Gen Art New York Film Festival

Closing Night Frenzy

2008-04-11T20:11:08Z

The Festival went out with a bang on Tuesday - a celeb-studded event with sold out crowds that were so hot the alarms went off. Literally.

Our final film was the U.S. Premiere of "The Take" - its director Brad Furman and leads Jon Leguizamo, Rosie Perez & Yul Vasquez were on hand for the premiere. The cast and director of short film "A Day's Work" were also in attendance and in store for an awards sweep. And the after-party at Spotlight live rocked with a packed house, the award ceremony with special guests, and the performance by hit indie band MGMT.

No one wanted the night to end - a handful of hardcore festgoers including all-access pass holders, filmmakers, staff, and more headed to the party district for some late-night debauchery. A bittersweet ending to an incredible week!

Frost!

2008-04-08T15:25:12Z

One of the most anticipated films in the Festival, Frost didn't disappoint. The post-film buzz was overwhelmingly positive, with Gen Art-istas loving the plot, the acting, the direction, and more. Short film of the night Kill the Day dazzled the audience as well and was a perfect match for the feature, both films highlighting that twentysomething existential crisis that you, dear readers, I'm sure no absolutely nothing about...

The night began with a high-energy red carpet, as the premiere doubled as a reunion for the cast. Super sexy Jason Behr smiled and greeted fans... socialite and actress Lydia Hearst was radiant in a silver flapper-esque dress... hilarious Mike Landry looked dapper as ever... the unofficial "first couple" of this year's Fest, bombshell Leah Cary and MGMT bandmember Will Berman were in attendance as the film marked Leah's acting debut... the adorable Alex Poe, star of Kill the Day, grinned alongside director Gavin Wiesen... rising stars India Ennenga and Paulie Lit reminded us that we have a lot to look forward to on the cinematic scene.

The fabulous continued at the after-party at the exclusive Bowery Hotel, and the scene - full of models, playboys, and drinks flowing everywhere, could have been right out of the film. I've heard rumors that there was even an after-after-party at Antique... but I wouldn't know anything about that.

View photos.

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How to Get Behind the Velvet Ropes

2008-04-07T18:54:17Z

It's official: the rest of the Fest is completely sold out. So how do you avoid the pain and sadness you're currently suffering with the realization that you won't see Frost tonight, won't party at the Bowery Hotel, won't see The Take alongside John Leguizamo himself, and won't rock out with MGMT at Spotlight Live?

Join Gen Art. Excuse the plug but if you're missing the 30+ events we do here in New York each year, plus 100 events nationwide, Sundance, SXSW, and more, your life is simply not as fun as it could be.

From celeb-studded fashion shows to year-round film screenings with the filmmakers and talent to intimate gallery gatherings - and of course, all the parties you could ever want - membership gets you the invites, the access, the plus-one, the fabulous times you've been experiencing throughout the festival, only as a Gen Art member, you're on the list all year round.

So hop on over to www.genart.org and sign up now - and don't miss the next event!

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The Jury is In

2008-04-07T15:29:08Z

I'm at Gen Art HQ and the short & feature juries are meeting as I type, deciding who will win the Acura Grand Jury awards for Best Short and Best Feature. I'm told the Stargazer Award has already been decided... the suspense is killing me!

As for my personal favorites? Well, I think I owe it to the Fest Blog to be impartial, plus we still have two nights to go, but if anyone can provide the Gen Art Film Team with a Caribbean vacation after the grueling seven fest days, not to mention the months of prep, I'll see what I can do to sway the voters.

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The Lady

2008-04-05T19:19:26Z

Some of my favorite conversations this week have been with filmmaker Christina Voros. A classic beauty and charming presence, she told me about the moment she found out her short was invited to the Festival: "When I got the email from Aaron, I was sitting in an internet café in India and jumped out of my chair!"

Constantly in production, Christina had to miss her films playing in Chicago and Slamdance over the past year, so she's particularly thrilled to be in attendance for the Gen Art Film Fest.

So why India? Christina was working on not one but two new docs: one about the legacy of Indian human rights activist Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and another about a controversial village tradition of institutionalized prostitution. You know, the light stuff. Today at the Kodak Filmmaker Brunch, she told me how projects seem to find her, not the other way around.

"We'd spent a year following the Garden in Transit story when I got hired as a DP by the producer/philosopher/neurobiologist, Corey Washington, to work on a film in India....that one film split into two and I morphed from DP to director, Sergei from 'sound guy' to co-producer, and suddenly we found ourselves straddling three feature projects... so we're trying to keep our ducks in a row and our heads above water... each story is so important to us that the responsibility is thrilling and terrifying at the same time."

Find out more about Christina's projects

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Film Fest Flash Interview: Caroline Stanley, Editorial Director

2008-04-04T20:50:30Z

Caroline is like that cool friend of your sister's that you wish you were the same age as so you could also be friends but with the present age difference plus the fact that she's already friends with your sister who you're not even that into these days it's a little weird so instead you just glean fashion and trend tips by eavesdropping on their conversations whenever you're at the same party and feel kinda honored when you're CC'd on their emails.

