NIFF 2014 Media Summary Report by GAT PR

MEDIA SUMMARY REPORT prepared by GAT PR Ingrid Hamilton Daniela Ponce Tyana Mohamed Kevin Nino www.gat.ca

MEDIA&COVERAGE&OVERVIEW& &

A&total&of&76&interviews&were&arranged&from&January&2014&to&June&2014.&&Our&coverage&made& waves&around&the&world,&especially&following&the&awards&that&were&handed&out.&Both&Four% Corners&and%Ribbit%made&major&traction&in&and&around&South&Africa&and&Southeast&Asia.&The& majority&of&our&media&was&in&Canada&with&some&overflow&to&the&U.S.,&and&U.K.&&Outlets&that& covered&NIFF&included&Toronto,&Hamilton,&St.&Catharines,&Niagara&Falls,&Welland,&Windsor&and& Buffalo.&There&was&a&tremendous&cross&section&of&media&that&included&television,&print,&radio,& web,&and&blogs.&There&was&not&a&single&reference&downplaying&NIFF&in&any&articles&that&we&have& gathered.&Every&media&outlet&was&nothing&but&positive,&supportive,&and&obviously&excited.&

Our&advance&media&tour&2&weeks&before&the&opening&was&a&huge&success!

Interviews*Completed* * Thursday*January*16* * * * * $ Friday*March*28** * $ $ $ $ $ Tuesday*April*22** *

* Wednesday*May*14** * * * * $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ *

* *

Hamilton*Spectator* Bill$Marshall$$

* $

Village*Living* Bill$Marshall$$

Studio*12** Bill$Marshall$$ $ CFMU*FM* Mike$Enns$(Restrung)$ $ CFMU*FM* Bill$Marshall$$ $ Newstalk*610* Jason$Lupish$(A*King*of*Wonderful*Thing)* $ Newstalk*610** Bill$Marshall$$ $ CBC*â&#x20AC;&#x201C;*Here*&*Now** Bill$Marshall$$ $ 610*CKTB* Sari$Ruda$

* $

St.*Catharines*Standard/Sun*Media* Bill$Marshall$

$ $ $ $

Niagara$This$Week$ Bill$Marshall$ $ Cogeco*TV* Bill$Marshall$$

Thursday*May*29** $ $ $ $ Sunday*June*1$$ * * * * Thursday*June*5* $ $ $ $ Sunday*June*8** * * *

* $

Buzzfeed* Bill$Marshall$

$ *

610*CKTB* Roberta$Munroe$

* $

Film*Button** Bill$Marshall$$

* *

* $

* $ *

* $

First*Weekend*Club** Bill$Marshall$&$Sari$Ruda$ * First*Weekend*Club** Jason$Lupish$&$Erica$Sherwood$ (A*Kind*of*Wonderful*Thing)$

First*Weekend*Club** Michael$Wakil$(White$Oaks)$

* $

First*Weekend*Club** Nathan$Young$(Ravine$Vineyards)$

* $

First*Weekend*Club** Karen$Balcom$(Trius$Winery)$

* $

First*Weekend*Club** Christine$Montana$(Southbrook$Winery)$

* $

Niagara*College*Newsletter* Jessica$Jennings$

* $

Mom*Who*Runs* Mike$Enns$$

* $

CHCH*TV* Bill$Marshall$

* $

$CHCH*TV$ Sam$Rowe$

* $

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Tuesday*June*10** * $ $ $ $ $ Wednesday*June*11** $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Wednesday*June*11** $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ * * * $ Thursday*June*12** $ $ $ $ Thursday*June*12** $ $ $ $ Monday*June*16**

$ $

* $

CHCH*TV* Lauren$O’Malley$

$ *

$ $

St.*Catharines*Standard/Sun*Media* Bill$Marshall$

* $

Strictly*Docs* Mike$Enns$(Restrung)$

* $

Strictly*Docs* Roberta$Munroe$

St.*Catharines*Standard/Sun*Media$ Mike$Enns$(Restrung)$ $ Breakfast*Television*–*City*tv* Roberta$Munroe$&$Nathan$Young$(Ravine$ Vineyards)$ $ Niagara*This*Week* Mike$Enns$(Restrung)$

* $

CBC*RadioXCanada* Sari$Ruda$

* $

Sirius*XM*–*Ward*and*Al* Roberta$Munroe$

$ $

Niagara*This*Week* Bill$Marshall$$

* $

610*CKTB* Sari$Ruda$

$ $

The*Festivals*Channel$$ Paul$Harber$(Ravine$Vineyards)$$

$ Tuesday*June*17** * $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Wednesday*June*18** $ $ $ $ $ Friday*June*20** $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

$ $

21*Questions* Paul$Harber$(Ravine$Vineyards)$

$ $

The*Festivals*Channel* Jason$Parsons$(Peller$Estates$Winery)$$

$ $

21*Questions* Jason$Parsonss$(Peller$Estates$Winery)$$

$ $

* $

The*Festivals*Channel* Frank$Dodd$(Trius$Winery)$$$

21*Questions* Michelle$Brisebois$$&$Frank$Dodd$(Trius$ Winery)$ $ Global*TV* Michelle$Brisebois$ $ Global*TV* Bill$Marshall$$ $ Global*TV** Chuck$Powers$(Ribbit)$$ $ The*Festivals*Channel* Jessica$Jennings$$ $ The*Festivals*Channel* Paul$Cotgrove$(Dimwittie$Trilogy)$$ $ 21*Questions* Paul$Cotgrove$(Dimwittie$Trilogy)$$ $ 21*Questions* Bobbi$Jo$Hart$$(I*Am*NOT*A*Rockstar)$ $ 21*Questions* Marika$Bournaki$(I*Am*NOT*A*Rockstar)$

$ The*Festivals*Channel* Dan$Hartley$(Lad:*A*Yorkshire*Story)$$ $ 21*Questions* Dan$Hartley$(Lad:*A*Yorkshire*Story)$$ $ 21*Questions* Bill$Marshall$and$Sari$Ruda$$ $ The*Festivals*Channel** Bill$Marshall$and$Sari$Ruda$$ $ The*Festivals*Channel** Chuck$Powers$(Ribbit)$ $ Metro* Chuck$Powers$(Ribbit)$ $ The*Festivals*Channel* Mike$Enns$(Restrung)$ $ The*Festivals*Channel* Bobby$Roth$$ $ 21*Questions* Bobby$Roth$$ $ Strictly*Docs** Zack$Arnold$$ (Go:*Far*the*Christopher*Rush*Story)$ $

21*Questions* Zack$Arnold$ (Go:*Far*the*Christopher*Rush*Story)$ $ 21*Questions* April$Mullen$(Dead*Before*Dawn)$$ $

$ Saturday*June*21** $ $ $ $ * * * $ $ $ $ * * * $ * * * $ $ $ $ Sunday*June*22** * * * * $ $

The*Festivals*Channel** April$Mullen$(Dead*Before*Dawn)$* $ 21*Questions* Roberta$Munroe$ $ The*Festivals*Channel** Jason$Lupish$(A*Kind*of*Wonderful*Thing)$ $ The*Festivals*Channel** Erica$Sherwood$(A*Kind*of*Wonderful*Thing)$ * $

* $

Metro* Ted$Kotcheff$(Dimwittie$Trilogy)$

* $

The*Festivals*Channel** Ted$Kotcheff$Dimwittie$Trilogy)$

The*Festivals*Channel* Zack$Arnold$$ (Go:*Far*the*Christopher*Rush*Story)$

* $

The*Festivals*Channel* Hannah$Marshall$(The*Infinite*Man)$

* *

* $

The*Festivals*Channel* Ian$Gabriel$$(Four*Corners)$$

Niagara*Buzz* Dillon$Erwin$(Sidewalk*Suring)$$

Niagara*Buzz* Graeme$McMillan$&$Sedrick$Ellis$$ (The*Boyfriend)$$

$ Monday*June*23$$ $

St.*Catharines*Standard/Sun*Media$ Sari$Ruda$

TIFF$founder$to$launch$Niagara$film$festival$ Scott!Rosts! Thursday,!December!19,!2013!

ST.!CATHARINES!—!Niagara!could!be!rolling!out!the!carpet!for!some!AGlist!celebrities!as!early! as!this!summer.! Bill!Marshall,!one!of!the!founders!of!the!famed!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!(TIFF),!is! teaming!up!with!local!stakeholders!to!bring!his!vision!of!a!Niagara!film!festival!to!fruition.! The!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!is!expected!to!take!place!for!four!days! in!June,!2014,!and!will!capitalize!on!the!wine!and!culinary!scene!in!the!region!to!create!the! perfect!blend!of!hospitality!and!entertainment.! “I!think!we!can!build!and! duplicate!what!they’ve! done!in!Toronto!over!the! last!38!years,”!Marshall! said!Tuesday!night!in!an! interview!with!Niagara!this! Week.! With!TIFF!already!bursting! at!the!seams,!Marshall!said! he!couldn’t!make!it!any! bigger.!So,!he!decided!to! look!elsewhere!and! Niagara,!with!its!wine!and! culinary!industry,!seemed! like!a!perfect!fit.!June!19G 22,!2014!is!scheduled!for! the!firstGever!NIFF.! “I!looked!around!Ontario! and!saw!what!I!think!is!a!real!untapped!resource!in!Niagara,”!he!said.!“There!is!so!much! potential!when!you!look!at!some!of!the!great!attractions!in!the!region.!These!wineries!are! world!class.”! That’s!a!feeling,!he!said,!that!has!been!shared!by!local!stakeholders.!Area!wineries,!postG secondary!institutions!and!hotel!groups!are!already!intrigued!by!the!concept!and!have! signed!on!as!partners.!A!local!board!of!about!16!members!has!been!formed!to!help!steer! the!ship,!and!on!Monday!night!the!City!of!St.!Catharines!pledged,!in!principle,!$25,000!in! financial!support!to!help!the!NIFF!team!try!to!leverage!funds!from!the!province!and!other! potential!grants.! “This!is!going!to!be!like!nothing!we’ve!seen!before,”!Coun.!Peter!Secord!told!the!city’s!ad! hoc!budget!committee!on!Monday!night.!

