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›› NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ACCEPTED FILMS FOR 2008 Oct. 16 – 19
›› 2008 NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL HOSTS SPECIAL MEDIA PREVIEW ON OCT. 2
›› NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2007 WINNERS
›› 7TH ANNUAL NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL GETS UNDERWAY
›› NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THREE AWARD NOMINATIONS
›› NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL TO BRING MORE THAN 60 INDEPENDENT FILMS TO THE NH SEACOAST
›› RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES TO THE 2007 NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL
›› NHFF SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE 2007 FESTIVAL
›› 7th ANNUAL NH FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ENTRIES
›› NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM EXPO NOW OFFICIALLY NEW HAM
›› 6TH ANNUAL NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM EXPO ANNOUNCES THE 2006 WINNERS
NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ACCEPTED FILMS FOR 2008 Oct. 16 – 19
Sept. 27, 2008 –
“Transsiberian,” starring Woody Harrelson heads more than 60 independent films
The New Hampshire Film Festival judges’ panel is pleased to announce its roster of accepted films
for what organizers expect to be the event’s largest turnout to date, Oct. 16 – Oct. 19 in downtown
Portsmouth.
“The breadth and quality of independent films that we have been so fortunate to receive has
transcended our previous experience and our wildest hopes,” said NHFF Executive Director Nicole
Gregg. “I feel confident in saying that collectively, this will be our finest offering of films to date.”
NHFF set a record by drawing more than 600 submissions this year from independent filmmakers in
New Hampshire, the U.S., and the globe. Headlining films include renowned thriller “Transsiberian,”
starring Woody Harrelson and Ben Kingsley; documentary “A Lion in the House,” directed by NHFF
artists-in-residence Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar; “August,” starring Josh Hartnett, and featuring
David Bowie; “The Tiger’s Tail,” directed by five-time Academy Award nominee John Boorman; and
“The Unknown Woman,” from “Cinema Paradiso” Academy Award-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore.
 ›› Click here for the 2008 Flim list
MEDIA ALERT: 2008 NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL HOSTS SPECIAL MEDIA PREVIEW OF SELECT FILMS ON OCT. 2
Sept. 27, 2008 –
WHAT: The 8th Annual New Hampshire Film Festival (NHFF), the state’s only event of its kind, will
announce films chosen for 2008 in a special media preview Oct. 2 at The Page, at 172 Hanover
Street in Portsmouth, N.H.
The 8th Annual NHFF happens throughout downtown Portsmouth on Oct. 16 – Oct. 19. The festival
is one of the largest in New England, this year screening more than 60 films from more than 15
states and eight countries, including the Netherlands, UK, Canada, Ireland, Italy and Australia. As
many as 6,000 people are expected to attend the films, seminars, ceremonies, and parties.
WHO: A special preview of the 2008 NHFF Trailer will be shown for media, sponsors, and advertisers.
Local filmmakers will attend. Press kits, screeners, festival organizers, and full access press
passes will also be available at the media event.
WHEN: Thurs., Oct. 2
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Appetizers served.
WHERE: The Page 172 Hanover Street, Portsmouth, N.H.
ON-SITE CONTACT: Brian DeKoning C. 603.973.1894
PRESS NOTE: Select films will be available to the media for reviews, along with press kits.
Also, please pick up your all-access weekend press pass if you plan on
covering the film festival weekend.
Media Contacts: Nicole Gregg | nicole@nhfilmfestival.com | 603.647.6439 or Brian DeKoning, Vital Design 603.766.1902 | 603.973.1894
Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are also available by calling 603.647.6439.
Media: Please be sure to attend this event for your passes to the 2008 NHFF!
NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2007 WINNERS
14 October 2007 – Celebrating the seventh year, the New Hampshire Film Festival (NHFF) kicked off this year’s festival with New Hampshire Film Night on Thursday, Oct. 11.