What's your favorite part of the Film Festival?
Because I'm a huge indie rock nerd, I love checking out the band that plays our Closing Night party. Last year, I got to hang around with Morningwood during their sound check - Chantal, their lead singer, was absolutely adorable in person. And don't even get me started on how stoked I am that MGMT is playing the party this year. Hipster Brooklyn boys are my weakness.

What film are you looking forward to the most?
It's a tie. I've read a lot about "Frost" in the blogosphere, because New York heiress-about-town Lydia Hearst has a small role. I heart socialites. I'm also obsessed with mockumentaries, so "Nightlife", the flick that follows a pack of vampires in their day-to-day lives, is on my radar as well.

One piece of advice for having a blast at the Fest:
Stay for the Q&As after the movie. Yes, you'll see the cast and filmmakers at the after-party, but don't pass up the rare opportunity to ask them anything you want, with their undivided attention. Ok, maybe not anything. But you know what I mean. It's pretty freaking cool.

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Film Fest Flash Interview: David Jr., Festival Filmographer

2008-04-04T19:55:12Z

King of the Bling (Belts), David Jr. has been reporting from the Film Fest trenches since wayyyy back in '06. From his controversial beard to his soft-to-the-touch filmmaking style (or is it the other way around), GAFF wouldn't be GAFF without DJ.

What's your favorite part of the Film Festival?
Knowing that celebs have to talk to me.

What film are you looking forward to the most?
They're all my children... I can't pick a favorite.

One piece of advice for having a blast at the Fest:
Just put yourself out there and see where the velcro sticks.

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The Race is On

2008-04-04T15:24:25Z

Last night, chilling in VIP at Kiss & Fly with Frost's Terry Leonard, the conversation turned serious. Not that the previous conversation about Terry's latest project directing a commercial for the notorious Hustler Club wasn't serious, but I digress (digression being a common theme these painful mornings post after-party... there I go digressing again... gotta love open bar both before the screenings and at the after-parties).

"So what's next for Frost?" I asked, congratulating him again on the fact that not only is the film sold out for Monday, but people are buying all-access full Fest passes and Gen Art memberships just to get in.

"Well, we're in talks about distribution with NAME OMITTED and OTHER NAME OMITTED, but it would really help to win that Audience Award... hey uhhh... what do you think are the chances of that?"

A little later, I was chatting with the ever-charming director of Cook County, David Pomes.

"So do you think we could win the jury award?" he asked in his Texas drawl. Then he proceeded to go through the program and ask me which films were his primary competition.

What the filmmakers don't appear to realize is that, though on the scene every night and back at Gen Art HQ every morning(ish), this blogger has no pull where the prizes are concerned. It's up to you, the people. Oh, and you, the jurors.

Note to Jurors: Expect bribes.

Note to Audience: Demand after-after-party in exchange for your vote.

Note to Self: Don't let filmmakers find out about my utter lack of influence on awards; exploit accordingly.

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Exclusive Interview: Filmmaker David Pomes

2008-04-04T12:15:25Z

David is from Houston, Texas. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1991. He received his JD from Texas Tech University, School of Law in 1996. For the following ten years David practiced law in Dallas and Houston. During the final year of his legal career, he wrote the script for COOK COUNTY and soon after quit the practice of law. COOK COUNTY is David's first venture into the world of film-making.

Tell us a li'l bit about Texas.
It's a big ol' state. Cows, farms, tumbleweeds... I ride my horse to work.

I heard a rumor you might move to New York?
I told you that, so I wouldn't call it a rumor.

Are you working on a new film?
Yes. But I can't tell you about it, it's top secret. The government will poison me if I tell you.

How did your former legal career influence Cook County?
I was so bored to death I had to find a creative outlet, so I wrote a script.

Do you think drugs should be legalized in the US?
I don't know how I feel about that. I'm not very political.

Speaking of, who did you vote for in the primaries?
I didn't vote.

Are you planning to see any of the other films from the Festival?
Yes - all of them!

How was your after-party at Kiss & Fly?
It was great! Gen Art does a fantastic job of creating a feeling of community amongst the filmmakers.

Anything else you plan to do in New York?
Look for an apartment.

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Opening Night... First Reports from the Trenches

2008-04-03T15:37:16Z

Standing next to Terry Kinney as his film begins before a sold-out crowd in the legendary Ziegfeld Theatre... hanging out in the VIP greenroom with Matthew Broderick & friends... escorting Julianna Margulies to her seat in the theatre... primping for the party next to Lauretta Vaughn... sipping syrah with Federico Castelluccio... shaking hands with Alan Alda... talking Broadway with Bobby Cannavale... making sure Ramona Singer had her after-party ticket in hand... not a bad start to my first Gen Art Film Fest.

