REEL COOL:              

   The Official Hotel Headquarters and                            The Newsletter of the

   Guest Services Suite for PIGLFF 2008                   Philadelphia Film Society

      www.pennslanding.hyatt.com                                                 May 2008

 

SAVE THE DATES!

It may be months away, but it’s fast approaching! Look here for announcements about this year’s festival—first to members in our monthly newsletter.

 

Mark your calendars NOW for the largest LGBT film event on the East Coast!

 

PFS Member Exclusive: Advance Ticket Sales- June 20th

General Public: Ticket Sale- June 23rd

 

There and Back Again:

Final Musings on the

17th Philadelphia Film Festival

 

Friends,

 

Remember when you were a child, and you first heard about a bear’s hibernating habits, and you thought “how in the heck do they sleep that long?”  Well, now I understand—bears go to film festivals.  Then they’re ready to hibernate.

 

… that basically sums up how I feel about the past two weeks, post-festival.

 

As for what I thought about the Film Festival, well… it was like no other experience in my life.  Exhausting, sure.  Busy, absolutely.  Exciting, wonderful, better than I could have hoped for… yes.

 

Of course, what I have to say about the Film Festival is only so important; what truly matters is what You thought about the Festival.  After all, this is your event; we just put it on for you.

 

In the weeks since the festival ended, I have heard from many of you, and I have to say that your words are truly heart-warming.  I’ve heard about the community of the festival, the mutual passions and heated discussions, the lack of sleep and excess of energy.  Some of you told me how many films you had seen, and I realized just how crazy you are (one of you saw 49 films!... I counted, and realized that a person could only see 50 films during the festival, if they missed no time slots).  I adore how many of you were saying to me, just days after the festival ended, how you could not wait for next year’s festival to begin.

 

Below are some quotes I have collected from the Members which, in my mind, perfectly sum up the Film Festival experience:

 

“When I told my friends of my plans this year they all thought I was crazy…”

Your thoughts on the 17th Philadelphia Film Festival

 

“Because of family crisis, I only got to see two films… The rest of my free tickets, I gave away to strangers in line and that ‘random act of kindness’ brought me pleasure as well… I will be back to see my 25plus films next year.”

 

“This year I was only able to make an unimpressive 33 films during the Film Festival, while working full time (no days off), continuing to make somewhat of an appearance for my family (including my pregnant girlfriend), making lunch, doing laundry, food shopping, and often catching the next to last train home after the evening’s Danger After Dark or other late night film.

I am looking forwards to next year… after the 50 weeks of rest I will need.”

 

“I saw 31 films and…my only real disappointment was that I didn’t see more.”

 

“One of the best things about the film fest is how we feel like part of a community.  For those 12 days, it’s as if nothing in the world is important or even in existence—all that matters is the film lovers and the films.”

 

“We didn’t eat much, and things fell apart at home, but we had a great time talking about films while waiting in line for the next one.”

 

“I always thought I was a movie freak until I ran into some people waiting in line for several of the movies.  Then I realized that I’m just a movie novice.”

 

“Three years ago, inspired by PFF, we decided that one festival a year was not enough…  So far, we’ve done Sundance, Toronto, SXSW, Telluride, Edinburgh, Reyjavik, and Berlin.  What we’ve learned is that Philadelphia is world class and the foreign films are as good as Toronto or Sundance.”

 

“I saw 29 films this year.  I’ve been attending the festival for about 8 years now, and this is the most I’ve ever seen… I got sick and had to skip 3 films… I was really bummed that I couldn’t break 30.

My wife and I will be expecting our first child this October… In 15 years hopefully my son/daughter and I will be able to break the 30 film barrier together.”

 

 

In conclusion, let me thank you all once more for making my first Film Festival with the Philadelphia Film Society such a joy.  I look eagerly forwards to July, when we get to do it all again!

 

-Jared Miller

Membership Coordinator

On a budget but still want to see great films? Volunteer!  WE NEED YOU!

14th Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, July 10-21!

 

Each summer, we look forward to meeting enthusiastic people willing to donate their time and love for film as volunteers for the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, July 10-21, 2008.  Volunteering is the perfect opportunity to be a part of this exciting event as it allows you to get involved and be a part of the action.  In order to keep this festival in full swing, we rely on Volunteers to fill roles such as Ushers, Program Distributors, and personnel to work venue Box Offices, Ticket Sales, and Special Events. You’re guaranteed to find a position that suits your interests.