The night was dedicated to New Hampshire filmmakers, with the New Hampshire Jury Award won by Stephen Croke for his work on the feature film, The Busker. The New Hampshire Jury panel consisted of local industry experts including Mark Constance, Producer/Partner, a713production; Rick Broussard, Editor, NH Magazine; Dan Bolduc, District Promotions Coordinator, Regal Entertainment Group; Gina Carbone, Seacoast Media Group; and Katie McQuaid, Director, NewHampshire.com.
After 61 films, numerous workshops, and all-access parties, winners from this year’s film festival were announced at closing ceremonies on Sunday. The Grand Jury Panel made up of three well regarded industry experts judged the best overall film of the entire festival. The Grand Jury Award for best film was awarded to Dave McLaughlin for his work with On Broadway, starring Joey McIntyre, Eliza Dushku, Jill Flint and Nashua-native Mike O’Mally.
The Grand Jury Award is an amazing opportunity for filmmakers to have their work seen by highly successful members of the independent film industry. This year’s Grand Jury panel members included Tracey Becker, Independent Film Producer; Carol Patten, president, CEO, and publisher of Imagine Entertainment News; and Hilary Weisman Graham, Television Producer/Filmmaker.
The New Hampshire Film Festival is proud to honor the best films and screenplay with its annual presentation of the Granny Awards. And the winners are…
• Best Feature Film: The Sensation of Sight, Directed by Aaron Wiederspahn
• Best Short Comedy Film: The Job, Directed by Jonathan Browning
• Best Short Drama Film: The Little Gorilla, Directed by Harry Kellerman
• Best Documentary Film: Row Hard, No Excuses, Directed by Luke Wolbach
• Best Animation Film: One Rat Short, Directed by Alex Weil
• Best Student Film: Neptunus Rex, Directed by Robert Scott Wildes
• Best Screenplay: Voices, Written by Susan Klos
“Every year the quality and the number of films we receive improve,” said Nicole Gregg, festival director. “This year’s film festival was the most competitive yet. Not only were the New Hampshire films excellent, but we had many national and international films that have won acclaim at the Cannes Film Festival, Sundance, and even Academy Award nominees.”
The 7th Annual NH Film Festival marked record film entries and attendance, with more than 6,500 patrons coming out to enjoy films all weekend. The film festival attracted more than 500 submissions, doubling the submissions from last year. The festival is one of the largest in New England, screening an average of 60 films from more than a dozen states and many different countries each year. Nearly all of the films shown would never have screened in New Hampshire without the festival.
The 2007 NHFF Audience Choice Award was not presented at this year's
Festival. Unexpected errors in the voting system prevented a fair winner
from being identified. Directors have promised to adjust the system
accordingly and look forward to presenting the Award for the 2008 Festival.
7TH ANNUAL NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL GETS UNDERWAY
11 October 2007 – As any previous attendee knows, there is much more to the New Hampshire Film Festival than screening a hand-selected batch of excellent independent films. Some of the most fulfilling and memorable experiences happen when the projectors are turned off.
Considering all the films and everything else NHFF has to offer, you may suddenly find yourself asking "Where do I start? What should I do?" Here's your answer. Just make your way to Portsmouth and make your first stop at NHFF’s Union Leader Event Headquarters & Flatbread Pizza Hospitality Suite.
The Flatbread Hospitality Suite and the Union Leader Headquarters, both located at the Connie Bean Community Center, are the official gathering places of the festival. For film enthusiasts this is where you go to plan your weekend, find out more about the films, buy your tickets and ask your questions. For the artists and the press, this is the place for registration, will-call, to get online and for any of your questions.
Free pizza will be available between noon and 6pm at the Hospitality Suite thanks to NHFF sponsor Flatbreads Co. Ticket purchases at the Headquarters are made possible thanks to the Vital Design Box Office.
