
Ward and June Cleaver have nothing on suburban couple Ray and Carol Peterson (Tom Hanks and Carrie Fisher). Together with their perfect son, Ray and Carol are so clean that they squeak. Thus, when new neighbors Dr. Werner Klopek (Henry Gibson), Uncle Reuben (Brother Theodore) and Hans (Courtney Gains) begin evincing bizarre behavior, Ray is slightly put out. Carol thinks that Ray is getting all worked up over nothing. Ray and his fellow suburbanites endure all sorts of slapstick misadventures in the vain hope of getting “the goods” on the newcomers.

The event is presented by AmeriCU Credit Union and ϲ International Film Festival. is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization producing film events for all ages.

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SYRFILMFEST presents Best of Fest /blog/2012/02/10/syrfilmfest-9/ Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:22:40 +0000 /?p=32698 The organization that brings year-round programming to Central New York in collaboration with will present a five-part series showcasing films from theeighth annual ϲ International Film Festival. The series continues on Feb. 18 with a screening of “FԲԲٱ” by Thomas Korthals Altes (Netherlands) Fiction, 47 min., and “AԻǾ” by María Pérez (Spain) Fiction, 15 min. Additional screenings will take place in March, April and May.

“FԲԲٱ”
What a shock when teenage Finn comes home from school and catches Dad wearing Mom’s dress. Discovering his own sexuality is trouble enough for Finn; now the man he’s always adored wants to be a woman! Seems like dark days ahead—until newfound friend Lizzie comes along.

“AԻǾ”
Facing a boring and lonely summer, androgynous teenage Simon takes to trying alien communication. No news is dull news till a mysterious girl comes into the neighborhood and turns Simon’s life around.

All screenings take place at 8 p.m. at Art Rage Gallery, 505 Hawley Ave., ϲ. Donations for each event are $5 at the door; doors open at 7:30 p.m.

This event is recommended for adults only.

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SyrFilmFest, Red House present ‘Science and Magic in Film’ series /blog/2012/01/09/syrfilmfest-8/ Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:22:03 +0000 /?p=31484 SYRFILM INC. and The Red House Arts Center continue their collaboration on the series “Science and Magic in Film.” This four-part series takes place at the Red House Arts Center beginning this month, on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Each screening includes a discussion. Program passes are now available for $25 andcan be purchased at the Red House Arts Center. Single screening tickets are also available at the door for $8. Programs begin at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m. at the Red House Arts Center, located at 201 South West St. Free parking is available.

  • Jan. 24, “Forbidden Planet” (1956); guest Douglas Quin (sound designer, naturalist, public radio commentator and music composer)
    “Forbidden Planet” was the first science fiction film that was set entirely in deep space, away from the planet Earth. It is considered one of the great science fiction films of the 1950s, a precursor of what was to come for the science fiction film genre in the decades that followed. “Forbidden Planet” features the groundbreaking use of an all-electronic music musical score. It also featured Robby the Robot, one of the first film robots that was more than just a mechanical tin can on legs. Directed by Fred M. Wilcox, with a screenplay by Cyril Hume. Starring Leslie Nielsen, Walter Pidgeon and Anne Francis.
  • Feb. 28, “Fellini Satyricon” (1969); guest Jeffrey Gorney (writer, photographer and actor)
    This Oscar-nominated film, directed by Federico Fellini, is loosely based on Petronius’ work “Satyricon,” a series of bawdy and satirical episodes written during the reign of the emperor Nero and set in imperial Rome. Fellini has described this film as “science fiction of the past,” as though the Romans of that decadent age were being observed by the astounded inhabitants of a flying saucer. “Satyricon” is a journey through a fairytale for adults.
  • March 27, “The Last Wave” (1977); guest Owen Shapiro (professor and filmmaker in the Department of Transmedia in the College of Visual and Performing Arts at ϲ)
    “What if someone with a very pragmatic approach to life experienced a premonition?” Directed by Peter Weir, “The Last Wave” is about a white Australian lawyer whose seemingly normal life is disrupted after he takes on a murder case for Aborigine defendants. He discovers that he shares a strange and unexplained mystical connection to the small group of local Australian Aborigines accused of the crime.
  • April 24, “Blade Runner” (1982); guest Jim Loperfido (ϲ International Film Festival CEO, Auburn Cinefile Society founder)
    “Blade Runner” depicts a dystopian Los Angeles in November 2019, in which genetically engineered organic robots called replicants—visually indistinguishable from adult humans—are manufactured by the powerful Tyrell Corp. Their use on Earth is banned. Replicants who defy the ban and return to Earth are hunted down and “retired” by police special operatives known as “Blade Runners.” Directed by Ridley Scott, starring Harrison Ford.