The!city!will!have!an!even!larger!stake!in!future!years.!Marshall!said!he!sees!the!festival! utilizing!the!performing!arts!centre,!once!complete!in!2016,!as!the!main!hub!of!activity!for! the!festival.!Plans!are!to!also!use!wineries,!as!well!as!other!locations!such!as!Brock! University!and!the!Pen!Centre!to!showcase!the!films!during!the!festival,!which!would!grow! from!one!weekend!to!multiple!weekends!in!the!coming!years.! “Much!like!Roy!Thomson!Hall!in!Toronto,!I!could!see!us!being!a!primary!tenant!at!the! performing!arts!centre,”!said!Marshall.!“We’re!really!excited!to!work!with!the!partners!in! the!region,!and!embrace!and!showcase!their!creativity.”! That’s!something!that!excites!the!City!of!St.!Catharines.!Performing!arts!centre!executive! director!Steve!Solski!said!he!is!excited!that!the!facility!is!being!considered!part!of!the!longG term!vision!for!NIFF!—!even!if!it’s!not!ready!to!go!for!the!first!couple!of!years!of!the!event.! That,!he!said,!will!allow!for!the!event!to!grow.! “I!think!it’s!a!good!time!as!far!as!the!performing!arts!centre!is!concerned,”!he!told!budget! committee!members!on!Monday.!!“This!is!an!exciting!opportunity!for!St.!Catharines!and!the! region!…!I!see!the!performing!arts!centre!as!an!ideal!venue.!This!is!exactly!what!we’re!trying! to!find!when!we!open!and!here!it!is!ready!for!us.”! City!economic!development!staff,!in!a!report!to!St.!Catharines!council,!point!out!it!will!not! only!introduce!a!new!attraction!to!the!region,!but!enhance!tourist!traffic,!create!new! opportunities!for!the!region,!and!also!expose!the!geographic!opportunities!of!the!area!to! the!film!industry!for!future!film!production,!jobs!and!skills!development!—!much!like!the! effect!TIFF!has!had!on!the!Toronto!economy.! “Even!if!the!economic!impact!is!a!quarter!here,!of!what!it!is!in!Toronto,!it’s!a!significant! amount!based!on!the!investment!we’ll!be!making,”!said!Coun.!Mark!Elliott!during!the!city! budget!committee’s!deliberations.! Marshall,!whose!wife!Sari!Ruda!is!assisting!with!the!management!of!the!festival,!said!initial! plans!will!be!to!host!about!100!screenings,!with!35!feature!films!and!short!films,!as!well.!He! already!plans!to!host!the!Canadian!premier!of!“Canada’s!Not!Short!on!Talent,”!a!compilation! of!Canada’s!top!short!films!presented!annually!by!Telefilm!Canada!at!the!Cannes!Film! Festival,!this!coming!June.! There!is!also!plans!to!host!the!World’s!Smallest!Film!Festival,!an!event!anyone!will!be!able!to! enter!with!a!oneG!to!fiveGminute!clip!shot!entirely!on!a!cell!phone,!smart!phone!or!any!other! mobile!device.!Organizers!expect!that!feature!to!be!a!popular!one.!Shanghai!International! Film!Festival,!for!example,!launched!its!mobile!film!competition!in!June!2011and!had!about! 18,000!entrants!and!30!official!selections.! Given!what!Niagara!has!to!offer,!said!Marshall,!he!can!see!NIFF!attracting!big!stars!to!the! various!screenings,!just!as!TIFF!does.! “You!have!to!start!somewhere,!but!I!think!that’s!something!that!certainly!would!happen,”! he!said.!“I!think!it’s!a!real!different!experience!(Niagara!offers)!and!that!is!why!it!appealed! to!me.”! More!details!of!NIFF,!said!Marshall,!will!be!announced!in!the!new!year.!NIFF!has!already! launched!a!website,!http://niff.co,!as!well!as!a!modest!Indiegogo!campaign!to!help!crowd! fund!for!the!project,!athttp://www.indiegogo.com/projects/niagaraGintegratedGfilmGfestival.! ! !

* TIFF*coXfounder*bringing*new*film*fest*to*Niagara* By$John$Law,$Niagara$Falls$Review$ Friday,$January$3,$2014$2:30:02$EST$PM$ http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2014/01/03/tiff\co\founder\bringing\new\film\fest\to\niagara$ $

$ Bill*Marshall,*coKfounder*of*the*Toronto*International*Film*Festival,*will*debut*the*Niagara*Integrated*Film* Festival*in*June.*PHOTO:*Joe*Warmington* $ The$man$who$helped$bring$a$film$festival$to$Toronto$has$big$plans$for$Niagara.$ $ Bill$Marshall,$who$co\founded$the$Toronto$International$Film$Festival$in$1976,$is$planning$a$four\day$event$ in$June$called$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival.$It$will$utilize$the$region’s$wineries,$scenery$and$built\in$ tourism$to$hold$100$screenings$in$15$venues$stretching$from$Grimsby$to$Niagara\on\the\Lake.$ $ “It$always$struck$me$that,$if$you’re$going$to$have$a$different$kind$of$festival…you$had$to$get$something$ that$would$be$a$tourist$attraction,”$said$Marshall$Friday$from$his$Toronto$home.$“The$main$things$Niagara$ region$has$is$the$wineries,$the$cuisine$and$the$culture.”$ $

The$inaugural$event$already$has$a$handful$of$wineries$on$board,$along$with$the$Greater$Niagara$Chamber$ of$Commerce$and$Niagara\on\the\Lake$Chamber$of$Commerce.$In$December,$the$City$of$St.$Catharines$ pledged$in$principle$$25,000$towards$the$festival.$ $ Even$by$starting$small,$Marshall$estimates$the$first\year$budget$for$the$festival$will$be$about$$1$million.$An$ Indiegogo$campaign$started$Dec.$4,$aiming$to$raise$$25,000$by$Jan.$24.$ $ “There’s$an$enormous$amount$of$money$involved$in$setting$up$even$the$first$weekend,”$he$said.$“You$ have$to$source$the$films,$you$have$to$get$people$to$screen$them,$you$have$to$have$volunteers$that$look$ after$them,$you$have$to$publicize$them.$You’re$looking$at$over$a$million$bucks.$ $ “People$say,$‘That’s$terrible!’$Well,$sorry,$it’s$a$first$class$festival$treating$the$audience$in$a$first$class$way.”$ $ Marshall$has$faced$doubts$before.$That’s$all$he$heard$when$he$and$two$others$created$the$Toronto$ International$Film$Festival$(then$called$The$Festival$of$Festivals)$38$years$ago.$With$little$Hollywood$ support,$the$event$screened$favourites$from$other$film$festivals,$attracting$35,000$people$its$first$year.$ $ “Nobody$wanted$the$Toronto$film$festival,$believe$me,”$he$said.$“I’m$not$surprised$that$people$say$ (Niagara)$won’t$do$anything.$Yeah,$just$wait.”$ $ TIFF$stuck$to$its$guns$and$eventually$became$a$valuable$resource$for$studios$to$premiere$their$Oscar$ hopefuls$in$September.$It’s$now$regarded$as$the$second$most$important$film$fest$in$the$world,$behind$ Cannes.$ $ Marshall$is$taking$the$same$approach$to$Niagara,$confident$studios$will$want$to$create$buzz$for$several$ movies$before$the$traditional$awards$season$begins$in$the$fall.$ $ Marshall$said$several$programmers$with$TIFF$will$try$to$repeat$the$formula$in$Niagara,$including$Colin$ Geddes,$who$created$Toronto’s$popular$Midnight$Madness$series.$Niagara$will$offer$a$similar$series$called$ Mondo$Wacko.$ $ There$will$also$be$a$Canadian$short$film$program,$along$with$a$short$film$competition$open$to$anyone$ using$a$mobile$device.$ $ One$of$the$key$events$will$be$the$world$premiere$of$a$newly\discovered$11\minute$silent$film$starring$ Canada’s$Mary$Pickford.$It$will$accompany$screenings$of$other$Pickford$classics$like$Poor$Little$Rich$Girl$ and$Rebecca$of$Sunnybrook$Farm.$ $ Marshall$doesn’t$expect$a$celebrity$presence$at$the$fest$for$at$least$three$years.$ $ “Celebrities$will$only$come$when$there’s$something$in$it$for$them,”$he$said.$“Fortunately,$Hollywood$ doesn’t$know$anything.$They$would$say$‘Here’s$a$dog$we’ve$got$to$get$rid$of,$why$don’t$we$give$it$to$ Toronto?’$Lots$of$times$it$turned$out$to$be$their$best$movies.”$ $ john.law@sunmedia.ca$ $ WHAT:$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$ WHERE:$Indoor/outdoor$venues$across$the$region$ WHEN:$June$19$to$22$

$ $

Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*launches* 22$April,$2014$|$By$Jeremy$Kay$ http://www.screendaily.com/festivals/other\festivals/niagara\integrated\festival\ launches/5070891.article$ $

The$event$led$by$Toronto$International$Film$Festival$founder$Bill$Marshall$is$set$to$run$from$June$19\22.$ $ Gala$premieres$include$the$world$premiere$of$Restrung,$Mike$Enns’$portrait$of$Disney$animator$Randall$ Wyn$Fullmer,$the$North$American$premiere$of$Felix$Herngren’s$Swedish$Blockbuster$The$Hundred$Year\ Old$Man$Who$Climbed$Out$Of$The$Window$And$Disappeared$and$animation$Ribbit$featuring$the$voices$of$ Sean$Astin$and$Russell$Peters.$ $ The$roster$includes$Emilio$Aragon’s$A$Night$In$Old$Mexico$starring$Robert$Duvall,$Stuart$Murdoch’s$God$ Help$The$Girl$and$Ira$Sachs’$gay\marriage$drama$Love$Is$Strange$with$John$Lithgow$and$Alfred$Molina.$ $ The$Canadians\At\Cannes$shorts$curated$by$Danny$Lennon$include$Kyle$Thomas’$The$Post,$Moira$Sauer’s$ The$Provider$and$Felix$Lajeunesse$and$Paul$Raphael’s$The$Sparkling$River.$ $ The$line\up$includes$two$shorts$films$from$the$1950s$starring$Peter$Sellers$–$Dearth$Of$A$Salesman$and$ Insomnia$Is$Good$For$You.$ $ “Just$as$TIFF$is$unique$to$Toronto,”$said$NIFF$executive$director$Bill$Marshall,$“NIFF$will$translate$Niagara$ to$the$world$as$a$destination$of$fine$cuisine,$stellar$wineries$and$spectacular$film$festival$experiences.”$ $ For$further$details$about$the$programme$click$here.$

Lineup*for*Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*unveiled* $April$23,$2014$by$Etan$Vlessing$ http://playbackonline.ca/2014/04/23/lineup\for\niagara\integrated\film\festival\unveiled/$ $ $

$ $ Two$long\lost$1950s$short$films$written$by$late$Canadian$novelist$Mordecai$Richler$and$starring$ Peter$Sellers$will$be$shown$at$the$inaugural$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival.$ $ The$30\minute$films,$produced$by$the$long\defunct$Park$Lane$Films,$were$discovered$in$a$trash$ can$in$1996$outside$the$production$company,$and$only$came$to$public$light$earlier$this$year$ thanks$to$Stephen$Podgorney,$Robert$Farrow$and$Paul$Cotgrove$of$Dimwittie$Ltd.$ $ Bill$Marshall,$the$Toronto$International$Film$Festival$co\founder$who$is$programming$NIFF,$will$ screen$the$Sellers/Richler$films,$Dearth$Of$A$Salesman$and$Insomnia$Is$Good$For$You,$and$the$ 1911$Mary$Pickford$film$Their$First$Misunderstanding,$as$part$of$his$film$lineup.$ $ Marshall$also$booked$a$world$premiere$for$Mike$Ennsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;$Restrung,$about$a$Disney$artist/animator$ who$gave$it$all$up$to$handcraft$bass$guitars,$and$will$screen$the$animated$feature$Ribbit,$voiced$ by$Sean$Astin$and$Russell$Peters.$ $ Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s$also$the$North$American$premiere$of$the$Swedish$film$The$Hundred$Year\Old$Man$Who$ Climbed$Out$Of$The$Window$And$Disappeared,$directed$by$Felix$Herngren.$ $ The$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$is$set$to$run$from$June$19$to$22.$

TIFF*coXfounder*uncorks*new*Niagara*film*festival* Food,$wine$and$film$come$together$in$Bill$Marshall’s$new$project,$the$ Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival,$running$June$19$to$22.$ $

By:$Linda$Barnard$Staff$Reporter,$Published$on$Tue$Apr$22$2014$ http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2014/04/22/tiff_cofounder_uncorks_new_nia gara_film_festival.html$ $

Bassist*Abraham*Laboriel*in*Restrung,*a*documentary*that*premieres*at*the*inaugural*Niagara*Integrated* Film*Festival.* $ Food,$wine$and$film$will$come$together$to$celebrate$freshly$discovered$cinematic$finds$at$Toronto$ International$Film$Festival$co\founder$Bill$Marshall’s$new$project,$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival.$ $ The$newly$minted$NIFF$announced$its$inaugural$lineup$Tuesday,$including$long\lost$films$from$Peter$ Sellers$and$Toronto\born$“America’s$sweetheart”$Mary$Pickford.$ $ The$festival,$which$will$run$June$19$to$22$in$St.$Catharines,$Niagara\on\the\Lake$and$Twenty$Valley,$will$ screen$a$pair$of$shorts$starring$British$actor$Sellers$(the$Pink$Panther$series)$and$penned$by$late$Canadian$ author$Mordecai$Richler$(Barney’s$Version).$ “Just$as$TIFF$is$unique$to$Toronto,$NIFF$will$translate$Niagara$to$the$world$as$a$destination$of$fine$cuisine,$ stellar$wineries$and$spectacular$film$festival$experiences,”$Marshall$said$Tuesday$at$a$media$conference$at$ the$TIFF$Bell$Lightbox.$

