ARRIVAL OF PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine Nolan
While New York City has Tribeca Film Festival and Cannes has Cannes International Film Festival, just as entertaining, enlightening and exciting is Palm Beach International Film Festival.
This year marks the 17th edition of this much anticipated event beginning on April 12th and running through April 19th. Featured will be 25 World Premieres, 14 U.S. Premieres and 2 North American Premieres.
The PBIFF Director, Randi Emerman, is so excited about this year’s program and in her words, “The program reflects our ongoing mission to engage with the community, expanding and enhancing its knowledge of the world through the unique lens of independent film. We encourage people to take this opportunity and to enjoy these diversely international stories.”
Film buffs will be able to visit different venues throughout warm and inviting Palm Beach County in order to view these touching works of brilliance. Opening night will take place at Muvico Parisian 20 at the very upscale CityPlace shopping, dining and entertaining district of downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. Other venues throughout the week will be Cobb Theaters in Downtown At The Gardens in Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Worth Playhouse in Lake Worth, Debilzan Gallery in Delray Beach and Mizner Park Cultural Arts Centre in Boca Raton, Florida.
Some of the highlights that will set this festival at the top of its spectrum are a weekend of short films, voices of local films, an evening of music videos complete with an enticing reception, a special presentation of ‘Violins in Wartime’ accompanied by a performance by legendary violinist, Ida Haendel.
One of the most compelling and delightful parts of the week will be a World Premiere of ‘Tiger Eyes’. Everyone’s favorite author, Judy Blume, has written this tremendous novel. Now it is being brought to the big screen and is directed by her son, Lawrence Blume. As an added bonus, both will be attending in person.
Prior year winners…..
The film lineup is remarkable. Features will be brought alive from Italy, Spain, Japan, Germany, Argentina/Brazil, Romania, the U.K. and the U.S., Israel, China and the list continues.
Such talented actors and actresses as Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, Liv Tyler, Minka Kelly and John Amos round out the cast of these films with many new and emerging talented individuals giving absolutely wonderful performances as well.
Renowned Directors such as Jake Scheier, Luc Dionne, Sebastian Doggart, Jonathan Gruber, Luca Figueroa, Lloyd Harvey, Yael Katzir and more will make this week a huge success.
A glimpse into the films include ‘Robot & Frank’ on Opening Night and ‘Sassy Pants’ to close the festival. In between, you will be fascinated by ‘Brother’s Keeper’, ‘eMANNzipation’, ‘Tatal Fantoma’, ‘The Child Prodigy’, ‘Free China: The Courage to Believe’ and so much more.
To learn more about all the engaging films and how you can purchase tickets to attend the Palm Beach International Film Festival, go to www.pbifilmfest.org or call (561) 362-0003.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF Palm Beach International Film Festival Facebook Page.
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