For more information, see ǰ .

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SyrFilmFest presents SyrFilmFest’11 Best of Fest /blog/2012/01/09/syrfilmfest-7/ Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:11:52 +0000 /?p=31482 The SYRFILM organization that brings year-round programming to Central New York, in collaboration with Art Rage Gallery will present a five-part series showcasing films from the 8th Annual ϲ International Film Festival. The series continues on Jan. 21 with a screening of “Siberia Monamour” by Slava Ross, (Russia) 95min., a SYRFILMFEST ’11 Judge’s Citation Winner. Additional screenings will take place in February, March and April.

“Siberia Monamour” is a powerful, beautifully-shot and -acted work about life and death on the fringes of Russian society. In a deserted Siberian village, an old man and his grandson wait for the boy’s father, missing for two years, to return. A pack of feral dogs also waits just outside the village, devouring everything alive. One of these dogs is the boy’s best friend. The others keep the boy and his grandfather isolated in the wilderness, far from the nearest village. Through this dangerous, yet beautiful landscape wander a host of soldiers, marauders, prostitutes and drunks. They are all searching for an escape.

All screenings take place at 8 p.m. at Art Rage Gallery located at 505 Hawley Ave., ϲ. Tickets for each event are $5 at the door; doors open at 7:30 p.m.

This event is recommended for adults only. For more information visit http://syrfilm.com OR .

SYRFILM is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization producing film events for all ages. More information is available at .

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AmeriCU Credit Union and ϲ International Film Festival present ‘Star Trek’ 35mm showings /blog/2011/12/02/syrfilm-2/ Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:34:50 +0000 /?p=30661 The organization that brings year-round programming to Central New York in collaboration with AmeriCU Credit Union will present a five-part series showcasing classic cult films in 35mm.

The series continues on Wednesday, Dec. 14, with a “Star Trek” 35mm double-feature with “Star Trek 3: The Search for Spock” at 7 p.m., and “Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home” at 9 p.m. Come as your favorite “Star Trek” character and win prizes for best costume. Even without a costume you will have the chance to win reusable AmeriCU Credit Union bags and a Stella Artois T-shirt.

Additional double feature screenings will take place in March and April.

All screenings take place at the Palace Theater, located at 2384 James St., ϲ. Tickets for each event are $10 for all ages and are available at the door (for single screening or double feature), doors open at 6:30 p.m. Beer and wine are available for purchase for those21+ years of agewith valid ID.

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SyrFilmFest’11 presents Best of Fest /blog/2011/11/07/syrfilm/ Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:34:58 +0000 /?p=29656 Did you miss some of the great films at SYRFILMFEST ’11? Join us for a very special series, Best of Fest.

The SYRFILM organization that brings year-round programming to Central New York in collaboration with Art Rage Gallery will present a five-part series showcasing films from the eighth annual ϲ International Film Festival. The series begins on Nov. 19 with a screening of “Gravedigger” by Sandor Kardos (Hungary) 88min, a SYRFILMFEST ’11 Director’s Citation Winner. Don’t miss a unique and hauntingly beautiful film. Additional screenings will take place in January, February, March and April.

All screenings take place at 8 p.m. at Art Rage Gallery, located at 505 Hawley Ave., ϲ. Tickets for each event are $5 at the door; doors open at 7:30 p.m.

This event is recommended for adults only. For more information, visit ǰ artragegallery.org.