When I was told my Opening Night role would be escorting talent from the red carpet to the theatre, I hardly complained. A tad bit intimidated by the prospect of sweeping celebs from the press to the premiere, all while fielding commands from my security earpiece, my nerves quickly subsided when I realized that all the VIPs were as excited to be there as I was.

The theatre filled to capacity - 1200 Gen Art supporters, members, Festival filmmakers, actors, and more. Gen Art CEO Ian Gerard and Film VP Jeff Abramson welcomed the audience, then the award-winning short Ctrl-Z launched the Fest, followed by Diminished Capacity. You can't beat starting a party-filled Fest with two great comedies.

After a Q&A with Terry Kinney, Matthew Broderick, Alan Alda, Louis CK, Bobby Cannavale, and Jim Tru-Frost, over a thousand moviegoers rushed downtown to The Park, the entire venue reserved for the Gala Opening Night Celebration. Johnnie Walker flowed at all points, including the sultry upstairs JW Black Lounge and JW Gold bar downstairs... which I may have visited a few times. Or more.

Delicious Kinton Syrah hosted a lovely wine and artisan cheese table in the garden, and those who know perfection has its price (except of course when the bar is open) sipped Stella. Across the garden, the more animated guests rocked out in an Acura / Paste Magazine photo shoot - after getting made over by professional stylists, a photographer shot guests in the new ultra-sleek Acura TSX - and photos appeared instantly on a Paste cover, projected upstairs across the terrace wall.

And if you've ever been to a Gen Art affair, I hardly have to describe the crowd - fashionistas, socialites, celebs, hipsters, actors, models, and more - I witnessed more than a few "don't I know you?" glances and was delivered drinks by dashing young men while laughing and gossiping with some of my favorite party girls.

And best of all - we're only on night #1.

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Film Fest Flash Interview: Keith Levine, Festival Coordinator

2008-04-02T20:23:32Z

When not coordinating the Film Festival Filmmaker Brunch or answering the emails sent to the general Festival inbox, Keith Levine spends his time printing fake business cards and convincing people he is not related to Festival Manager Aaron Levine.

What's your favorite part of the Film Festival?
My favorite part of the film festival is the journey from film screening to after party. This time is often overlooked but many important things happen during this time - anything from the changing of an outfit to the birth of a child, to the toppling of a world power - all of which have happened during fests past.

What film are you looking forward to the most?
They all sound equally stimulating.

One piece of advice for having a blast at the Fest:
Never touch the hand of the person you are sitting next to unless you know them.

Festival Frenzy

2008-04-02T14:57:29Z

Four hours left and Gen Art HQ is a whirlwind... not to mention the Ziegfeld and The Park - over 100 staff and volunteers are already on site getting the party started and rolling out the red carpet... but as every party planner knows, not everything can be controlled...

Will the Times Square wind tunnel subside or will the actresses in attendance be forced to pose Monroe-style?

Will Broderick roll up in Cameron's dad's Ferrari and lip sync a little Twist & Shout?

Alan Alda arrival in an army helicopter?

Comedy Queen Amy Poehler is on the guest list... which in SNL-speak means: so is Hillary Clinton, Dakota Fanning, Sharon Osbourne, and Hilary Duff.

Back by popular demand: after-party hot tub at The Park! Will it be filled with Johnnie Walker Gold?

Stay tuned for pics and video from the red carpet!

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Opening Night Access

2008-04-02T14:53:20Z

A box office bird tells me there are less than 50 tickets left for tonight's red carpet premiere and fabulous after-party... at only $35 for the film, party, gift bag, open bar, and more, how can you say no?

Visit the Opening Night page and get your tickets before they're gone!

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Launch Party Photo & Video!

2008-04-01T22:13:31Z

A line of fashionable indie film supporters wrapped around the block last Thursday as Gen Art partnered with Diesel to host the Launch Party for the 13th Annual Gen Art Film Festival presented by Acura. Expecting heavy rain, we let the rsvp list grow a bit longer than normal...but the rain held off and the party was packed!" Joining the festivities to spread awareness for the upcoming festival was Opening Night director Terry Kinney "Diminished Capacity", "Frost's" helmer Steve Clark, who was joined by cast member Mike Landry, and "Nightlife's" Tim Sanderson. Supporting Closing Night's "The Take" was actor Yul Vasquez, whose wife is also an acting alumni of the festival ("The Two Ninas"). Also on hand was juror, actress and alumni, Alicia Witt, short film directors Christina Voros ("The Ladies") and Gavin Wiesen ("Kill the Day"), and Jon Paskowitz - one of the subjects of "Surfwise," as well many members of the indie film industry. Associate Producer & higher level members joined other fab urbanites for this invite only affair.

See photos from the event.

See video from Launch Party.

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SOLD OUT: Frost 4/6

2008-03-31T18:47:51Z

Congrats to Frost, our first feature film to sell out at GAFF '08! Coupled with short film The Ladies and after-party at the ever-exclusive Bowery Hotel, Monday night will be quite the party...

So what are you waiting for? Don't let the other six nights sell out before you have your tix!

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