In$addition$to$the$Sellers$shorts$Dearth$of$a$Salesman$and$Insomnia$is$Good$For$You,$NIFF$will$screen$the$ 1911$Pickford$silent$film$Their$First$Misunderstanding,$which$was$discovered$in$a$New$Hampshire$barn$in$ 2006$and$has$been$carefully$restored.$ $ The$festival$will$also$present$the$world$premiere$of$Restrung,$Niagara$filmmaker$Mike$Enns’$documentary$ about$Randall$Wyn$Fullmer,$a$Disney$artist$who$switched$passions$amid$personal$turmoil$to$make$ handcrafted$bass$guitars.$ $ Also$on$the$bill,$the$premieres$of$Chuck$Powers’$animated$comedy$Ribbit$(featuring$the$voices$of$Sean$ Astin$and$Russell$Peters)$and$Dave$Green’s$sci\fi$thriller$Earth$to$Echo.$ $ Other$movies$to$screen$at$NIFF$include$Ira$Sachs’$gay\marriage$drama$Love$Is$Strange$starring$Marisa$ Tomei$and$Alfred$Molina,$Emilio$Aragon’s$A$Night$in$Old$Mexico$starring$Robert$Duvall,$made\in\Niagara$ drama$A$Kind$Of$Wonderful$Thing$and$Switzerland’s$submission$for$Best$Foreign$Film$Oscar,$the$stunning$ bee$colony$documentaryMore$Than$Honey.$ $ Filmalicious,$a$winery$dinner$and$movie$program,$will$run$concurrent$with$NIFF,$as$well$as$Film$Feast,$ where$four$wineries$will$host$an$evening$of$food,$wine$and$short$films.$ $ The$festival$is$also$issuing$a$call$for$entries$in$its$World’s$Smallest$Film$Festival$program,$shorts$shot$on$ smartphones$showcasing$the$theme$of$water$in$the$Niagara$Region.$ For$more$details$and$for$tickets$and$schedules,$go$to$Niagarafilmfest.com.$ $ $

* Star*sightings,*coming*soon*to*Niagara*region*

$ Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$director$Jason$Lupish$(A$Kind$Of$Wonderful$Thing),$from$left,$NIFF$co\ founder$Bill$Marshall$(also$a$co\founder$of$TIFF),$and$actor$Erica$Sherwood$(A$Kind$Of$Wonderful$Thing),$at$ the$announcement$for$the$ﬁlm$fest’s$lineup$in$Toronto$on$Tuesday.$The$festival$runs$June$19$to$22$at$ venues$in$Niagara\on\the\Lake$and$St.$Catharines$and$includes$ﬁlms$starring$Robert$Duvall,$Alfred$Molina$ and$the$late$Peter$Sellers.$SUPPLIED$

Bill$Marshallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s$NIFF$

http://dominicchan.ca/whatGiGshotGtoday/247GbillGmarshallGsGniff Tuesday,!April!22,!2014!!

$ $ April$film$round<up:$NIFF,$Grudge$Match$and$ more$Trailer$Park$Boys$ Wednesday,!April!23,!2014!!

! ! This!month!has!been!busy.!!Some!recent!stories! I've!written!or!photographed:! Original!TIFF!coGfounder!Bill$Marshall!launched! the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival.!Full!story! atChinoKino!

Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*unveils* inaugural*lineXup* $ By$John$R.$Kennedy$$$Global$News$|$April$22,$2014$12:55$pm$ http://globalnews.ca/news/1283958/niagara\integrated\film\festival\unveils\inaugural\line\up/$ $

TORONTO$â&#x20AC;&#x201D;$Films$starring$Robert$Duvall,$Alfred$Molina$and$the$late$Peter$Sellers$are$among$ those$set$to$unspool$at$the$inaugural$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$this$summer$in$ Ontario.$ $ The$festival$will$run$June$19$to$22$at$venues$in$Niagara\on\the\Lake$and$St.$Catharines.$

$ The$line\up,$announced$Tuesday,$includes$A$Night$in$Old$Mexico,$in$which$Duvall$plays$a$surly$ Texas$rancher$who$sets$off$on$an$adventure$with$his$grandson$(Jeremy$Irvine)$after$losing$his$ home.$ $ The$film$had$its$North$American$premiere$last$month$at$the$South$by$Southwest$Film$Festival.$ $ Irvine,$a$24\year\old$British$actor$whose$credits$include$War$Horse$and$The$Railway$Men,$will$be$ in$Montreal$this$summer$making$the$feature$film$Stonewall$for$director$Roland$Emmerich.$ $ NIFF$will$also$present$the$world$premiere$of$Ribbit,$an$animated$film$from$Malaysia$featuring$ the$voices$of$Sean$Astin,$Tim$Curry$and$Canadian$comic$Russell$Peters.$ $ Director$Mike$Enns’$documentary$Restrung$—$the$story$of$bass$guitar$maker$Randall$Wyn$ Fullmer$—$will$have$its$world$premiere$at$NIFF.$ $ The$2012$made\in\Niagara$feature$A$Kind$of$Wonderful$Thing,$will$also$be$screened$at$NIFF.$ $ The$festival$is$also$paying$tribute$to$the$World$Pride$celebrations$in$Toronto$with$the$Canadian$ debut$of$Love$Is$Strange,$a$drama$starring$Alfred$Molina,$Marisa$Tomei,$John$Lithgow$and$ Cheyenne$Jackson.$ $ As$Global$News$first$reported$in$February,$NIFF$will$present$Pickfair,$a$celebration$of$Toronto\ born$Hollywood$icon$Mary$Pickford$hosted$by$Christel$Schmidt,$author$of$Mary$Pickford:$Queen$ of$the$Movies.$ $ The$program$will$feature$the$Canadian$premiere$of$a$restored$version$of$Their$First$ Misunderstanding,$an$11\minute$silent$film$released$in$1911$that$starred$Pickford$and$her$ husband$Owen$Moore.$ $ The$film$was$believed$lost$forever$until$a$copy$was$found$in$a$New$Hampshire$barn$in$2006.$ $ NIFF$will$also$screen$two$shorts$starring$Peter$Sellers$—$Dearth$of$a$Salesman$and$Insomnia$is$ Good$For$You$—$written$by$the$late$Canadian$author$Mordecai$Richler.$ $ More$Than$Honey,$a$2012$documentary$about$bees,$and$last$year’s$acclaimed$wine$doc$Red$ Obsession,$narrated$by$Russell$Crowe,$will$be$screened$at$NIFF.$ $ The$festival$is$the$brainchild$of$Bill$Marshall,$who$co\founded$the$Festival$of$Festivals$—$which$ became$the$Toronto$International$Film$Festival$—$in$1976$with$Dusty$Cohl$and$Henk$van$der$ Kolk.$ $ Global$Toronto$is$a$sponsor$of$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival.$For$more$information$visit$ niff.co.$

*** $ TIFF*coXfounder*readies*Niagara*film*festival* $ BY$JIM$SLOTEK,$QMI$AGENCY$ FIRST$POSTED:$THURSDAY,$APRIL$24,$2014$03:40$PM$EDT$|$UPDATED:$THURSDAY,$APRIL$24,$ 2014$03:42$PM$EDT$ http://www.torontosun.com/2014/04/24/tiff\co\founder\readies\niagara\film\festival$ $ It’s$act$two$for$Toronto$International$ Film$Festival$co\founder$Bill$Marshall,$ who$is$launching$the$film\foodie$ fusion$event$The$Niagara$Integrated$ Film$Festival$in$June,$it$was$ announced$this$week.$ $ Amid$a$mix$of$big\budget$and$indie$ premiere$features,$a$series$of$Cannes\ winning$shorts$by$Canadians$and$a$ mini\festival$of$films$shot$by$young$ auteurs$on$smart$phones,$NIFF$boasts$ two$recently\unearthed$“found$ treasures”$worthy$of$a$trip$down$the$ QEW$for$their$historical$value$alone.$ $ They$include$a$startling$collaboration$ of$a$young$Peter$Sellers$in$two$‘50s$ shorts$–$Insomnia$Is$Good$For$You$and$ Dearth$Of$A$Salesman$\$written$by$ Canadian$literary$lion$Mordecai$ Richler,$and$a$lost$silent$short$film$with$Canadian\born$“America’s$Sweetheart”$Mary$Pickford,$ featuring$her$first$husband$Owen$Moore$(part$of$NIFF’s$spotlight$on$Pickford’s$career).$ $ The$festival,$June$19\22,$will$take$place$in$venues$from$St.$Catharines$to$Niagara\on\the\Lake,$ and$will$feature$two$different$food\and\wine$tie\in$programs$–$the$dinner\and\a\movie$program$ Filmalicious,$and$Niagara$Film$Feast,$a$winery$tour$with$movies$and$wine\paired\food$along$the$ way.$ $ Full$program$details$are$available$at$niagarafilmfest.com.$ $

TIFF*coXfounder*readies*Niagara*film*festival* $ BY$JIM$SLOTEK,$QMI$AGENCY$ FIRST$POSTED:$THURSDAY,$APRIL$24,$2014$03:40$PM$EDT$|$UPDATED:$THURSDAY,$APRIL$24,$ 2014$03:42$PM$EDT$ http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/2014/04/24/tiff\co\founder\readies\niagara\film\festival$ $ It’s$act$two$for$Toronto$ International$Film$Festival$co\ founder$Bill$Marshall,$who$is$ launching$the$film\foodie$fusion$ event$The$Niagara$Integrated$Film$ Festival$in$June,$it$was$announced$ this$week.$ $ Amid$a$mix$of$big\budget$and$ indie$premiere$features,$a$series$ of$Cannes\winning$shorts$by$ Canadians$and$a$mini\festival$of$ films$shot$by$young$auteurs$on$ smart$phones,$NIFF$boasts$two$ recently\unearthed$“found$ treasures”$worthy$of$a$trip$down$ the$QEW$for$their$historical$value$ alone.$ $ They$include$a$startling$ collaboration$of$a$young$Peter$ Sellers$in$two$‘50s$shorts$–$ Insomnia$Is$Good$For$You$and$Dearth$Of$A$Salesman$\$written$by$Canadian$literary$lion$Mordecai$ Richler,$and$a$lost$silent$short$film$with$Canadian\born$“America’s$Sweetheart”$Mary$Pickford,$ featuring$her$first$husband$Owen$Moore$(part$of$NIFF’s$spotlight$on$Pickford’s$career).$ $ The$festival,$June$19\22,$will$take$place$in$venues$from$St.$Catharines$to$Niagara\on\the\Lake,$ and$will$feature$two$different$food\and\wine$tie\in$programs$–$the$dinner\and\a\movie$program$ Filmalicious,$and$Niagara$Film$Feast,$a$winery$tour$with$movies$and$wine\paired\food$along$the$ way.$ $ Full$program$details$are$available$at$niagarafilmfest.com.$