The details:
Union Leader Headquarters & Flatbread Hospitality Suite
Connie Bean Community Center
135 Daniel Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Times:
Thursday, October 11th: 12pm - 7pm
Friday, October 12th: 10am - 6pm
Saturday, October 13th: 10am - 6pm
Sunday, October 14th: 10am - 4pm
Flatbreads Hospitality Suite:
Internet & Telephone Internet Lounge
Information Booth
Press Suite
Union Leader Headquarters:
Vital Design Box Office
NHFF 2007 Merchandise
Artist Registration
Volunteer Headquarters
Staff Headquarters
NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THREE AWARD NOMINATIONS
At last week's press junket, hosted by The Page Restaurant & Bar in downtown Portsmouth, the Festival directors were pleased to announce nominations for the 2007 NHFF Best Screenplay, Grand Jury and NH Filmmaker of the Year Awards. Winners of these and all other 2007 NHFF Awards are to be announced and presented during the Festival.
The NHFF Awards, dubbed the Granny Awards, were conceived to celebrate the award winners as well as pay homage to the great Granite State of New Hampshire. The Granny, surely the most physically significant award in the independent film world, is hand crafted out of granite block and weighs in at approximately 10 pounds.
Film nominations for the Grand Jury and the NH Jury are drawn from reviews and ratings of the NHFF Screening Committee. One winner is selected for each award by the jury, respectively. Winners of these awards are also eligible for other NHFF Awards, which include Best Audience Award, Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short Drama, Best Short Comedy, Best Animation and Best Student Film. And the Film Nominees are…
New Hampshire Filmmaker of the Year:
- The Busker, Feature, Written, Directed & Produced by Stephen Croke
- Out of Balance, Documentary, Directed by Tom Jackson
- Nowhere Fast, Short, Written, Directed & Produced by Adam Jones
- The Front Runner, Animation, Directed by John MacDonnell, Written by Jeffrey Bartell and John
- MacDonnell, Produced by John MacDonnell and Stephanie Fielding
- Stag Hunt, Short, Written & Directed by Alfred Thomas Catalfo, Produced by Alfred Thomas - Catalfo, Marc Dole and Left Bank Films
Grand Jury Award:
- On Broadway, Feature, Written & Directed by Dave McLaughlin, Produced by Lance Greene, Charkes Harrington, Dave McLaughlin, Kris Meyer and Jill Risk, Starring Eliza Dushku, Joey McIntyre, Jill Flint and Mike O'Malley
- The Sensation of Sight, Feature, Written & Directed by Aaron Wiederspahn, Produced by Mark Constance, Darren Moorman, Madeline Ryan, David Strathairn and Aaron Wiederspahn, Starring David Strathairn, Ian Somerhalder, Daniel Gillies, Jane Adams, Ann Cusack, Joseph Mazzello, Elisabeth Waterston and Scott Wilson
- Row Hard No Excuses, Documentary, Directed by Luke Wolbach, Produced by Bill Wolbach and Luke Wolbach
- Beyond Belief, Documentary, Directed & Produced by Beth Murphy
- Where's Herbie?, Documentary, Directed by Jenny Mackenzie
- The Little Gorilla, Student Film, Written, Directed & Produced by Harry Kellerman
Screenplay nominations for this year’s Special Guest Screenplay Juror, Diane Lake, are drawn from reviews and ratings of the NHFF Screenplay Committee. One winner is selected. And the Nominees are…
Screenplay Award:
- Good Soldier, by Stan Rodman, is a riveting family drama. It's the story of two families colliding when a dark secret is exposed about things that happened during the Vietnam War between the two fathers. It's a classic theme about family versus true love. It's moving. It's powerful. And it made several readers cry.
- The Wanderlust, by Blaire Baron Larsen, is a fabulous adventure/love story of two people whose paths cross only to be separated by circumstances and then find their way back to one another in Nazi Germany. The writer tells NHFF that this is the true story of her grandparents. It's an amazing adventure and a great read.
- Voices, by Susan Klos, is another powerful family drama, also based on a true story. A single mother with a post-production business based in LA struggles between her own desires and responsibilities to her children. When her daughter is diagnosed with schizophrenia things start to fall apart until Rose, the main character, chooses the kids over love.
