SOHO International Film Festival Announces 2011 WinnersThe highly anticipated 2011 SOHO International Film Festival concluded in New York City last Friday, April 22nd, 2011 with an Awards Night presenting the winners of the festival and the presentation of the NYC Icon Award to actor FRANK VINCENT.
By: Sibyl Reymundo-Santiago 
SIFFNYC "Tanzania: A Friendship Journey" captured both the Best World Showcase and the Best Documentary awards with director Sylvia Caminer and Venance Ndibalema (one of the main characters in the documentary) "The Bad Penny" nabbed the Best Showcase Feature Film Award for U.S. Director Todd Bellanca, with "Pipe Dreams" taking Best Showcase Short Film Award for Director Ben Green. Director Joni Steele Kimberlin’s documentary "Get Real! Wise Women Speak" won the Feature Film Audience Award, with Australian Director Lisa Kappel’s "Wordless" taking the Short Film Audience Award. In keeping with spirit of the festival, MIENT as title sponsor, presented a special trophy for Excellence in Cinematography. It was awarded to the film "Ganap na Babae" directed by Filipino directors Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos and Sarah Roxas. MIENT also announced a much bigger sponsorship to the impressive festival next year. Added announcement of distribution pickups also rang joyful cheers and congratulations from the audience for “The Bad Penny” Todd Bellanca (director), Tom Arnold and Casey Evans (actors); “Beneath the Rock” Eliana Ujueta (director) and “The Abduction of Zack Butterfield” Other films chosen for entry in this year’s festival, included "Jesse" Fred Carpenter (director), Michael Wright, Eric Roberts, William Forsythe (actors); “Going Somewhere” Nicco Quinones (director); "One Big Hapa Family" & “Ode to a Post it Note” Jeff Chiba Stearns (director); “Mountain Thief” Gerry Balasta (director); “Beautiful” The festival also presented a special screening of “In Between” by Deborah Twiss and “The Hungry Ghosts” by Michael Imperioli, both followed by a Q&A with the director and cast members. “A Night of Independent German Cinema” was also featured on April 20th 2011. The German film night was presented with the support of the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in NYC. The films were “Sie Hat Es Verdient”(She Deserved It) and the International Release of “Angel Express: Director’s Cut”. The week at the Quad was highlighted by a packed house for the talk back “Spotlight on Frank Vincent” on April 21, hosted by celebrated filmmaker, John Gallagher ("Blue Moon", "The Deli"). Festival founder Jorge Ballos and Managing Director Sibyl Santiago spoke emotionally at the conclusion of the festival. "We are extremely proud of the filmmakers that participated this year as we are equally proud and thankful to the filmmakers for choosing SIFFNYC to showcase their work, as each one brought something outstanding and unique to the festival. This is their festival. And to all those who have helped, the sponsors, the advisory and executive board members, volunteers and all the guests, this would not have been possible without them". The festival is with the support of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Film, Television and Broadcasting, bearing the logo “Made in NY”. The presenting title sponsor is MIENT, and other sponsors include Diet Coke, Adobe, W Downtown NY, Greenhouse, Domaines Barons de Rothschild Los Vascos Wines, Pencil Ink Designs, Dermalogica and 28on27. The Festival is announcing next year’s dates as April 20 - 27, 2012. Submissions will open in May 2011. For more on the festival: Website: All Media, sponsorship and distribution inquiries, contact info@siffnyc.net. # # # SIFFNYC is a new film festival, which celebrates the cutting-edge of digital technology while honoring traditional forms of storytelling, encourages new and seasoned filmmakers from here in New York City and around the world to create and send in their fresh and innovative cinematic pieces. By enticing filmmakers, journalists and cineastes from America and across the globe, we expect to draw audiences to NYC, known for its artistic community and cultural sophistication. It is our way of helping boost the profile, the sense of pride, and the economy of the local community and the city itself. Accepting full-length features, short films and documentaries from professionals and amateurs alike, SIFFNYC will hold screenings, panels and host social events and other networking opportunities for everyone involved. Leading figures from all disciplines of the film industry including distributors and media will be in attendance. For more info, contact info@siffnyc.net Photo: https://www.prlog.org/ End
Page Updated Last on: Apr 26, 2011
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