$ $

TIFF*coXfounder*readies*Niagara*film*festival* $ BY$JIM$SLOTEK,$QMI$AGENCY$ FIRST$POSTED:$THURSDAY,$APRIL$24,$2014$03:40$PM$EDT$|$UPDATED:$THURSDAY,$APRIL$24,$ 2014$03:42$PM$EDT$ http://www.forterietimes.ca/2014/04/24/tiff\co\founder\readies\niagara\film\festival$ $ It’s$act$two$for$Toronto$ International$Film$Festival$co\ founder$Bill$Marshall,$who$is$ launching$the$film\foodie$fusion$ event$The$Niagara$Integrated$Film$ Festival$in$June,$it$was$announced$ this$week.$ $ Amid$a$mix$of$big\budget$and$ indie$premiere$features,$a$series$ of$Cannes\winning$shorts$by$ Canadians$and$a$mini\festival$of$ films$shot$by$young$auteurs$on$ smart$phones,$NIFF$boasts$two$ recently\unearthed$“found$ treasures”$worthy$of$a$trip$down$ the$QEW$for$their$historical$value$ alone.$ $ They$include$a$startling$ collaboration$of$a$young$Peter$ Sellers$in$two$‘50s$shorts$–$ Insomnia$Is$Good$For$You$and$Dearth$Of$A$Salesman$\$written$by$Canadian$literary$lion$Mordecai$ Richler,$and$a$lost$silent$short$film$with$Canadian\born$“America’s$Sweetheart”$Mary$Pickford,$ featuring$her$first$husband$Owen$Moore$(part$of$NIFF’s$spotlight$on$Pickford’s$career).$ $ The$festival,$June$19\22,$will$take$place$in$venues$from$St.$Catharines$to$Niagara\on\the\Lake,$ and$will$feature$two$different$food\and\wine$tie\in$programs$–$the$dinner\and\a\movie$program$ Filmalicious,$and$Niagara$Film$Feast,$a$winery$tour$with$movies$and$wine\paired\food$along$the$ way.$ $ Full$program$details$are$available$at$niagarafilmfest.com.$

LOST*MORDECAI*RICHLER*FILMS*HIGHLIGHT* INAUGURAL*NIAGARA*INTEGRATED*FILM* FESTIVAL* Mike$Crisolago$|$April$22nd,$2014$ http://www.everythingzoomer.com/lost\mordecai\richler\films\highlight\inaugural\niagara\ integrated\film\festival/#.U6sa\41dVpF$ $

$ If$you$notice$a$red$carpet$running$between$rows$of$grapes$the$next$time$you$visit$a$Niagara$ winery,$don’t$be$alarmed.$It’s$either$the$remnants$of$a$really$sloppy$wine$tasting,$or$the$launch$ of$the$inaugural$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF).$ $ Unveiled$this$morning$at$the$TIFF$Lightbox$in$downtown$Toronto,$NIFF$–$the$brainchild$of$ Toronto$International$Film$Festival$(TIFF)$founder$Bill$Marshall$–$premieres$this$June$in$Niagara\ on\the\Lake$and$St.$Catherine’s.$ $ “NIFF$will$translate$Niagara$to$the$world$as$a$destination$of$fine$cuisine,$stellar$wineries,$and$ spectacular$film$festival$experiences,”$Marshall$said$in$a$statement.$ $

Among$the$highlights$of$the$first$NIFF$lineup$are$three$“lost”$films,$including$two$recently$ discovered$1950’s$shorts$–$Dearth$of$a$Salesman$and$Insomnia$is$Good$For$You$–$penned$by$ Can\Lit$legend$Mordecai$Richler$and$starring$Peter$Sellers.$The$third$film$is$a$1911$silent$movie$ starring$Canadian$actress$(and$“America’s$sweetheart”)$Mary$Pickford,$called$Their$First$ Misunderstanding,$which$was$uncovered$in$a$barn$in$New$Hampshire$in$2006.$ RELATED:$Niagara$Region:$Canada’s$Own$Sonoma$County$ $ A$Night$in$Old$Mexico,$starring$Robert$Duvall,$is$a$south\of\the\border$grandfather\grandson$ bonding$tale,$while$John$Lithgow$and$Alfred$Molina$co\star$as$a$same\sex$couple$alongside$ Marisa$Tomei$in$Love$is$Strange.$The$festival$also$boasts$the$North$American$premiere$of$the$ Swedish$hit$The$100\Year\Old$Man$Who$Climbed$Out$the$Window$and$Disappeared,$based$on$ the$book$of$the$same$name.$And$for$3D$animation$fans,$Ribbit$features$the$voices$of$Sean$Astin,$ Russell$Peters,$and$Tim$Curry$in$a$tale$about$a$frog$struggling$to$find$himself.$ $ While$many$screenings$take$place$in$local$theatre$venues,$the$festival$serves$up$both$the$ Filmalicious$program,$which$offers$movie\goers$a$winery\hosted$dinner$followed$by$a$film,$and$ the$Niagara$Film$Feast,$where$audience$members$travel$to$multiple$wineries$to$enjoy$screenings$ of$film$shorts$while$participating$in$food\and\wine$pairings.$ $ NIFF$also$celebrates$Canuck$heritage$with$the$Canadians\at\Cannes$short$film$series,$which$ focuses$on$a$selection$of$flicks$straight$from$Cannes$that$highlight$our$nation’s$unique$culture.$ The$NIFF$runs$from$June$19\22,$2014.$For$more$information,$and$the$complete$program,$visit$ www.niagarafilmfest.com.$ $ $ $

Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&(NIFF)* http://www.thisiswinecountry.ca/news\events/events/niagara\integrated\film\festival\niff$ $

Start$Date:$June$19,$2014$ End$Date:$June$22,$2014$ Website:$http://niff.co$ Movie$buffs$&$foodies,$it’s$your$time!$ Come$for$the$evening,$stay$for$the$weekend$and$experience$the$first$Niagara$Integrated$Film$ Festival.$$NIFF$is$no$ordinary$film$festival.$$Film$screenings,$parties$and$tastings$will$take$place$in$ non\traditional$venues$throughout$the$Niagara$Region.$ $ Visit$our$website$to$join$in$the$festival$or$find$out$where$the$fun$happens!$ $ $ $ $

* TIFF*coXfounder*uncorks*new*Niagara*film* festival* Food,$wine$and$film$come$together$in$Bill$Marshall’s$new$project,$ the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival,$running$June$19$to$22.$ By$$Linda$Barnard$ http://www.ourwindsor.ca/whatson\story/4477518\tiff\co\founder\uncorks\new\niagara\film\festival/$ $ Food,$wine$and$film$will$come$together$to$ celebrate$freshly$discovered$cinematic$ finds$at$Toronto$International$Film$ Festival$co\founder$Bill$Marshall’s$new$ project,$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$ Festival.$ $ The$newly$minted$NIFF$announced$its$ inaugural$lineup$Tuesday,$including$long\ lost$films$from$Peter$Sellers$and$Toronto\ born$“America’s$sweetheart”$Mary$ Pickford.$ $ The$festival,$which$will$run$June$19$to$22$ in$St.$Catharines,$Niagara\on\the\Lake$and$ Twenty$Valley,$will$screen$a$pair$of$shorts$ starring$British$actor$Sellers$(the$Pink$ Panther$series)$and$penned$by$late$ Canadian$author$Mordecai$Richler$ (Barney’s$Version).$ $ “Just$as$TIFF$is$unique$to$Toronto,$NIFF$will$translate$Niagara$to$the$world$as$a$destination$of$fine$cuisine,$ stellar$wineries$and$spectacular$film$festival$experiences,”$Marshall$said$Tuesday$at$a$media$conference$at$ the$TIFF$Bell$Lightbox.$ $ In$addition$to$the$Sellers$shorts$Dearth$of$a$Salesman$and$Insomnia$is$Good$For$You,$NIFF$will$screen$the$ 1911$Pickford$silent$film$Their$First$Misunderstanding,$which$was$discovered$in$a$New$Hampshire$barn$in$ 2006$and$has$been$carefully$restored.$ $ The$festival$will$also$present$the$world$premiere$of$Restrung,$Niagara$filmmaker$Mike$Enns’$documentary$ about$Randall$Wyn$Fullmer,$a$Disney$artist$who$switched$passions$amid$personal$turmoil$to$make$ handcrafted$bass$guitars.$ $ Also$on$the$bill,$the$premieres$of$Chuck$Powers’$animated$comedy$Ribbit$(featuring$the$voices$of$Sean$ Astin$and$Russell$Peters)$and$Dave$Green’s$sci\fi$thriller$Earth$to$Echo.$ $

Other$movies$to$screen$at$NIFF$include$Ira$Sachs’$gay\marriage$drama$Love$Is$Strange$starring$Marisa$ Tomei$and$Alfred$Molina,$Emilio$Aragon’s$A$Night$in$Old$Mexico$starring$Robert$Duvall,$made\in\Niagara$ drama$A$Kind$Of$Wonderful$Thing$and$Switzerland’s$submission$for$Best$Foreign$Film$Oscar,$the$stunning$ bee$colony$documentary$More$Than$Honey.$ $ Filmalicious,$a$winery$dinner$and$movie$program,$will$run$concurrent$with$NIFF,$as$well$as$Film$Feast,$ where$four$wineries$will$host$an$evening$of$food,$wine$and$short$films.$ $ The$festival$is$also$issuing$a$call$for$entries$in$its$World’s$Smallest$Film$Festival$program,$shorts$shot$on$ smartphones$showcasing$the$theme$of$water$in$the$Niagara$Region.$ $ For$more$details$and$for$tickets$and$schedules,$go$to$Niagarafilmfest.com.$ $ $

Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*details*unveiled* Posted$on$4/23/2014$6:36:00$AM$by$610$CKTB$News$ http://www.610cktb.com/news/2014/04/23/niagara\integrated\film\festival\details\unveiled$ $ $ The$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$is$set$to$kick$off$their$inaugural$ weekend$and$is$billing$the$three$day$fest$as$the$tastiest$film$festival$ in$town.$ $ Officials$and$sponsors$were$at$the$Bell$Lightbox$Theatre$in$Toronto$ on$Tuesday$to$announce$the$lineup$for$the$festival$which$runs$June$ 19\22.$ $ A$few$big$names$are$expecting$to$be$screening$films$at$the$festival.$ $ Academy$Award$winner$Robert$Duvall$is$staring$in$"One$Night$in$Mexico"$making$it's$North$American$ premiere$and$Christopher$Lloyd$is$staring$in$a$zombie$apocalypse$thriller$$"Dead$Before$Dawn"$which$will$ also$be$screening$at$the$festival.$ $ The$weekend$will$also$feature$a$number$of$local$films$including$"Restrung"$a$documentary$produced$by$St$ Catharines$native$Mike$Enns.$ $ Festival$creator$Bill$Marshall$told$CKTB$Niagara$offers$a$unique$experience$in$Canada$to$offer$culinary,$ wine$and$film$integrated$in$single$festival$to$make$it$a$one$stop$shop$for$tourists.$ $ For$more$information$or$to$buy$tickets,$visit$their$website$at$niff.co$