This year, Awards are to be presented at two Awards Ceremonies. The New Hampshire Filmmaker of the Year Award, a new award for 2007, will be presented separately on Thursday night, October 11th. All other New Hampshire Film Festival Awards are to be presented during Closing Night Ceremonies on Sunday, October 14th in the Sheraton Harborside Hotel. These festivities, which include a reception and unveiling of the Young Filmmakers Workshop’s short films, start at 6 PM.
NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL TO BRING MORE THAN 60 INDEPENDENT FILMS TO THE NH SEACOAST
After seven years running, the New Hampshire Film Expo has taken on a new name, the New Hampshire Film Festival. The 7th Annual New Hampshire Film Festival, the state’s only event of its kind, will be held the weekend of Thursday, October 11 through Sunday, October 14, 2007.
The New Hampshire Film Festival has captured the excitement and energy that is the true spirit of the independent film movement. “And so it is with great anticipation that I announce that accepted films to the 7th Annual New Hampshire Film Festival,” said Chris Proulx, programming director. And the films are:
 Feature Films:
American Fork, Directed by Chris Bowman
The Busker, Directed by Stephen Croke
Dante's Inferno, Directed by Sean Meredith
Dribbles, Directed by Thomas Tosi
Forfeit, Directed by Andrew Shea
On Broadway, Directed by Dave McLaughlin
The Sensation of Sight, Directed by Aaron Wiederspahn
Still Green, Directed by Jon Artigo
West of Brooklyn, Directed by Ronnie Marmo
Who Loves the Sun, Directed by Matt Bissonnette
Documentary Films:
4021 Parkside, Directed by Byron Karabatsos
99 Cent Dreams, Directed by Jason Rodi
Abandoned in the Arctic, Directed by Gino Del Guercio
Beyond Belief, Directed by Beth Murphy
The Castle, Directed by Neil Novello
Daughters of Wisdom, Directed by Bari Pearlman
The Downline, Directed by Eric Martinis
Frontwards, Backwards, Directed by William Rogers
Including Samuel, Directed by Dan Habib
The Jesus Guy, Directed by Sean Tracey
A League of Our Own, Directed by Ken Browne
Legacy: Austria’s Influence on America Skiing, Produced by Culture Films
Note by Note, Directed by Ben Niles
Out of Balance, Directed by Tom Jackson
Play by Play: Men and the Art of the Perfect Call, Directed by Ziad Hamzeh
Playing the Part, Directed by Mitch McCabe
Rain in a Dry Land, Directed by Anne Makepeace
Recycled Life, Directed by Leslie Iwerks
The Rich Have Their Own Photographers, Directed by Ezra Bookstein
Row Hard No Excuses, Directed by Luke Wolbach
Seasons of MacDowell, Directed by Michael Almereyda (A Damn Fool Scheme), George Griffin (MacDowell: A User’s Manual), David Petersen (2 Months to be Quiet), Elisabeth Subrin (The Caretakers, with Cara Seymour)
Smile Boston Project, Directed by David Tames
Soldiers of Conscience, Directed by Gary Weimberg
Steal a Pencil for Me, Directed by Michele Ohayon
Strictly Background, Directed by Jason Connell
Suffer the Children, Directed by Trevor Glass
WAR DANCE, Directed by Sean and Andrea Fine
Where's Herbie?, Directed by Jenny Mackenzie
The Young Americans Project, Directed by Matt Heineman
Short Films:
The Frank Anderson, Directed by Dave Perkal
The Job, Directed by Jonathan Browning
Losing Her, Directed by James Killough
My Name is Wallace, Directed by Bob Pondillo
Nowhere Fast, Directed by Adam Jones
The Only Exercise I Get is to the Liquor Store and Back, Directed by Zak Lee
Sniffer, Directed by Bobbie Peers
The Stag Hunt, Directed by Alfred Thomas Catalfo
Taking Back Ordiorne, Directed by Aaron Marinel
Animation Films:
Endurance Challenge, Directed by J. Zachary Pike
Episode 1: Let the Games Begin
Episode 2: You’re Misfired
Everything will be Okay, Directed by Don Hertzfeldt
The Front Runner, Directed by John MacDonnell
Ignorance is Bliss, Directed by Sean Christensen
One Rat Short, Directed by Alex Weil
Saladin, Directed by Aun Hoe Goh
Student Films:
Bruno, Student, Directed by Sam Goetz
Days Like Tomorrow, Directed by Scott Ballard
Last Day of December, Directed by Bogdan George Apetri
Little Gorilla, Directed by Harry Kellerman
Neptunus Rex, Directed by Robert Scott Wildes
The Miracle, Directed by Jeffrey Jon Smith
Moon Cake, Directed by Marty Santo
NEIL, Directed by Goor Moshe
The Wannabe, Directed by Althea Wasow
The festival is one of the largest in New England, screening an average of 60 films from more than a dozen states and many different countries each year. This year’s festival attracted more than 500 submissions, doubling the submissions from last year. “We are so happy with the quality and the number of films we received this year, making it the most competitive year yet. It was a good problem to have, but made our jobs much more challenging. Though the end result will be the best program our audience will experience to date. We couldn’t be more impressed with this year’s line-up and can’t wait to share it with everyone this fall,” said Nicole Gregg, festival director.
