Let’s go to the many movies at this year’s LI International Film Expo
Back for its 20th year, the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) is featuring more than 100 short and feature-length independent films from all over the world, from July 13-20. You can catch the screenings of these flicks at the Bellmore Movies.
Presented by The Long Island Film/TV Foundation and the Nassau County Film Commission, LIIFE will premiere some films created by our fellow Long Islanders. “Runaways,” being shown on July 15, was directed by Wantagh resident Ryan Campbell. In this film, keep your eyes peeled for familiar places or landmarks, as it was filmed in Nassau and Suffolk counties. And, there’s also “The Last Letter,” to screen July 19, which was made by Alec Miranda of Lattingtown. This film was also the winner of the 2017 Locust Valley High School Student Film Festival.
And, from Brooklyn-based director Elias Plagianos, the film “Shoot Me Nicely,” starring John Behlmann and Linda Hamilton (shown in the photo above), explores the New York City art and fashion world through the eyes of photographer Sean Wheeler. You can see this comedy-drama on July 19.
Those who appreciate the inner-workings of the film industry might want to check out the panels, like a Young Filmmakers Showcase, Meet the Film Festival Directors and “Write Stuff” on Screenwriting, being offered. Who knows? Maybe, a little insight into filmmaking will spark interest in becoming a director or producer someday.
As stars like Steve Buscemi, Ralph Macchio and Ally Sheedy have visited past expos, don’t be surprised if you happen upon a celebrity guest walking around this year’s expo. It’s all part of the good time.
If you’re a film junkie, like me, or a casual movie-watcher, there’s sure to be a film genre, from comedy and horror to animated features, to catch your eye — all week long!
Long Island International Film Expo
Bellmore Movies
222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore
For tickets and a full film schedule: longislandfilm.com.