TIFF*coXfounder*uncorks*new*Niagara*film* festival* Food,$wine$and$film$come$together$in$Bill$Marshall’s$new$project,$ the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival,$running$June$19$to$22.$ By$$Linda$Barnard$ http://www.ourwindsor.ca/whatson\story/4477518\tiff\co\founder\uncorks\new\niagara\film\festival/$ $ Food,$wine$and$film$will$come$together$to$ celebrate$freshly$discovered$cinematic$ finds$at$Toronto$International$Film$ Festival$co\founder$Bill$Marshall’s$new$ project,$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$ Festival.$ $ The$newly$minted$NIFF$announced$its$ inaugural$lineup$Tuesday,$including$long\ lost$films$from$Peter$Sellers$and$Toronto\ born$“America’s$sweetheart”$Mary$ Pickford.$ $ The$festival,$which$will$run$June$19$to$22$ in$St.$Catharines,$Niagara\on\the\Lake$and$ Twenty$Valley,$will$screen$a$pair$of$shorts$ starring$British$actor$Sellers$(the$Pink$ Panther$series)$and$penned$by$late$ Canadian$author$Mordecai$Richler$ (Barney’s$Version).$ $ “Just$as$TIFF$is$unique$to$Toronto,$NIFF$will$translate$Niagara$to$the$world$as$a$destination$of$fine$cuisine,$ stellar$wineries$and$spectacular$film$festival$experiences,”$Marshall$said$Tuesday$at$a$media$conference$at$ the$TIFF$Bell$Lightbox.$ $ In$addition$to$the$Sellers$shorts$Dearth$of$a$Salesman$and$Insomnia$is$Good$For$You,$NIFF$will$screen$the$ 1911$Pickford$silent$film$Their$First$Misunderstanding,$which$was$discovered$in$a$New$Hampshire$barn$in$ 2006$and$has$been$carefully$restored.$ $ The$festival$will$also$present$the$world$premiere$of$Restrung,$Niagara$filmmaker$Mike$Enns’$documentary$ about$Randall$Wyn$Fullmer,$a$Disney$artist$who$switched$passions$amid$personal$turmoil$to$make$ handcrafted$bass$guitars.$ $ Also$on$the$bill,$the$premieres$of$Chuck$Powers’$animated$comedy$Ribbit$(featuring$the$voices$of$Sean$ Astin$and$Russell$Peters)$and$Dave$Green’s$sci\fi$thriller$Earth$to$Echo.$

$ Other$movies$to$screen$at$NIFF$include$Ira$Sachs’$gay\marriage$drama$Love$Is$Strange$starring$Marisa$ Tomei$and$Alfred$Molina,$Emilio$Aragon’s$A$Night$in$Old$Mexico$starring$Robert$Duvall,$made\in\Niagara$ drama$A$Kind$Of$Wonderful$Thing$and$Switzerland’s$submission$for$Best$Foreign$Film$Oscar,$the$stunning$ bee$colony$documentary$More$Than$Honey.$ $ Filmalicious,$a$winery$dinner$and$movie$program,$will$run$concurrent$with$NIFF,$as$well$as$Film$Feast,$ where$four$wineries$will$host$an$evening$of$food,$wine$and$short$films.$ $ The$festival$is$also$issuing$a$call$for$entries$in$its$World’s$Smallest$Film$Festival$program,$shorts$shot$on$ smartphones$showcasing$the$theme$of$water$in$the$Niagara$Region.$ $ For$more$details$and$for$tickets$and$schedules,$go$to$Niagarafilmfest.com.$ $ $ $

Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*details*unveiled* $ Posted$on$4/23/2014$6:36:00$AM$by$610$CKTB$News$ http://www.1057ezrock.com/news/2014/04/23/niagara\integrated\film\festival\details\unveiled$

$ The$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$is$set$to$kick$off$their$inaugural$weekend$and$is$billing$the$three$day$ fest$as$the$tastiest$film$festival$in$town.$ $ Officials$and$sponsors$were$at$the$Bell$Lightbox$Theatre$in$Toronto$on$Tuesday$to$announce$the$lineup$for$ the$festival$which$runs$June$19\22.$ $ A$few$big$names$are$expecting$to$be$screening$films$at$the$festival.$ $ Academy$Award$winner$Robert$Duvall$is$staring$in$"One$Night$in$Mexico"$making$it's$North$American$ premiere$and$Christopher$Lloyd$is$staring$in$a$zombie$apocalypse$thriller$$"Dead$Before$Dawn"$which$will$ also$be$screening$at$the$festival.$ $ The$weekend$will$also$feature$a$number$of$local$films$including$"Restrung"$a$documentary$produced$by$St$ Catharines$native$Mike$Enns.$ $ Festival$creator$Bill$Marshall$told$CKTB$Niagara$offers$a$unique$experience$in$Canada$to$offer$culinary,$ wine$and$film$integrated$in$single$festival$to$make$it$a$one$stop$shop$for$tourists.$ For$more$information$or$to$buy$tickets,$visit$their$website$at$niff.co$ $ $ $

Bill*Marshall*launches*NIFF*X*the*Niagara* Integrated*Film*Festival*X*“The*film*festival*that* treats*you*like*a*star!”*June*19*X*22nd* $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Anne$Brodie$|$April$22$$ http://annebrodiecritic.blogspot.ca/2014/04/bill\marshall\launches\niff\niagara.html$ $ $ $

Talk$about$a$second$act!$$Bill$Marshall,$the$legendary$founder$of$the$Festival$ of$Festivals,$now$known$as$the$Toronto$International$Film$Festival,$has$his$ eye$on$Canada’s$Niagara$wine$and$food$region.$So$from$creating$the$world’s$ most$influential$film$festival,$Marshall$now$dedicate$himself$to$creating$the$ most$delicious.$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $ $ Knowing$the$high$concentration$of$film,$wine$and$cuisine$ artists$who$live$and$work$in$that$beautiful$enclave$Marshall$ has$launched$yet$another$film$festival,$namely,$the$Niagara$ Integrated$Film$Festival,$premiering$June$19.$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $ NIFF$marries$the$pleasures$of$the$palate$with$the$ love$of$film$for$a$one\of\a\kind,$never\been\done\ before$event.$$“That’s$what$my$great$talent$is”,$ Marshall$told$me$today$at$the$TIFF$Bell$Lightbox$ launch.$“I$see$something$really$obvious$and$do$it$ and$people$say$why$didn’t$I$think$of$that?$Okay!”$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $ That’s$what$happened$in$1976$when$he$and$friends$ came$up$with$the$idea$for$the$Festival$of$Festivals.$$ “You've$got$all$these$people$who$can’t$see$films$in$their$ own$language.$Why$don’t$we$show$them?$Okay.”$ $ Niagara$is$one$of$the$country’s$most$popular$tourist$attractions$with$the$Shaw$Theatre$festival$ the$extensive$vineyards$and$fruit$orchards,$its$restaurant$and$wine$culture.$$Marshall’s$a$fan.$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

“I’d$like$to$live$down$there;$I$always$said$I$wanted$to$ do$another$film$festival$somewhere.$$I$looked$at$all$ the$places$in$Canada$and$this$was$the$natural$place.$ You$have$the$great$cuisine$the$great$destination$and$ wine;$all$I$have$to$do$is$bring$some$decent$movies.$I$ still$have$a$passion$for$promoting$Canadian$talent$ and$this$is$a$great$place$to$do$that.$$It’s$an$hour$away$from$Toronto.$$Why$wouldn’t$you$come?$I$ don’t$see$anything$wrong$with$seeing$Canadians$going$to$Niagara,$instead$of$America!”$ $ $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ NIFF$preparations$and$celebrations$are$underway$already.$$“We$ are$having$a$sneak$preview$for$locals$this$week”$says$Marshall.$ We'll$be$showing$Restrung,$having$a$soul$food$buffet$and$then$a$ Motown$band$so$we$are$just$going$to$party$away.”$$$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $ $ $ Restrung$is$Mike$Enns’$portrait$of$Randall$Wyn$Fullmer,$a$Disney$ artist,$animator$and$/producer$who$gave$it$all$up$to$handcraft$ bass$guitars.$$Two$shorts$form$the$50’s$written$by$Mordecai$ Richler$and$starring$Peter$Sellers$$will$be$screened$as$will$the$early$ silent$films$with$Mary$Pickford,$the$Canadian\born$“America’s$ Sweetheart.”$including$Their$First$Misunderstanding$(1911).$$ $$ A$partial$list$of$titles$screening$at$NIFF:$ $ Ribbit$ Love$Is$Strange$ A$Night$in$Old$Mexico$ God$Help$The$Girl;$$$ More$Than$Honey$ A$Kind$Of$Wonderful$Thing$ The$Hundred$Year\Old$Man$Who$Climbed$Out$Of$The$Window$And$Disappeared$ Red$Obsession$ The$Post$ The$Provider$ The$Sparkling$River$ $ $For$more$information:$$$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

http://www.guitar-‐bass.net/news/restrung/ Monday April 28, 2014

Restrung’ – A New Guitar-‐Based Documentary Restrung is a brand new film directed by Mike Enns focusing on the trials and tribulations of Randall Wym Fullmer, who left his high-‐paying job at Walt Disney to craft small-‐batch bass guitars. The film is directed by Mike Enns and will premiere on June 19th at NIFF – a new film festival that the founder of TIFF Bill Marshall has established. SYNOPSIS: He had always considered making guitars a passion, not an occupation, but in 2007, Randall Wyn Fullmer, an ordinary guy with a cat, turned his lifelong hobby into a full-‐out obsession. To launch on this adventure, he did what anyone else would do — he quit his high paying dream job at the Walt Disney Company, leaving behind a successful 20 year career of creating major motion pictures such as “Chicken Little” and “The Emperors New Groove”. It seemed to make so much sense at the time! With Disney in the rear-‐view, Randall launched his self-‐proclaimed “Mad Plan” and began crafting small-‐batch bass guitars full time. From a beginner’s electrifying success to near break-‐down, this is a beautiful, honest and inspirational portrait of a passionate craftsperson who walked headlong into a foolhardy dream. This is a true tale of a life unwound and restrung.

Celebrating*food,*wine*and*film* $ May*07,*2014*K*7:05*pm* http://niagaralifemag.com/article/000427/Celebrating\food,\wine\and\film$ $ $

$ Bassist*Abraham*Laboriel*in*Restrung,*a*documentary*by*Niagara's*own*Mike*Enns*that*premieres*at*the* inaugural*Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival.* $ Bill$Marshall$would$one$day$love$to$see$the$region$roll$out$the$red$carpet$—$or$in$Niagara's$case$a$purple$ carpet$—$for$A\list$celebrities.$ $ It$won't$happen$overnight,$but$Marshall$knows$a$thing$or$two$about$building$a$film$festival.$He's$one$of$ the$co\founders$of$the$famed$Toronto$International$Film$Festival,$and$now$he$has$added$founder$of$the$ Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$to$his$curriculum$vitae.$Working$with$a$team$of$local$stakeholders,$ Marshall$is$staging$the$inaugural$Niagara$film$festival$June$19\22$at$venues$across$the$region.$ $ Marshall$looked$province\wide$and$saw$a$gem$in$Niagara.$With$a$world\class$wine$and$culinary$industry,$ he$saw$it$as$the$perfect$fit$to$blend$hospitality$and$entertainment.$ $ “Just$as$TIFF$is$unique$to$Toronto,”$says$Marshall,$“NIFF$will$translate$Niagara$to$the$world$as$a$ destination$of$fine$cuisine,$stellar$wineries$and$spectacular$film$festival$experiences.”$ $