Nearly all of the films shown would never have screened in New Hampshire without the festival. With more than 3,000 people expected to attend this year’s films, seminars, ceremonies, and parties, filmgoers will also get to see some of their favorite actors in true independent works.
The 7th Annual New Hampshire Film Festival is scheduled for Oct. 11-14 at several locations in Portsmouth, including The Music Hall, Hilton Garden Inn, the Portsmouth Library, Sheraton Harborside, and the Muddy River Smokehouse. Last year’s event screened 67 films in four days.
RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES TO THE 2007 NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL
27 August 2007 – As of 11:59 PM Monday, the last and final deadline for film and screenplay
submissions to the Seventh Annual New Hampshire Film Festival passed. An unprecedented
number of works came in – just over 500 of them! That number is more than double the
previous year’s tally. This year’s anticipated roster of approximately 60 accepted films will no
doubt be the most competitive and promising group in the Festival’s history.
Submissions arrived from 21 countries, including Australia, Canada, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Latvia,
Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Romania and several European countries. Closer to
home, 87 entries came in from New England filmmakers and screenwriters – 27 of which came
from right here in New Hampshire.
Of the more than 500 entries, almost 50 are screenplays – also the highest in the Festival’s
history. Screenplay submissions are welcomed from any writer currently residing in any of the
New England States or the Canadian Maritime Provinces and one Award Winner is chosen.
NHFF SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE 2007 FESTIVAL
20 June 2007 – The New Hampshire Film Festival is currently looking for volunteers to staff the
2007 festival, trade show, workshops, and all after-parties. The first volunteer meeting will be
held on September 11 at 5:30 p.m. at the IOS building in downtown Portsmouth located at 155
Fleet Street. Volunteers will also have an opportunity to watch a few selected short films before
the public unveiling at the festival.
The Festival is especially interested in volunteers who have a love of film and an interest in
being the first to see a wide range of films, shorts, and documentaries from around the globe.
Volunteer positions are available in four-hour shifts over the course of the entire festival.
Volunteer opportunities include registration and information tables, screen monitoring, ticket
taking, merchandise sales, set-up/tear down at the trade show, panel discussions, and parties.
Volunteers will receive a ticket to a movie or workshop for every four hour shift, a t-shirt and
our undying gratitude. Call 603-647-6439 or email info@nhfilmfestival.com to be a part of the
New Hampshire Film Festival today!
7th ANNUAL NH FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ENTRIES
1 March 2007 – The New Hampshire Film Festival has captured the excitement and energy that
is the true spirit of the independent film movement. “And so it is with great anticipation that I
announce that submissions to the 7th Annual New Hampshire Film Festival will open this March
1,” said Chris Proulx, programming director. “We have categories for short films, features,
documentaries, animation, student films and screenplays. We hope and expect that filmmakers
will stretch the boundaries of all these categories through their imaginations and talents.”
