20th Feb2018

Preview: 8th Annual Athena Film Festival

by Catherina Gioino

Now more than ever, we’re seeing more minorities in fields that were once inaccessible – save for a select few who broke barriers. With politics, sports, education and more all changing, it only seems natural that the filmmaking industry is among the mix. With that idea in mind, the Athena Film Festival was founded in […]

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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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