The$vision$intrigued$Niagara$stakeholders$and$they$have$embraced$it.$Area$wineries,$post\secondary$ institutions$and$hotel$groups$are$on$board$as$partners,$and$since$a$successful$crowd\funding$campaign$ launched$last$fall,$the$buzz$from$the$community$has$become$a$rousing$roar.$ $ $ Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*coK Founder*Bill*Marshall,*right,*joins*TIFF* coKfounder*George*Anthony*at*the* launch*of*the*Niagara*film*festival*in* Toronto*on*April*22.* $ The$City$of$St.$Catharines,$for$ example,$is$already$pushing$to$ negotiate$with$festival$officials$to$use$ the$St.$Catharines$Performing$Arts$ Centre,$once$completed,$as$home$ base$for$the$festival.$Plans$are$to$also$ use$wineries,$as$well$as$other$ locations$such$as$White$Oaks$Resort,$ Brock$University,$Market$Square$in$St.$ Catharines,$the$new$Outlet$Centre$in$ Niagara\on\the\Lake$and$the$Pen$Centre$to$showcase$the$films$during$the$festival,$which$would$grow$from$ one$weekend$to$multiple$weekends$in$the$coming$years.$ $ “Much$like$Roy$Thomson$Hall$in$Toronto,$I$could$see$us$being$a$primary$tenant$at$the$performing$arts$ centre,”$Marshall$said$in$December.$ $ Marshall,$whose$wife$Sari$Ruda$is$assisting$with$the$management$of$the$festival,$has$even$managed$to$put$ a$Niagara$twist$in$the$lineup$for$the$inaugural$festival.$The$festival$will$present$the$world$premiere$of$ Restrung,$Niagara$filmmaker$Mike$Enns'$documentary$about$Randall$Wyn$Fullmer,$a$Disney$artist$who$ switched$passions$amid$personal$turmoil$to$make$handcrafted$bass$guitars.$ $ Other$highlights$include$two$short$films$from$the$‘50s$–$a$combination$of$sketch\comedy$and$sitcom$ starring$a$pre\Pink$Panther$Peter$Sellers$and$written$by$Canada's$Mordecai$Richler,$and$one$of$the$earliest$ silent$films$with$Mary$Pickford,$the$Canadian\born$“America's$Sweetheart”,$as$well$as$the$premieres$of$ Chuck$Powers'$animated$comedy$Ribbit$(featuring$the$voices$of$Sean$Astin$and$Russell$Peters)$and$Dave$ Green's$sci\fi$thriller$Earth$to$Echo,$A$Night$in$Old$Mexico$starring$Robert$Duvall,$made\in\Niagara$drama$ A$Kind$Of$Wonderful$Thing,$Switzerland's$submission$for$Best$Foreign$Film$Oscar,$the$stunning$bee$colony$ documentary$More$Than$Honey,$and$more.$ $ Filmalicious,$a$winery$dinner$and$movie$program,$will$run$concurrent$with$NIFF,$as$well$as$Film$Feast,$ where$four$wineries$will$host$an$evening$of$food,$wine$and$short$films.$ $ The$festival$is$also$issuing$a$call$for$entries$in$its$World's$Smallest$Film$Festival$program,$shorts$shot$on$ smartphones$showcasing$the$theme$of$water$in$the$Niagara$Region.$ $ Ticket$prices$for$the$inaugural$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$will$run$from$$15$for$a$regular$move$ticket,$ up$to$$50$for$gala$tickets$(includes$cocktail$reception),$$125\175$for$Filmalicious$(depending$on$venue),$ and$$125$for$Film$Feast.$For$more$information$on$the$festival,$or$to$purchase$tickets$online,$visit$ www.niagarafilmfest.com.$ $ $ $

* Niagara*takes*another*shot*at*a*film*fest* By John Law, Niagara Falls Review Thursday, May 15, 2014 5:26:57 EDT PM

http://www.wellandtribune.ca/2014/05/15/niagara\takes\another\shot\at\a\film\fest$ $

$ $ Fifteen$years$later,$Niagara$is$taking$another$shot$at$a$film$festival.$ But$this$one$–$called$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$–$is$going$to$be$a$lot$different$than$the$first.$ Which$should$bode$well.$ It$won't$have$celebrities$or$a$massive$budget,$but$it$will$have$one$big$difference:$The$guy$who$co\ founded$the$Toronto$International$Film$Festival,$Bill$Marshall.$Though$he$has$helped$other$festivals$ get$going$since$he$started$Toronto's$in$1976,$the$scenery$and$potential$of$Niagara$prompted$Marshall$ to$create$a$whole$new$one.$ "From$an$ego$standpoint,$you$don't$want$to$be$known$as$a$one$trick$pony,"$he$chuckled$after$ Wednesday's$launch$at$Market$Square$in$St.$Catharines$for$the$June$19$to$22$festival.$ "But$I$thought,$if$I'm$going$to$do$one,$I$want$to$make$sure$it's$a$winner.$Niagara$seemed$like$a$no\ brainer$to$me.$You've$got$the$scenery,$you've$got$some$great$food,$you've$got$the$wineries.$You've$ just$got$to$stick$some$movies$in$there…how$can$they$go$wrong?"$

Except,$it$did$go$wrong$once.$Painfully$so.$ In$1998,$former$Review$publisher$John$Van$Kooten$went$big$right$out$of$the$gate$with$the$inaugural$ 10\day$Niagara$Film$Festival.$Without$new$movies$to$screen,$he$went$with$a$retro$theme,$bringing$in$ cult$classics,$Canadian$films,$horror$flicks$and$a$Marilyn$Monroe$series$in$light$of$her$breakthrough$ role$in$1953's$Niagara.$Smart$people$from$Toronto$planned$everything.$Big$sponsors$like$Casino$ Niagara,$Kodak$and$the$Niagara$Parks$Commission$jumped$aboard.$Stars$like$Jane$Russell,$Stella$ Stevens$and$Evelyn$Keyes$\$the$only$surviving$cast$member$of$Gone$With$the$Wind$–$were$flown$in.$ Van$Kooten's$biggest$coup$was$getting$Niagara$Falls'$own$James$Cameron,$fresh$off$his$Best$Director$ win$at$the$Oscars,$to$attend$a$screening$of$Titanic$at$the$IMAX$Theatre.$He$was$coming$to$town$ anyway$to$attend$a$high$school$reunion$at$Stamford$Collegiate.$The$stars$were$aligned,$it$appeared.$ But$the$$1$million$festival$was$a$logistical$mess$and$too$many$screenings$had$empty$seats.$Van$ Kooten$vowed$to$"learn$from$our$mistakes."$But$instead$of$reigning$in$the$budget$and$letting$the$fest$ grow$naturally,$he$went$bigger$in$Year$2$with$a$superhero$theme$that$brought$–$at$great$expense$–$ Christopher$Reeve$back$to$the$city$he$shot$a$portion$of$Superman$II$in.$After$that$memorable$and$ very$emotional$night$(his$was$paralyzed$in$a$horse$riding$accident$three$years$earlier),$the$same$old$ problems$resurfaced.$Technical$snafus.$Slim$crowds.$Movies$were$screened$in$a$stifling$hot$tent.$ A$print$of$Raiders$of$the$Lost$Ark$was$barely$in$colour$and$scratched$beyond$repair.$The$projector$ went$down$during$Batman$and$no$one$was$around$to$fix$it.$They$had$to$turn$off$True$Lies$midway$ through$because$of$a$sound$problem.$It$was$a$film$festival$where$films$seemed$to$be$an$ afterthought.$ Van$Kooten$vowed$to$land$new$releases$for$the$third$year,$but$he$never$got$the$chance.$With$ dwindling$funds$and$sponsors$pulling$out,$the$festival$was$finished.$ A$great$opportunity$was$wasted.$Marshall$doesn't$intend$to$make$the$same$mistakes.$ Utilizing$many$of$the$same$people$that$make$the$Toronto$International$Film$Festival$one$of$the$ biggest$in$the$world,$NIFF$will$involve$local$restaurants$and$wineries$while$catering$to$film$buffs$with$ obscure,$specialized$content.$There$will$be$the$North$American$premiere$of$three$short$films$starring$ Peter$Sellers,$rescued$from$a$London$dumpster,$along$with$the$first$Canadian$screening$of$a$1911$ Mary$Pickford$movie.$Mondo$Wacko$will$offer$offbeat$flicks$while$Niagara$Rises$gives$local$ filmmakers$the$spotlight.$ It$will$not$be$another$Toronto$International$Film$Festival.$We$don't$need$one$–$Toronto$has$it.$ Rather,$it$will$be$a$festival$where$Niagara$itself$is$the$star$attraction.$At$a$time$where$any$movie$can$ be$downloaded$within$minutes$–$even$the$ones$currently$in$theatres$–$a$film$festival$can't$just$be$ about$films$any$more.$ "It's$called$a$'film$festival,'$but$there're$often$other$components$to$it,"$says$NIFF's$managing$director,$ Roberta$Munroe.$"Whether$that's$food$and$wine,$digital$installations.$At$many$festivals,$you$go$and$ there's$something$for$everybody."$ Celebrities$won't$come$the$first$year,$adds$Marshall.$First$you$build$the$buzz,$then$you$get$the$ movies,$then$you$get$the$people$who$made$them.$ "You've$got$to$have$a$certain$reputation$that$you're$not$going$to$screw$people's$movies$around,"$he$ says.$"You$can't$do$it$because$you'd$like$to$have$a$film$festival.$You$have$to$know$what$you're$doing."$ They$all$start$with$good$intentions.$But$the$ones$that$last$can$change$a$community.$How$many$ people$cared$about$Park$City,$Utah$in$January$before$the$Sundance$film$festival$arrived$in$1981?$It$ now$attracts$more$than$40,000$people$per$year.$ Niagara$already$gets$that$on$a$typical$summer$week.$Imagine$what$a$world\renowned$film$festival$ would$add.$ As$Marshall$asked$Wednesday,$"why$in$the$world,$with$5,000$film$festivals,$would$we$want$to$launch$ another$one?"$ Because$only$one$will$have$Niagara$in$its$name.$So$let's$try$this$again.$ $ $

Niagara*takes*another*shot*at*a*film*fest* By John Law, Niagara Falls Review Thursday, May 15, 2014 5:26:57 EDT PM

http://www.thoroldedition.ca/2014/05/15/niagara\takes\another\shot\at\a\film\fest$ $

In$1998,$former$Review$publisher$John$Van$Kooten$went$big$right$out$of$the$gate$with$the$inaugural$ 10\day$Niagara$Film$Festival.$Without$new$movies$to$screen,$he$went$with$a$retro$theme,$bringing$in$ cult$classics,$Canadian$films,$horror$flicks$and$a$Marilyn$Monroe$series$in$light$of$her$breakthrough$ role$in$1953's$Niagara.$Smart$people$from$Toronto$planned$everything.$Big$sponsors$like$Casino$ Niagara,$Kodak$and$the$Niagara$Parks$Commission$jumped$aboard.$Stars$like$Jane$Russell,$Stella$ Stevens$and$Evelyn$Keyes$\$the$only$surviving$cast$member$of$Gone$With$the$Wind$–$were$flown$in.$ Van$Kooten's$biggest$coup$was$getting$Niagara$Falls'$own$James$Cameron,$fresh$off$his$Best$Director$ win$at$the$Oscars,$to$attend$a$screening$of$Titanic$at$the$IMAX$Theatre.$He$was$coming$to$town$ anyway$to$attend$a$high$school$reunion$at$Stamford$Collegiate.$The$stars$were$aligned,$it$appeared.$ But$the$$1$million$festival$was$a$logistical$mess$and$too$many$screenings$had$empty$seats.$Van$ Kooten$vowed$to$"learn$from$our$mistakes."$But$instead$of$reigning$in$the$budget$and$letting$the$fest$ grow$naturally,$he$went$bigger$in$Year$2$with$a$superhero$theme$that$brought$–$at$great$expense$–$ Christopher$Reeve$back$to$the$city$he$shot$a$portion$of$Superman$II$in.$After$that$memorable$and$ very$emotional$night$(his$was$paralyzed$in$a$horse$riding$accident$three$years$earlier),$the$same$old$ problems$resurfaced.$Technical$snafus.$Slim$crowds.$Movies$were$screened$in$a$stifling$hot$tent.$ A$print$of$Raiders$of$the$Lost$Ark$was$barely$in$colour$and$scratched$beyond$repair.$The$projector$ went$down$during$Batman$and$no$one$was$around$to$fix$it.$They$had$to$turn$off$True$Lies$midway$ through$because$of$a$sound$problem.$It$was$a$film$festival$where$films$seemed$to$be$an$ afterthought.$ Van$Kooten$vowed$to$land$new$releases$for$the$third$year,$but$he$never$got$the$chance.$With$ dwindling$funds$and$sponsors$pulling$out,$the$festival$was$finished.$ A$great$opportunity$was$wasted.$Marshall$doesn't$intend$to$make$the$same$mistakes.$ Utilizing$many$of$the$same$people$that$make$the$Toronto$International$Film$Festival$one$of$the$ biggest$in$the$world,$NIFF$will$involve$local$restaurants$and$wineries$while$catering$to$film$buffs$with$ obscure,$specialized$content.$There$will$be$the$North$American$premiere$of$three$short$films$starring$ Peter$Sellers,$rescued$from$a$London$dumpster,$along$with$the$first$Canadian$screening$of$a$1911$ Mary$Pickford$movie.$Mondo$Wacko$will$offer$offbeat$flicks$while$Niagara$Rises$gives$local$ filmmakers$the$spotlight.$ It$will$not$be$another$Toronto$International$Film$Festival.$We$don't$need$one$–$Toronto$has$it.$ Rather,$it$will$be$a$festival$where$Niagara$itself$is$the$star$attraction.$At$a$time$where$any$movie$can$ be$downloaded$within$minutes$–$even$the$ones$currently$in$theatres$–$a$film$festival$can't$just$be$ about$films$any$more.$ "It's$called$a$'film$festival,'$but$there're$often$other$components$to$it,"$says$NIFF's$managing$director,$ Roberta$Munroe.$"Whether$that's$food$and$wine,$digital$installations.$At$many$festivals,$you$go$and$ there's$something$for$everybody."$ Celebrities$won't$come$the$first$year,$adds$Marshall.$First$you$build$the$buzz,$then$you$get$the$ movies,$then$you$get$the$people$who$made$them.$ "You've$got$to$have$a$certain$reputation$that$you're$not$going$to$screw$people's$movies$around,"$he$ says.$"You$can't$do$it$because$you'd$like$to$have$a$film$festival.$You$have$to$know$what$you're$doing."$ They$all$start$with$good$intentions.$But$the$ones$that$last$can$change$a$community.$How$many$ people$cared$about$Park$City,$Utah$in$January$before$the$Sundance$film$festival$arrived$in$1981?$It$ now$attracts$more$than$40,000$people$per$year.$ Niagara$already$gets$that$on$a$typical$summer$week.$Imagine$what$a$world\renowned$film$festival$ would$add.$ As$Marshall$asked$Wednesday,$"why$in$the$world,$with$5,000$film$festivals,$would$we$want$to$launch$ another$one?"$ Because$only$one$will$have$Niagara$in$its$name.$So$let's$try$this$again.$ $ $ $

