Cinephiles will have an opportunity to watch an eclectic mix of independent films at the Algonquin Indiefest, January 29 through February 1, 2004 at the Eagle Fire Company Ballroom in New Hope, PA. The festival, now in its second year, has expanded from two to four days, and will include speakers and a social event each evening.
Last year, Algonquin Indiefest screened 28 films by 21 regional filmmakers. As part of the program, Oscar winning screenwriter Ted Tally, who adapted The Silence of the Lambs for the screen, accepted the fest’s first “Hoopla!” award, and spoke about his work. This year, The Algonquin Indiefest will present its “Hoopla!” Award to Director Susan Seidelman, best known for directing Smithereens, Desperately Seeking Susan, She-Devil and Gaudi Afternoon. Ms. Seidelman will answer questions about her career on Saturday, January 31, 2004.
Other featured presentations will include deconstruction of a film by Hollywood screenwriter and local favorite Mark Rosenthal, best known for writing Mercury Rising and the Planet of the Apes remake. Rosenthal also wrote the original screenplay for the upcoming Julia Roberts film, Mona Lisa Smile. There will also be a presentation on producing in the film industry by Drexel School of Media Arts and Design Dean Jonathan Estrin, whose feature length drama, Jasper, Texas, recently ran on Showtime, and who has produced series television such as Cagney and Lacey. There will also be a lecture on screenwriting by Jim Breckenridge of the Playcrafters Group of Doylestown.
On Sunday, February 1, 2004, in addition to the program that will continue at the Eagle fire hall in New Hope, the Algonquin Indiefest will host its first Family Film Day at the Bucks County Visitors Center on Street Road in Bensalem. The Family Film program will present G-rated films suitable for all ages, and entertainment will be provided by the Society of Young Magicians. The program will include two hours of film and another hour of entertainment and will run in two sessions, from noon to 3 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.. Refreshments and snacks are included in the price of a Family Film ticket, which is $10 per person, or $25 per family.
For more information, Algonquin Indiefest organizers Donna Dudick or Ellen Downey can be reached through their website at www.algonquinfest.org, or by calling 267-981-1139 or 215-491-7205.