SYRFILM is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization producing film events for all ages. More information is available at .

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Brew & View 35mm Film Series planned /blog/2011/11/07/brew-view/ Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:29:24 +0000 /?p=29653 The ϲ International Film Festival (SYRFILM) organization that brings year-round programming to Central New York, in collaboration with AmeriCU Credit Union, will present Brew & View,a five-part series showcasing classic cult films in 35mm.

The series begins on Nov. 18 with a Steven Spielberg double feature of “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” (7 p.m.) and “Jaws” (9 p.m.). Don’t miss the chance to see two of the most popular Spielberg films ever made on the big screen!

Additional double feature screenings will take place in December, March and April.

All screenings take place at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the Palace Theater, located at 2384 James St., ϲ. Tickets for each event are $10 for all ages and are available at the door (for single screening or double feature); doors open at 6:30 p.m. Beer and wine are available for purchase for those at least21 years of age,with valid ID.

For more information visit .

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Composer Phillip Rothman to perform original score for D.W. Griffith’s silent film ‘Way Down East’ /blog/2011/08/25/phillip-rothman/ Thu, 25 Aug 2011 14:55:10 +0000 /?p=26045 The has commissioned composer Phillip Rothman to write a score for the 1920 D.W. Griffith silent film “Way Down East.” Rothman will debut the original composition, scored for eight musicians, with the film screening Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, 2384 James St., Eastwood.

filmRothman’s music has been heard at major venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and it has been broadcast on more than 200 radio stations in America on NPR’s “Performance Today,” on the radio program “Indianapolis on-the-Air,” and the McGraw Hill Companies’ “Young Artists Showcase.” His recent work includes orchestrations for major feature films: “The Nanny Diaries,” “Hollywoodland” (Focus Features), “Too Big to Fail,” “Taking Chance,” “Teddy in His Own Words,” “You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO Films), and the mini-series “Faces of America” (PBS).

Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased in advance at .

More information on the screenings can be found by visiting the festival website or by calling the festival office at 315-443-8826. Program location, dates and times are subject to change.

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SyrFilmFest presents sneak preview and last year’s ‘Best of Fest’ /blog/2011/08/24/syrfilmfest-4/ Wed, 24 Aug 2011 14:03:43 +0000 /?p=25958 The organization that brings year-round programming to Central New York, in collaboration with , will present “The Man Who Knew How to Fly,” directed by Robi Michael, (USA, fiction, 24 minutes) a selection of the 2011 film festival, and “To Catch a Billionaire,” directed by Tomas Vorel (Czech Republic, fiction, 96 minutes, winner of SyrFilmFest ’10) at Art Rage Gallery on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 8 p.m.

syrfilmfest11Tickets for the event are $5 at the door; doors open at 7:30 p.m. Art Rage Gallery is located at 505 Hawley Ave., ϲ. This event is recommended for adults only.

“The Man Who Knew How to Fly”
In this very inventive, fun filled fantasy, Mr. Tomasek has just discovered the human ability to fly. Now he fears the repercussions.

“To Catch a Billionaire”
A cheeky comedy fromVorel. Everyone longs to catch a billionaire—the police, reporters, politicians, artists, ladies and even the clergy. A report is fabricated accusing a successful businessman, Patrik Grossmann, of racism. When the media launches a full-blown campaign against him, the atmosphere gets so thick that anyone can kick him while he’s down, just to prove their morality. Grossmann’s demise seems inevitable until he gets an idea: buy a TV station and get the public opinion on his side. Let the comedy begin.

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SyrFilmFest second annual scriptwriting workshop planned /blog/2011/08/22/syrfilmfest-second-annual-scriptwriting-workshop-planned/ Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:34:52 +0000 /?p=25936 The ϲ International Film Festival (SIFF) has announced its second annual scriptwriting workshop. It will be hosted by ϲ alumnus Rob Edwards, writer of “Treasure Planet” and Academy Award-nominated “The Princess and the Frog.” Dani Menkin, writer and director of “39 Pounds of Love,” and Gil Kofman, screenwriter for “The Memory Thief,” will also contribute to this three-day intensive workshop.

