The 2nd Annual Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) kicked off with a packed red carpet event. The star-studded party was held at The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich and was sponsored by Betteridge.
Oona Laurence Actress in feature film \”Little Boxes\” Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Wendy Reyes Chairman of the Board, Founder, John Popper Of Blues Travelers and pianist Ben Wilson, Colleen deVeer Director of Programming, Founder
Bill Evans, WABC TV Meteorologist Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Gregory Lay Actor And Dan Simon Actor of “Lonely Boys” Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Guests had the opportunity to sample food items from local restaurants, and guests with VIP tickets had access to reserved seating, valet parking and received a premium gift bag.
Bow Tie Cinemas at Greenwich Plaza debuted AFTER SPRING, a feature documentary that focuses on the Syrian refugee crisis and the Connecticut Premiere of THE ANTHROPOLOGIST was held at the Cole Auditorium.
Ellen Martinez Director/Producer and Stephen Ching Director/Producer of feature film “After Spring” Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Jeremy Newberger Producer for film Anthropology, Daniel Miller Director/Producer for Anthropology, Seth Kramer Director Anthropology, and Graham Wright Producer Anthropology Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
The Opening Night Documentary Feature, THE ANTHROPOLOGIST explores indigenous communities that are hit hardest by climate change.
“GIFF is proud to provide free programming to festival-goers for its second edition that is both entertaining and educational; in doing so, our hope is to inform and promote social change,” said Ginger Stickel, Chief Operating Officer. “We are incredibly pleased to have such esteemed members of their respective fields joining us for these panels.”
Ginger Stickel Chief Operating Officer wearing Christian Siriano for the evening Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Colleen deVeer Director of Programming, Founder introducing Actress and Award Presenter Kristin Davis Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
“We are thrilled that these events will showcase some of the incredible talent participating in the Festival this year,” said Colleen deVeer, Director of Programming and one of the Founders of the Greenwich International Film Festival. “Film acts as a catalyst for a better understanding of a broad range of subjects. We hope to enlighten our audience and provide a basis for open and entertaining conversations.”
The festivities included live musical entertainment by John Popper Of Blues Travelers and Dar Williams, whose music is featured in GIFF’s Opening Night Documentary Feature THE ANTHROPOLOGIST.
John Popper Of Blues Travelers Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Dar Williams, Musician singing featured theme song of Anthropology
Kristin Davis presented the awards for Best Social Impact Film, Best Narrative & Documentary Features, and Shorts to help celebrate the festival’s human rights focus.
Actress and Award Presenter Kristin Davis. Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
The full list of awards and prizes are:
Best Social Impact Film – $10,000 Bresnan Award, Artist In Residence Prize from Jacob Burns Film Center
Best Narrative Feature – $10,000
Best Narrative Short – $2,500
Best Documentary Feature – $10,000
Best Documentary Short – $2,500
Actress and Award Presenter Kristin Davis Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
As part of GIFF’s sponsorship with Samsung, the company hosted a Virtual Reality lounge delivering an exciting new form of storytelling, through an immersive virtual reality experience. Movie-goers were transported to another world, using Samsung Gear VR powered by Oculus.
2nd Film Festival promises over 40 films, panel discussions, lavish parties and special events. Tickets are now on sale and available for purchase at http://www.greenwichfilm.org/2016-box-office/ or at the festival’s box office.
From left to right: Scott Richman Director of AJC Westchester/Fairfield, moderating Q & A session for “Germans and Jews”, Eugene Dubow, Founding Director of AJC Berlin, George Van Bergen Deputy Director at AJC’s Transatlantic Institute, Tal Recanati and Janina Quint Directors and Producers of the film “Germans and Jews” Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
About The Greenwich International Film Festival
Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that hosts a world-class film festival in Greenwich, CT. The goal of the festival is to bridge the worlds of film, finance and philanthropy. The second annual festival will take place June 9th to 12th, 2016, and will support important human rights initiatives, as part of its social impact focus. The four-day event will feature a star-studded Opening Night Party, film premieres, educational panels, a Children’s Acting Workshop, an honoree gala, and more. For additional information, please visit www.greenwichfilm.org.
