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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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