Niagara*takes*another*shot*at*a*film*fest* By John Law, Niagara Falls Review Thursday, May 15, 2014 5:26:57 EDT PM

http://www.forterietimes.ca/2014/05/15/niagara\takes\another\shot\at\a\film\fest$ $

* Niagara*takes*another*shot*at*a*film*fest* By John Law, Niagara Falls Review Thursday, May 15, 2014 5:26:57 EDT PM

http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2014/05/15/niagara\takes\another\shot\at\a\film\fest$ $

TIFF*coXfounder*uncorks*new*Niagara*film* festival* Marshall:*Region*to*play*starring*role*during*June*festival* $ Niagara$This$Week$\$St.$Catharines$ By$$Scott$Rosts$ http://www.thespec.com/whatson\story/4528883\tiff\co\founder\uncorks\new\niagara\film\ festival/$ $ ST.$CATHARINES$—$Bill$Marshall$jokes$that$ George$Clooney$won’t$be$walking$the$red$ carpet$at$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$ Festival$(NIFF)$this$year,$but$that’s$all$part$ of$the$growth$of$the$inaugural$event.$ $ Last$Wednesday$afternoon$Marshall,$co\ founder$of$the$Toronto$International$Film$ Festival,$launched$NIFF$at$the$Market$ Square$in$downtown$St.$Catharines.$It$was$ a$chance$to$build$on$the$major$launch$in$ Toronto$in$late$April,$and$to$bring$the$buzz$ building$for$the$festival’s$first$year$to$ where$it’s$all$going$to$unfold.$ $ “We$have$to$start$somewhere$—$just$like$ Toronto$did,”$Marshall$said$in$an$interview$ prior$to$the$launch,$which$gave$local$stakeholders$and$members$of$the$public$a$glimpse$at$what$will$ happen$at$this$year’s$event,$as$well$as$celebrate$the$local$contributors.$“I’m$so$excited$about$the$ potential$of$this.”$ $ Marshall$was$excited$to$simply$bring$the$word$to$the$region.$While$the$Toronto$launch$helped$create$ some$buzz$in$the$home$of$TIFF,$the$St.$Catharines$event$was$a$chance$to$connect$with$all$of$the$ individuals$and$companies$that$will$make$the$inaugural$NIFF$a$success.$ $ “We$have$such$a$great$group$of$people$who$are$on$board$wanting$to$help$out,$and$support$this,”$ said$Marshall.$“I$think$there$is$a$fantastic$buzz$that$surrounds$this$already.$The$support$from$St.$ Catharines,$Niagara\on\the\Lake$and$Twenty$Valley$has$been$fantastic.”$ $

His$visit$to$the$region$also$included$further$meetings$with$some$of$the$talented$individuals$who$make$ up$the$arts$community$in$Niagara.$In$particular,$Marshall$pointed$to$a$visit$to$Innovate$Niagara$and$ The$Generator$at$One$interactive$media$production$facility.$ $ “Just$that$talent$alone$shows$me$how$great$this$area$is,$and$how$creative$the$community$can$be,”$ said$Marshall.$“There’s$a$lot$of$great$work$being$done$here,$and$hopefully$we$can$be$part$of$ showcasing$that.”$ $ They’ve$already$started$celebrating$Niagara$talent$in$year$one.$The$festival$will$present$the$world$ premiere$of$Restrung,$Niagara$filmmaker$Mike$Enns’$documentary$about$Randall$Wyn$Fullmer,$a$ Disney$artist$who$switched$passions$amid$personal$turmoil$to$make$handcrafted$bass$guitars.$ $ $“We’re$thrilled$to$have$that$make$ its$premiere,”$said$Marshall.$“I$ can’t$think$of$a$better$place$than$ here$in$Niagara.”$ $ During$his$speech$at$Market$Square$ —$which$he$called$the$NIFF$ Lightbox$in$reference$to$TIFF’s$ homebase$in$Toronto,$the$Bell$ Lightbox$—$Marshall$said$Niagara$ has$a$big$role$to$play.$While$the$ goal$is$to$bring$audiences$from$ outside$the$region,$the$event$is$also$ for$Niagarans$as$well.$ $ “Let’s$think$local$and$act$locally,”$ he$said.$“We$need$you$all.”$ $ In$addition$to$the$premier$of$Enns’$ documentary,$other$highlights$ include$two$short$films$from$the$ ‘50s$–$a$combination$of$sketch\comedy$and$sitcom$starring$a$pre\Pink$Panther$Peter$Sellers$and$ written$by$Canada’s$Mordecai$Richler,$and$one$of$the$earliest$silent$films$with$Mary$Pickford,$the$ Canadian\born$“America’s$Sweetheart”,$as$well$as$the$premieres$of$Chuck$Powers’$animated$comedy$ Ribbit$(featuring$the$voices$of$Sean$Astin$and$Russell$Peters)$and$Dave$Green’s$sci\fi$thriller$Earth$to$ Echo,$A$Night$in$Old$Mexico$starring$Robert$Duvall,$made\in\Niagara$drama$A$Kind$Of$Wonderful$ Thing,$Switzerland’s$submission$for$Best$Foreign$Film$Oscar,$the$stunning$bee$colony$documentary$ More$Than$Honey,$and$more.$ $ Filmalicious,$a$winery$dinner$and$movie$program,$will$run$concurrent$with$NIFF,$as$well$as$Film$Feast,$ where$four$wineries$will$host$an$evening$of$food,$wine$and$short$films.$ $ The$festival$is$also$issuing$a$call$for$entries$in$its$World’s$Smallest$Film$Festival$program,$shorts$shot$ on$smartphones$showcasing$the$theme$of$water$in$the$Niagara$Region.$ $ Marshall,$during$his$speech,$said$with$5,000$other$film$festivals$across$the$globe,$one$may$ask$why$ start$up$another$one$in$Niagara.$ $

“A$lot$of$people$here$want$to$believe$in$a$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival,”$he$said.$ $ There$is$only$one$TIFF,$he$said$in$an$interview,$and$there$will$only$be$one$NIFF.$ $ “This$is$going$to$be$such$a$unique$experience$—$great$food,$great$wine$and$great$entertainment,”$ Marshall$said.$“It$will$be$a$one\of\a\kind$experience$that$only$Niagara$will$be$able$to$offer.”$ $ Ticket$prices$for$the$inaugural$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$will$run$from$$15$for$a$regular$move$ ticket,$up$to$$50$for$gala$tickets$(includes$cocktail$reception),$$125\175$for$Filmalicious$(depending$ on$venue),$and$$125$for$Film$Feast.$For$more$information$on$the$festival,$or$to$purchase$tickets$ online,$visit$www.niagarafilmfest.com.$ $ $ $ $ $ $

Entries*sought*for*tiny*film*fest* $ Niagara$This$Week$\$St.$Catharines$ http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson\story/4522470\entries\sought\for\tiny\film\fest/$ $ ST.$CATHARINES$—$Get$out$your$smartphone$and$start$capturing$a$water\themed$film$to$be$part$of$the$ inaugural$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival.$ $ Submissions$are$now$being$accepted$for$The$World’s$Smallest$Film$Festival,$a$competition$of$films$shot$on$ smartphones,$and$one$of$the$features$at$NIFF$this$summer.$You$can$make$a$splash,$as$the$theme$of$the$ inaugural$year$is$water,$allowing$filmmakers$to$use$the$theme$in$any$way$they$wish.$ $ The$one\$to$three\minute$length$mobile$shorts$will$be$hosted$on$the$NIFF$website$and$viewers$will$vote$ their$favourite$film$through$a$user\generated$voting$system.$The$top$24$films$will$be$selected$to$screen$at$ the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival,$June$19\22,$with$prizes$in$store$for$the$top\three$winners.$Films$will$ be$judged$on$the$store,$mobile$device$usage$and$creative$direction.$ $ The$submission$period$opens$May$22$and$runs$through$May$29,$with$films$to$be$posted$online$by$May$31,$ and$audience$voting$to$take$place$leading$up$to$June$7.$There$is$a$$20$fee$for$each$submission.$ $ For$complete$rules,$submission$information$and$other$details,$visit$http://niagarafilmfest.com/worlds\ smallest\film\festival\post/.$ $ $ $ $ $

NIFF$

Bianca$Tomori$ http://www.tvcogeco.com/niagara/gallery/the\source/6923\may\source\stories/88314\niff$$ Friday,$May$16,$2014$$

Bill$Marshall,$Co\founder$of$The$Toronto$International$Film$Festival,$wants$to$bring$a$brand$new$ film$festival$to$Niagara$\$The$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)!$The$Festival$aims$to$pair$ premiere$film$festival$movies$with$Niagara's$premiere$wines$and$cuisine!$Check$out$Bianca$ Tomori's$report$to$learn$more$about$this$exciting$new$Festival$coming$to$Niagara$in$June!$

NIAGARA*INTEGRATED*FILM*FESTIVAL* http://www.marikabournaki.com/?cat=4#post\745$$ Tuesday,$May$20,$2014$

June$20,$2014$\$Screening$of$“I$am$not$a$rock$star”$ and$performance,$Peller$Estate$Winery,$Niagara\on$– the$–Lake,$Canada$ $

