L/A Film Festival Announces First Round of Accepted Films
For Immediate Release
MEDIA CONTACT: Danielle Eaton, Media Relations, Lewiston Auburn Film Festival
Telephone: 207-713-4672
Email: Danielle@lafilmfestival.org
www.lafilmfestival.org
Lewiston Auburn Film Festival (LAFF) organizers have released the names of the first round of accepted films to the 2012 festival. LAFF accepts films in four categories: documentary, feature length, shorts, and experimental. As of mid-January, almost 350 films have been submitted.
Chairperson of LAFF, Sandra Marquis, said: “Even with the expansion of the festival from a one-day event last year to this year’s three day long festival, we still only have time to show about 45 to 50 hours of film, so the competition is even higher this year.”
In the category of documentaries, LAFF is excited to announce the acceptance of four outstanding films:
Welcome to Lee, Maine (Maine) is the story of a small close-knit community in rural Maine that comes together to deal with the devastating news that it has become the smallest community in America to lose two sons, Joel House and Blair Emery, in the Iraq War.
The Darkness in My Heart (Rwanda) tells of the unspeakable horrors of war and genocide from the perspective of one unbelievably brave and strong young woman.
Finding Donn Fendler: Lost on a Mountain in Maine 72 Years Later (Maine) follows two young filmmakers Ryan Cook and Derek Desmond as they try to track down the infamous Donn Fendler and acquire the rights to share his story in a whole new way.
Four Guys, No Ball: Surviving the World Cup (Argentina & USA) is what happens when four young filmmakers meet in Germany to document World Cup fever.
For feature length films LAFF is happy to welcome:
Schizophrenic Love Story (Texas) a hilarious comedy, where an agoraphobic, schizophrenic consults his three delusions – Mary Mother of Jesus, Einstein, and a vampire – for love advice when his new neighbor, Lily, shows up with secrets of her own.
We are the Hartmans (New York) starring Richard Chamberlain (Dr. Kildare, Shogun & The Thornbirds) is a heart-warming comedy about a small town music club struggling to survive against corporate takeovers.
Three short films LAFF organizers urge you to explore include:
The Carrier (California) with a star-studded cast including Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill), Rita Wilson (Sleepless in Seattle, Volunteers) and several familiar faces from True Blood including Anna Paquin (X-Men) and Mariana Klaveno, The Carrier follows a grieving mother’s attempts to warn her son’s partners of his HIV positive diagnosis after his untimely death.
Flippy Day (Maine) directed by native Mainer Michael Panenka and made for the 2009 48 Hour Film Festival in Portland, Flippy Day is a comedy about an obscure holiday sacred only to roller skaters as observed by its unique followers.
Atroz (Spain) shares a hilarious insight into the torturous life of a teddy bear as told from his point of view.
For experimental films, LAFF is proud to present:
Colony Collapse (Maine) an eerily beautiful view of an abandoned looking downtown Lewiston amidst a snowstorm.
Out of Step (Pennsylvania) the innermost thoughts of female war veterans are shared through both spoken word and interpretive dance.
Automata (Australia) is the dark-humored story of Henry, the last in a long line of duck hunters, and explores the obsession between the hunter and his prey.
The Lewiston Auburn Film Festival will take place on April 13, 14 & 15. Friday will open the festival weekend with a special concert with Don McLean at the Franco American Heritage Center in Lewiston. Saturday’s movie goers will experience theater going in a whole new light as venues all across Lewiston Auburn turn their spaces into movie theaters for a day. Saturday night will culminate with a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn Auburn Riverwatch. Sunday’s VIP ticket holders will enjoy a brunch at Fishbones before heading over to the Public Theater, where ticket holders will view a selection of the winning films from the previous night’s award show. Ticket prices and information are available at www.lafilmfestival.org.
