16th Mar2015

2015 First Time Fest – Harvey Weinstein Interview

by Catherina Gioino

Johanna Bennett’s and Mandy Ward’s third annual celebration of first time filmmakers concluded on March 9 with a tribute to no one other than Harvey Weinstein. The festival, one that puts forth newly formed filmmakers with the audience they deserve, makes sure that all aspects of filmmaking are met and that the aspiring filmmakers know […]

Off
13th Mar2015

2015 First Time Fest – Award Winners

by Catherina Gioino

The third annual First Time Fest took place in New York City this past weekend; a film festival that celebrates first time filmmakers, whether they are first time directors, writers, cinematographers, editors, composers and producers. The festival holds a competition for filmmakers all over the world to submit their film and win theatrical distribution as […]

Off
13th Mar2015

‘2015 First Time Fest’ Report

by Catherina Gioino

The Third Annual First Time Fest took place over the past weekend in New York City, from March 5th to March 9th. The festival, which celebrates first time filmmakers, had numerous panels that discussed topics such as financing films to getting the right marketing for the film to even talks from established filmmakers sharing their […]

Off
01st May2014

First Time Fest: Filmmaker Interviews

by Catherina Gioino

In our last few articles, we went over the First Time Fest and the closing night awards, so here are a few interviews we had with the filmmakers of their prestigious films. Gesa Jäger, editor of Love Steaks How does this feel? I’ve been dreaming of coming to New York my entire life and I’ve […]

Off
23rd Apr2014

First Time Fest: Second Time Around – Closing Night Awards

by Catherina Gioino

As was covered in our previous article about the event, the First Time Fest gives new filmmakers the opportunity to get their film established and distributed so that their efforts may be recognized for their future works. With the winner receiving full distribution of their film from Cinema Libre Studios as well as support on […]

Off
21st Apr2014

Second Annual First Time Fest

by Catherina Gioino

The second installment of the First Time Fest, the Second Time Around, took place in New York City from April 3rd to April 7th where ten first time filmmakers were able to showcase their films and possibly be in competition to receive distribution of their films by Cinema Libre Studios. Since its debut in March […]

05th Apr2013

First Time Fest – Closing Night Ceremony Report

by Catherina Gioino

The final installment of the First Time Fest… The First Time Fest’s closing night was held on March 4th. Hosted by Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn (The Exorcist), the Players Club lit up with flashes of cameras and smiles of the first time filmmakers anxiously awaiting whose film will win the grand prize- the chance […]

Off
05th Apr2013

‘Junction’ Review

by Catherina Gioino

Stars: David Zayas, Michael O’Keefe, Anthony Rapp, Anthony Ruivivar, Neal Bledsoe, Summer Crockett Moore, Tom Pelphrey, Harris Doran, Sharon Maguire, Danielle Kotch | Written and Directed by Tony Glazer If there ever was a better reason not to do meth other than Breaking Bad, it would be Junction. Not only are you dealing with off […]

Off
03rd Apr2013

‘Summertime’ Review

by Catherina Gioino

Stars: Lethia Nall, Eric Yves Garcia, Rob Hollander, H.R. Britton, Olivia Horton, Jenny Grace,  Michele Cesari | Written and Directed by Max Weissberg The First Time Fest is a proud sponsor of first time filmmakers, and thus the festival sponsors a friendly competition among twelve first time filmmakers which involves a screening of their films […]

Off
25th Mar2013

First Time Fest: Producers Panel Report

by Catherina Gioino

At the First Time Fest, accomplished filmmakers came to teach and advocate new filmmakers how to get their film made and how to make their film popular. As part of the How They Did It Panel Series, the “We Need A Bigger Boat-Producing Independent Cinema” panel had producers speak about the struggles they had not […]

Off
19th Mar2013

First Time Fest: ‘Jack Goes Boating’ Interview with Philip Seymour Hoffman & Amy Ryan

by Catherina Gioino

At the First Time Fest, there was a “First Exposure” series in which well known and accomplished directors would get their first directed films shown and have the chance to speak about the process. Some of these well known actors include Wes Anderson, Barbara Kopple, John Huston, Darren Aronofsky, Nancy Savoca, Michael Van Peebles, Hal […]

Off
16th Mar2013

First Time Fest – Supporting New Filmmakers and Honouring Esteemed Directors

by Catherina Gioino

The First Time Fest was created by Johanna Bennett and Mandy Ward as a way to showcase new upcoming filmmakers and their works, and to get them a head start in their industry. The festival occurred on March 1st to 4th at The Players Club in New York, which was a club started by some well-known writers […]

Off
09th Mar2013

An introduction to… First Time Fest 2012

by Catherina Gioino

March 1st to 4th marked the first ever First Time Fest at The Player’s Club in New York City. The festival is a celebration of the films from first time filmmakers, which also features a competition in which 12 aspiring filmmakers get to debut their first film. These 12 filmmakers have competed for their chance to receive […]

Off