Proulx said that there are no geographical restrictions limiting entries. In past years there have
been filmmakers represented from Los Angeles, NY, North Carolina, Spain, England and Seoul,
South Korea to name a few.
“However, we especially encourage filmmakers from New Hampshire and New England to
submit,” adds Proulx. “And once again, we will open the Festival with New Hampshire film
night at The Music Hall on October 11.”
The Festival has once again partnered with the online submission management service
Withoutabox. All films and screenplays will be submitted through The International Film
Festival Submission System on the Web at www.withoutabox.com. Withoutabox provides costsaving,
online entry to major film festivals throughout the U.S. and in Europe with one master
entry form, allowing you and us to enter your film more quickly and with greater accuracy. This
method is free and easy.
NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM EXPO NOW OFFICIALLY NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM FESTIVAL
1 March 2007 – After six years running, the New Hampshire Film Expo (known affectionately as
NHFX) has taken on a new name, the New Hampshire Film Festival. And with the new name is
a new logo and website address, www.nhfilmfestival.com.
"Many of our filmmakers, directors, screenwriters, and patrons call us the New Hampshire Film
Festival," states Nicole Gregg, Festival Director. "So, we officially changed the name this year.
"Since we have become viable option to professional filmmakers, we decided that the change in
name would help us become more recognizable on the international film festival circuit."
In addition to the extraordinary films and screenplays, the Festival will still feature the expert
panels, trade show, and student film competition. The seventh annual New Hampshire Film
Festival takes place October 11-14, 2007.
6TH ANNUAL NEW HAMPSHIRE FILM EXPO ANNOUNCES THE 2006 WINNERS
16 October 2006 – Celebrating the sixth year, the New Hampshire Film Expo (NHFX) kicked off
this year’s festival with Portsmouth’s Mayor Steve Marchand proclaiming October 12-15,
“Independent Filmmakers & Screenwriters Film Appreciation Weekend,” to a crowd of nearly
500 people on opening night.
Two new awards were added to this year’ award ceremony, the NHFX Audience Award and the
Grand Jury Award. The Audience Award is presented to the film that has garnered the most
votes from the film’s screening audience. The Grand Jury Award made up of five well regarded
industry experts judged the best overall film of the entire festival. This award is an amazing new
opportunity for filmmakers to have their work seen by highly successful members of the
independent film industry. This year’s Grand Jury were,
• Chase Bailey, Executive Producer, The Libertine (starring Johnny Depp)
• Mark Bell, Senior Account Executive/Acquisitions Manager, Film Threat
• Buzz McLaughlin - Producer, The Sensation of Sight (starring David Straitharn)
• Gina, Carbone, Film Reviewer, Seacoast Media Group/Spotlight Magazine
• Thom Cardwell, Executive Director, Philadelphia Film Society, Philadelphia Film Festival
After more than 65 films, numerous workshops, and all-access parties, winners from this year’s
film festival were announced at closing ceremonies on Sunday. And the winners are…
- Best Feature Film: Johnny Was, directed by Mark Hammond and written by Brendan Foley
- Best Short Comedy Film: Moosecock, directed by Will Hartman
- Best Short Drama Film: Vacationland, directed by Lance Edmunds
- Best Documentary Film: Flock of Dodos, directed by Randy Olson
- Best Animation Film: The Toll, directed by J. Zachary Pike and produced by Marc Dole and
Hatchling Studios
- Best Student Film: Checkout, directed by Dan Eckman
- Best Screenplay: Unity, by Eugene L. Langalis, III
- NHFX Audience Award: Chasing Buckner, directed by Christoph Gelfand
- Grand Jury Award: The Trials of Darryl Hunt, directed by Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern
“The Sixth Annual New Hampshire Film Expo was an unbelievable success this past weekend,”
said Nicole Gregg, festival producer for NHFX. “The community came out in droves to view
some truly great domestic and international independent films. Our achievement this year was
not only measured by the numbers of attendees, but more so by the overwhelming feeling by the
filmmakers, directors, and producers that merely being selected for NHFX left everyone feeling
like a winner.” |