 

And as a “thank you” for all your hard work and effort, you’ll also receive a complimentary ticket for every shift you work.  Remember, it’s never too late to sign-up and you’ll always have more fun with a friend. So spread the word to your family, friends and co-workers!

 

For more information, please contact Parinda Patel, Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteer@phillyfests.com.

 

These people recognize a good deal when they see one!

 

Wilkommen!  Bienvenue!  Welcome!

PFS gratefully acknowledges all new and returning cast members for the month of April.   

 

Producers: Sheldon and Jill Bonovitz

 

Directors: Michael Feighan, Franklyn Rodgers

 

Screenwriters: Alexandra Nardone

 

Stunt Doubles: David Black and Dorothy Muir, Jean Dowdall, Mary Kate and Joseph Karam

 

Best Boys/Best Girls: Arlene Schachman, Brenda Block, Caroline Wischmann, Carter Leidy, Elliott Curson, Evelyn Adler, G.A. Germeyer, Gail Sidewater, Jill Laughead, Kim Jennings, Mary Beck, Paul Orsini, Renee Pearlman, Richard Drees, Robert Arsenault, Robert Jones, Rochelle Litman

 

Extras: Angel Pereira, Carol and Mathew Saline, Kathia Jane, Martha Dale, Mary Goldman, Maureen Heisinger, Michael Cooke, Sean Sheffler-Collins

 

Students: Brent Donaway, Nadia Mykysey

 

Keep Your Reel Love Alive!

 

Are you enjoying your PFS membership?  Relishing the opportunity to see major studio films before their official release dates?  Basking in the admiration of family, friends, and co-workers who consider you a film oracle?  Don’t let your PFS Membership expire.  Renew today and keep your reel love alive!

 

Joining or renewing couldn’t be easier.  Contact our Membership Coordinator,

Jared Miller, by telephone at 267-765-9700, x296, or sign up through our website at http://phillyfests.com/member_benefits.cfm.

 

Thanks for Playing a Starring Role!

 

The Philadelphia Film Society is a non-profit tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to the presentation of film and video in the Greater Philadelphia area as a powerful form of artistic expression and a unique force for cultural diversity and international understanding. Its mission is to engage the diverse communities of the region by producing major film events and other year-round programming. Your membership makes it possible for PFS to be successful in realizing its mission statement as a non-profit organization.

Events at International House

 

Thursday, May 1 - Sunday, May 4

2nd Annual Black Lily Film & Music Festival

 

The Black Lily Film and Music Festival, a multi-racial, generational and disciplinary women's arts festival, has moved entirely to University City and this year joined forces with International House to present the Festival’s Film Program. Over fours days, Black Lily will showcase both emerging and established independent female filmmakers including Stephanie Black (Life and Debt), Pearl Bower (Midnight Ramble) and Tia Lessin (Trouble the Water). In addition to highlighting their work, Black Lily also provides opportunities for networking and training.

 

$75 All-Access Festival Pass; $5 members, students + seniors;

$7 general admission. Free admission workshops and panels.

In advance at www.ticketweb.com or 1/2 hour before first screening. 

Free admission screening, workshop and panel tickets are not available on line.

 

Please visit www.blacklilyfilm.org or 215-765-3218 for more information

on the other events in this year's Festival.

 

For more information on International House and their schedule of events, please visit: http://www.ihousephilly.org/index.html

Events at Scribe

 

Maquilapolis (City of Factories)  
Friday, May 9 at 7:00 pm
Scribe Video Center, 4212 Chestnut Street
Bay area filmmaker Vicky Funari, (Live Nude Girls Unite!, Paulina) recently relocated to the Philadelphia area, will screen her film Maquilapolis (2006, 68 min, in Spanish with subtitles) which she made with Sergio De La Torre, factory workers in Tijuana, and community organizations in Mexico and the U.S. They collaborated on a film that depicts globalization through the eyes of the women who live on its leading edge. The workers did not just testify on camera, they became an integral part of creating their stories on film armed with cameras for video diaries, chronicle their struggles.

Street Movies! at the Attic 

Friday, May 16 at 6:30 pm
Attic Youth Center, 255 S. 16th Street
The Attic Youth Center hosts an exciting lineup of short films by queer youth for queer youth. The program will include the recent Community Visions film A Glance Into the Life (2007, Scribe Video Center & Colurs Organization's Youth Group 40 Acres of Change, 20 min) which illuminates the life and circumstance of LGBTQ youth of color, ages 16-22, through their personal stories.

For more information on the Scribe Video Center and their schedule of events, please visit: http://www.scribe.org/