PHOTOS: Greenwich International Film Festival’s Program Announcement Party Unveils 2018 Lineup

Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) held a program announcement party on Tuesday night at Richards. This is GIFF’s fourth year of film and philanthropy, and the festival is set to run from May 31 through June 3 in Greenwich.

GIFF is a social impact festival run by women, and, it should also be noted, nearly half of the films in the program are either written or directed by women.

The Opening Night Film on May 31 will feature The Price of Everything, a documentary by Academy Award Nominated filmmaker, Nathaniel Kahn (My Architect). The film examines the role of art and artistic passion in today’s money-driven, consumer-based society. Following the screening there will be a special Town Hall Panel Q&A with filmmaker Nathaniel Kahn and producer Jennifer Stockman.

GIFF Program Announcement Party at Richards on Greenwich Avenue, May 1, 2018 Photo Asher Almonacy

Other highlights of the festival weekend include:

The Changemaker Award Gala honoring Ashley Judd for her work with the United Nations Population Fund and Community Changemaker Duncan Edwards for his work in education with the Waterside School in Stamford on May 31.
A performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill at the Opening Night Party on Saturday June 1 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.
The Social Impact Awards with a jury chaired by Actor Ryan Eggold
Spotlight on: Tony Goldwyn panel sponsored by Connecticut Office of Film, TV, Digital Media held at 5pm on Saturday, June 2nd at Cole Auditorium
Spotlight on: James Ivory panel sponsored by Douglas Elliman held at 1:00pm on Sunday, June 3 at Cole Auditorium

GIFF Program Announcement Party at Richards on Greenwich Avenue, May 1, 2018 Photo Asher Almonacy

This year’s Changemaker Award honors artists who have used their public platform and the power of film to further positive social change. This year, actress and author Ashley Judd, will be honored for her work with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Duncan Edwards, the Community Changemaker honoree at the 2018 festival, will be recognized for his work in education with the Waterside School in Stamford. The school, conceived as model for future efforts, is an independent school serving children and families regardless of limitations in income or circumstance. Past honorees include Renée Zellweger, Christy Turlington Burns, Freida Pinto, Trudie Styler, Abigail Breslin, Harry Belafonte and Mia Farrow.

Greenwich International Film Festival announced Ms. Lauryn Hill as the performer for its 2018 Opening Night Party, which takes place June 1, 2018 at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. The party will follow the Festival’s Opening Night Film Premiere.   With a focus this year on female filmmakers and empowerment within the industry, Ms. Lauryn Hill is an exciting and timely choice of performer for the Festival. Best known for her critically acclaimed solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which earned a record-breaking five Grammy Awards.

Proceeds from the Opening Night Party will benefit the Lauryn Hill Charity Fund, which supports education, health, agriculture, technology, and community-based businesses.

The Greenwich International Film Festival will run from May 31 until June 3. Tickets for the Opening Party are on sale now at the festival’s official website while tickets for the actual film festival will be available for purchase on May 2.

The Festival features more than 70 events each year including film premieres, advance screenings, panel discussions, networking events, and star-studded parties.