#InTheLoop | The Festival of Cinema NYC Is Back with 120+ Films and 90+ Filmmakers
BY QEDC It's In Queens
It’s time to buy stock in popcorn companies!
Tickets are now on sale for Festival of Cinema NYC, which will show 124 independent films from more than 25 countries in Forest Hills from Friday, Aug. 5, to Sunday, Aug. 14.
Now in its sixth year, this movie lover’s paradise features a healthy mix of genres and more than 90 filmmakers are expected to attend and participate in Q&A sessions after the screenings. Workshops and seminars on such topics as publicity, distribution, and media relations are also on tap.
Prices vary, but expect to pay $17 for general admission. (Buy a 10-ticket bundle for $136 and save 20 percent. Purchase the 15-ticket bundle for $178.50 and save 30 percent. Or get the VIP All-Access Film Badge for $365.)
Most of the action will take place at the Regal UA Midway at 108-22 Queens Blvd., but there’s additional programming at the Queens Library Branch at 108-19 71st Ave.
The movies are organized into different thematic blocks, such as Animation, Crime, Documentary, Drama, LGBTQ+, Musical, Romantic Comedy, Sci Fi, Thriller, and Web Series. The lineup includes 12 world premieres, seven North American premieres, and 13 East Coast premieres. A sampler follows.
F* the M Train makes its Queens premiere on Aug. 6 at 9 pm. This 20-minute short follows Annie after the death of her alcoholic father. Was he a great guy, a martyr or a jerk?
The Spanish language Caballero Águila makes its New York premiere on Aug. 9 at 12:30 pm. This full-length 2021 Mexican movie follows some friends who are entering adulthood and choosing their paths in life. Pastor dreams of flying, but he’s also very interested in Flor, whose jealous brother gets seduced by crime.
The 25-minute 40ish makes its East Coast premiere on Aug. 13 at 3 pm. The 2021 comedy follows a 40-year-old actress whose dreams of making it big overshadow reality.
The fun kicks off with pre-launch party at Resorts World New York City’s Bar 360 (110-0 Rockaway Blvd.) on Aug. 4. Then, the festival opens with the New York premiere of Casey Nelson and Marchelle Thurman’s pandemic-related drama Black White and the Greys on Aug. 5 at 7 pm. It closes with the New York premiere of Michael Glover Smith’s Chicago-made “dramedy” Relative on Aug. 13 at 8:30 pm. It culminates with a dinner during which certain filmmakers receive awards in 17 categories at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (153-10 Jamaica Ave.) on Aug. 14.
Editor’s note: Festival of Cinema NYC receives funds from the Mosaic Network and Fund in The New York Community Trust, Resorts World Gives, The Mathis-Pfohl Foundation, The NYSCA Recovery Fund, and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Other sponsors include Regal Cinemas, Final Draft, Soundview Media Partners, and Simple DCP.
Images: Festival of Cinema NYC