The Scriptwriting Workshop will take place Oct. 12-14 and is open to students and adult writers, both amateur and professional. Each participant needs to come with the completed draft of an original, short script that will be the source material used during the workshop.

SIFF is adding a new and exciting component to this year’s workshops: local actors will read through the scripts of registrants. Those registered will experience their work transformed from the printed to page to actual performance.

Currently, workshop space is limited and registrants are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Contact the ϲ International Film Festival for more information and registration details: 315-443-8826 or email leo@syrfilm.com.

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Three days, three writers, a once in a lifetime experience: SYRFILMFEST Scriptwriting Workshop /blog/2011/06/09/three-days-three-writers-a-once-in-a-lifetime-experience-syrfilmfest-second-annual-scriptwriting-workshop/ Fri, 10 Jun 2011 01:06:48 +0000 /?p=24251 The ϲ International Film Festival (SYRFILMFEST) announces its second annual Scriptwriting Workshop. The workshop is hosted by ϲ alumnus Rob Edwards, writer of “Treasure Planet” and theAcademy Award-nominated “The Princess and the Frog.”

Dani Menkin, writer and director of “39 Pounds of Love,” and Gil Kofman, screenwriter for “The Memory Thief” will also join the three-day intensive workshop.

The Scriptwriting Workshop will take place Oct. 12-14, and is open to students and adult writers, both amateur and professional. Each participant needs to come with the completed draft of an original, short script that will be the source material used during the three-day workshop.

Currently, workshop space is limited and registrants are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Contact SYRFILMFEST for more information and registration details at 315-443-8826, orleo@syrfilm.com.

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SYRFILMFEST’11 submissions deadline extended /blog/2011/04/20/syrfilmfest-3/ Wed, 20 Apr 2011 16:57:34 +0000 /?p=22712 Due to a website error that prevented filmmakers and film lovers from accessing , the SYRFILM staff and directors have decided to extend the submission deadlines for the 2011 festival. SYRFILMFEST’11 late deadline will now be May 20, and the WAB (withoutabox) extended deadline will now be June 1. Visit to submit a film.

The eighth annual ϲ International Film Festival will take place Oct. 13-16.

SYRFILMFEST is a not-for-profit organization and cannot make any exceptions to entry fee requirements on open submissions. Phone calls regarding this matter will not be returned.

For more information visit .

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SYRFILMFEST schedules prescreening events /blog/2011/04/12/syrfilmfest-2/ Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:27:36 +0000 /?p=22385 The ϲ International Film Festival (SYRFILM)continues its 2011 season of year-round programming with its first prescreening evening. The event will take place Thursday, May 5, at 7 p.m. at Le Moyne College, 244 Reilly Hall. SYRFILM prescreening staff invites the general public to join them in watching a handful of the hundreds of entries received by the festival organizers. The general public is also invited to give their impressions of the films. The sessions are free.

SYRFILM will be celebrating its eighth year with SYRFILMFEST’11 from Oct. 13-16. The festival will play host to filmmakers from around the world, featuring 100 films from 30 countries, as well as international competition screenings, special events and a scriptwriting workshop with visiting filmmakers. The SYRFILMFEST’11 is open to the general public.

For more information, call 315-443-8826 or email info@syrfilm.com.

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SYRFILM documenting U.S. women’s bowling championship /blog/2011/03/04/syracuse-international-film-festival-5/ Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:12:31 +0000 /?p=20574 The is documenting the 2011 . Some 30,000 women bowlers from across the United States are expected to arrive in ϲ between April and June to take part in the event. Student volunteers from ϲ and Le Moyne College will be filming the entire event from the construction of the alleys, through the bowling championship, up to the demolition and reuse of the wood in the building of Habitat for Humanity homes.

usbcDuring the filming, students will be working under the direction of professional filmmakers. Excerpts from the students’ work will be submitted to local television stations for use in promoting the event and the project throughout the community.

Building of the alleys began on Feb. 21, with the arrival of 30 truckloads of wood. SYRFILM was there. In addition to the students already involved, others are invited to participate in this unique documentary project. To get involved, contact Owen Shapiro at ojshapir@syr.edu.

SYRFILM will host the 8th Annual ϲ International Film Festival from Oct. 13-16, 2011.

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SYRFILM presents: ‘Pixar: New Technologies in Animation,” with special guest Cynthia Slavens /blog/2010/03/17/pixar/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:52:13 +0000 /?p=7874 Imagine a world where anything is possible and nothing is beyond the realm of your creativity. Computer-generated (CG) animation revolutionized the way we watch movies. It brought the world of cartoons and 3-D special effects to life with stunning realism.For filmmakers, it made storytelling a whole new adventure.

Central New York parents and children are invited to attend SYRFILMFEST’s fourth annual “Pixar: New Technologies in Animation” program on Saturday, May 1, featuring an exclusive sneak peak at Pixar’s upcoming film, followed by a question-and-answer session with Cynthia Slavens, post-production supervisor for Pixar, whose credits include “Ratatouille,” “Cars” and the winner of this year’s Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, “Up.”

The two-hour event will begin at 11 a.m. at The Palace Theatre, 2384 James St., ϲ. Tickets—$5 for adults; free for those 17 and under—will be available at the door. To reserve tickets or for more information, contact KC Duggan at (315) 443-8826 or kc@syrfilm.com.

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SYRFILM presents: ‘Save the Planet with Alec Loorz’ /blog/2010/03/17/kids-vs-global-warming/ Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:49:41 +0000 /?p=7872 Alec Loorz, founder of Kids vs. Global Warming, will be in ϲ as the guest of the ϲ International Film Festival on Friday, April 23, at 7 p.m. at The Palace Theatre, 2384 James St.

When he was 12 years old, Loorz founded Kids vs. Global Warming to educate fellow youths about the science behind global warming while empowering them to take action. Feeling the weight of the global situation and a sense that he could make a difference, Loorz created a presentation made specifically for young people—full of videos, animation, easy-to-understand science and compelling motivation for those from kindergarten to college age.His message is deeply rooted in hope, encouraging kids to speak up and let their voices be heard on this issue. After giving more than 30 global warming presentations, he was invited by Al Gore to be formally trained with The ClimateProject in October 2008 and now, at age 14, is the youngest trained presenter with The Climate Project.

Tickets for “Save the Planet with Alec Loorz”—$5 for adults; free for those 17 and under—will be available at the door. To reserve tickets or for more information, contact the Film Festival office at (315) 443-8826.

For more information on Kids vs. Global Warming, visit .

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Community prescreenings offer sneak peek at SYRFILMFEST’10 /blog/2010/03/08/syracuse-international-film-festival/ Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:06:38 +0000 /?p=7576 The continues its 2010 season of year-round programming with its first prescreening evening onThursday, March 18, at 7 p.m. at the Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn.

A team of local writers, actors, producers and film critics will make up a professional prescreening teamthat will watch a handful of the hundreds of entries received by the festival organizers. The general public is also invited to join the prescreening sessions and give their impressions of the films. The sessions are free, but space is limited, soR.S.V.P. is suggested to(315) 443-8826.

Other prescreening events are already scheduled for Onondaga Community College (March 23, 4 p.m.) and the Hamilton Theater, Hamilton (March 30, 7 p.m.).

When all prescreening sessions are complete, the final films will be shown during the festival competition.

The ϲ International Film Festival will be celebrating its seventh year with SYRFILMFEST’10 from Oct. 13-17. The festival will play host to filmmakers from around the world and feature more than 125 films from 30 countries. The festival will pay homage to the films of Alfred Hitchcock with screenings of “The Lodger,” “Rope,” “The 39 Steps” and “The Birds,” as well as international competition screenings, special events and free seminars with visiting filmmakers. SYRFILMFEST’10 is open to the general public. For more information, call (315) 443-8826 or email kc@syrfilm.com.

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