Big*opportunities*in*film*festival$

http://www.niagarathisweek.com/opinion\story/4529471\big\opportunities\in\film\festival/$$ Tuesday,$May$20,$2014$$ $ No$doubt,$folks$in$big$American$cities$most$likely$giggled$at$the$thought$of$a$film$festival$launching$in$ Toronto$way$back$in$1976.$ Fast\forward$38$years$later,$and$no$one’s$giggling.$The$Toronto$International$Film$Festival,$as$the$original$ Festival$of$Festivals$is$now$known,$is$largely$regarded$as$the$second$most$influential$film$festival$in$the$ world$next$to$the$Cannes.$ And$while$getting$your$film$seen$—$and$positively$reviewed$—$at$the$festival$in$the$famed$French$Riviera$ can$make$or$break$movies,$the$TIFF$is$regarded$as$the$most$important$launching$pad$by$many$for$movies’$ Oscar$hopes.$ That’s$given$the$TIFF$major$drawing$power$for$A\list$movie$stars$who$pour$into$Hogtown$each$September$ for$the$event.$$Colin$Firth,$Nicole$Kidman,$Brad$Pitt,$Hugh$Jackman,$Jake$Gyllenhaal,$Paul$Giamatti,$Zac$ Efron,$Keira$Knightly,$Jennifer$Garner,$Matthew$ McConaughey$—$they$were$among$the$many$ stars$who$were$seen$on$the$red$carpet$in$ Toronto$at$the$most$recent$festival.$ Could$the$day$come$when$we’ll$see$George$ Clooney$popping$into$Helen’s$deli$on$James$ Street$in$St.$Catharines$for$a$beef$on$weck$ lunch,$or$Tom$Cruise$diving$into$a$steak$dinner$ at$the$Blue$Mermaid$on$Market$Street?$ We$may$be$awhile$from$seeing$that$happen.$But$ judging$from$how$the$TIFF$has$blossomed,$the$ new$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$ could$one$day$become$a$big$draw$in$its$own$rite.$ The$inaugural$event,$taking$place$over$four$days$in$June,$is$the$brainchild$of$TIFF$co\founder$Bill$Marshall$ and$local$stakeholders.$With$TIFF$already$bursting$at$the$seams,$Marshall$decided$to$look$elsewhere$to$ build$on$and$duplicate$what’s$been$accomplished$in$Canada’s$largest$city.$ Niagara’s$wine$and$culinary$scene$got$the$attention$of$Marshall,$who$sees$the$region$being$the$perfect$ blend$of$hospitality$and$entertainment.$ Niagara$wineries,$post\secondary$institutions$and$hotel$groups$have$also$seen$the$possibilities$and$have$ signed$on$as$partners.$ The$new$festival$comes$as$work$is$progressing$on$the$new$performing$arts$centre$in$downtown$St.$ Catharines,$set$for$completion$in$2016.$Marshall$foresees$that$stunning$new$centre$serving$as$the$main$ hub$for$the$NIFF$once$the$project$is$completed.$ Plans$also$call$for$films$to$be$showcased$at$locations$such$as$Brock$University$and$the$Pen$Centre,$and$for$ the$festival$—$starting$out$modestly$—$to$grow$from$one$weekend$to$multiple$weekends$in$the$coming$ years.$ The$possibilities$seem$vast.$The$festival$will$expose$Niagara’s$natural$beauty$and$attractions$to$an$ international$crowd,$most$certainly$enhancing$tourism$traffic$and$creating$opportunities$for$Niagara$as$a$ place$for$future$film$production.$ Look$forward$to$the$day$when$we$get$to$watch$movie$stars$strutting$down$St.$Paul$Street$in$St.$Catharines.$

Niagara*College*films*featured*at*Niagara* Integrated*Film*Festival* http://broadcasting.niagaracollege.ca/content/Contact/News/tabid/2939/EntryId/2752/Niagara\College\ films\featured\at\Niagara\Integrated\Film\Festival.aspx$$ Tuesday,$May$20,$2014$

Two$Niagara$College$films$were$announced$ as$part$of$the$lineup$for$the$first$edition$of$ the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival.$The$ announcements$were$made$at$the$festival's$ official$launch$Wednesday$in$St.$Catharines.$ The$festival$will$take$place$June$19\22$at$ venues$around$the$Niagara$Region.$ $ Sidewalk$Surfing,$by$Third$Year$BRTF$ students$Madison$Garratt,$Jordan$Ogryzlo$ and$Dillon$Erwin,$is$a$short$documentary$ film$on$the$sport$of$Longboarding$filmed$this$winter$in$San$Diego,$California.$ $ Vine$Life:$the$Story$of$a$Vintage$is$a$one\hour$documentary$profiling$several$winemakers$ from$the$Niagara$wine$industry,$including$Niagara$College$Viticulture$grads$Shauna$ White$and$Casey$Kulczyk.$The$film$was$produced$by$BRTF$professors$Andrew$Stevenson,$ James$Crowe$and$David$Niven.$ $

Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*(NIFF)* Programmer*Tony*Watts*Secures*Four*Corners* &*Cold*in*July*For*Inaugural*Event*In*June*2014* http://www.thebusinessoffilmdaily.com/Dailyeditioncannes2014/D7_S3.html$$ Wednesday,$May$21,$2014$$

$ Internationally$renowned$programmer$Tony$Watts$has$bedecked$the$upcoming$first$Niagara$ Integrated$Film$Festival$to$be$held$in$Niagara$Falls,$Canada,$with$two$first\rate$features$that$ were$screening$at$the$Cannes$Film$Festival.$$ $ Watts,$Director$of$Programming$for$the$inaugural$NIFF$(and$the$first$director$of$programmes$for$ the$Toronto$International$Film$Festival,$known$in$its$inception$as$Festival$of$Festivals),$sourced$ the$Croisette$to$land$the$acclaimed$Four$Corners$directed$by$Ian$Gabriel$from$South$Africa,$(sold$ internationally$by$The$Little$Film$Company)$which$will$have$an$International$Premiere$at$NIFF,$ and$Cold$In$July$by$Jim$Mickle,$that$makes$its$Canadian$debut$at$NIFF.$$ $ Four$Corners$was$the$official$South$African$selection$for$Best$Foreign$Language$Film$at$the$86th$ Academy$Awards.$A$coming\of\age$crime$drama$set$amid$South$African$gang$culture,$this$raw$ and$violent$film$touches$on$issues$of$love,$loss,$kinship,$betrayal$and$redemption.$Director$Ian$ Gabriel$will$be$a$special$guest$at$NIFF$for$the$screening.$$ $ Cold$In$July$is$a$2014$American$crime$drama$based$on$the$cult$novel$of$the$same$name$by$ author$Joe$R.$Lansdale.$A$breakthrough$film$for$director/co\writer$Jim$Mickle.$The$film$stars$ Michael$C.$Hall,$Sam$Shepard,$Don$Johnson,$and$Nick$Damici,$in$the$story$of$a$man$targeted$for$a$ revenge$murder$after$he$accidentally$kills$an$unarmed$intruder.$But$connecting$the$dots$of$his$ intended$assassination$leads$him$to$a$larger,$murkier$world$of$police$corruption.$Cold$In$July$will$

be$released$through$IFC$in$the$US$for$theatrical$distribution.$$ $ About*Tony*Watts:*$ Tony$Watts,$considered$amongst$the$international$Festival$circuit$as$the$programmer's$ programmer,$has$also$held$the$position$of$executive$in$international$film$and$television$since$the$ 1970s.$Watts$was$The$Director$of$Programmes$for$the$inaugural$Toronto$Film$Festival$(Festival$ of$Festivals)$and$he$has$held$executive$positions$with$Premiere$(the$UK's$first$satellite$Pay$TV$ channel),$and$with$its$successor$Sky,$Hong$Kong\based$Star$Movies$and$Sundance$Channel$ International$(where$he$reported$to$and$worked$directly$with$Robert$Redford).$In$recent$years,$ he's$been$CEO$of$RTL$Asia$(the$pay\TV$arm$of$Europe's$largest$broadcaster),$and$is$CEO/Founder$ of$The$Festivals$Channel$\$a$subscription$app$movie$service.$Tony$Watts$is$considered$the$ foremost$expert$on$international$film$programming$across$different$platforms.$$ $ About*NIFF:$ The$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$is$a$film$festival$that$aims$to$shine$a$cinematic$ spotlight$on$the$Niagara$Region's$extraordinary$beauty$while$showcasing$top$shelf$independent$ films$from$across$the$world.$NIFF$is$run$by$an$expert$team$of$film$festival$managers,$led$by$Bill$ Marshall,$Founder$and$Chair$Emeritus$of$TIFF$(Toronto$International$Film$Festival),$the$world's$ most$successful$public$film$festival.$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

NIFF*picks*up*Cannes*duo* Jermy$Kay$ http://www.screendaily.com/festivals/cannes/niff\picks\up\cannes\duo/5072253.article$ Wednesday,$May$21,$2014$$

* Veteran*programmer*Tony*Watts*has*slotted*two*Cannes*market*titles*into*the* upcoming*inaugural*Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*(NIFF)*in*Ontario,*Canada.* * Watts,$who$serves$as$director$of$programming$for$the$inaugural$NIFF,$has$picked$up$Ian$ Gabrielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s$Four*Corners$from$South$Africa$and$Jim$Mickleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s$Cold*In*July$(pictured).$ Four*Corners$was$the$official$South$African$selection$for$the$Oscars$earlier$this$year$and$ is$a$coming\of\age$crime$drama$set$amid$gang$culture.$Gabriel$will$attend$NIFF.$ Crime$drama$Cold*In*July$is$based$on$the$cult$novel$of$the$same$name$by$author$Joe$R$ Lansdale$and$will$open$in$the$US$through$IFC.$ The$festival$is$set$to$run$from$June$19\22.$

Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*

Gabrielle$Tieman$ http://www.today\magazine.com/people\events/niagara\international\film\festival/$$ Monday,$May$26,$2014$$ $

$ $ There$is$nothing$more$widely$appealing$than$cinema$and$film.$Whether$you$are$a$fan$of$side$ splitting$comedies,$heart$pounding$thrillers$or$a$classic$rom\com,$movies$pull$people$into$ stories$and$allow$for$an$escape$–$at$least$for$a$few$hours.$This$June,$the$Niagara$Region$will$ host$the$picture\perfect$movie$escape,$marrying$an$idyllic$combination$of$film,$food$and$ wine$that$you$will$not$want$to$overlook$while$booking$your$summer$vacations.$ $ Shining$a$cinematic$spotlight$on$the$natural$beauty$of$the$Niagara$Region,$the$Niagara$ Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$will$showcase$35$of$the$year’s$major$international$ independent$films$from$across$the$globe$along$with$films$from$Canadian$newcomers$to$the$ film$industry.$Featuring$dramas,$comedies,$documentaries$and$animated$films,$NIFF$will$ offer$a$little$something$for$every$movie$goer$and$film$connoisseur$to$enjoy.$Pair$these$films$ with$world$class$wine$and$food$from$internationally$acclaimed$wineries$and$can$you$think$of$ a$better$weekend$getaway?$ $ Bringing$NIFF$to$reality$is$film$festival$legend$Bill$Marshall,$one$of$the$original$founders$and$ chair$emeritus$of$the$Toronto$International$Film$Festival$(TIFF).$Widely$known$as$the$world’s$ most$successful$public$film$festival,$TIFF,$originally$known$as$“The$Festival$of$Festivals,”$was$ first$brought$to$life$in$1976$as$an$outlet$for$international$producers$and$filmmakers$to$ showcase$their$films$and$original$productions$to$a$broader$audience.$Showcasing$an$average$ 350$films$from$over$70$countries$annually,$the$festival$is$widely$known$for$jumpstarting$the$

careers$of$many$actors$and$directors$and$placing$Canada$on$the$map$for$film$excellence$and$ appreciation.$ Marshall$says$at$the$time,$bringing$a$film$festival$to$Toronto$was$a$no$brainer;$although$his$ intentions,$along$with$those$of$fellow$original$spearheads$Henk$Van$der$Kolk$and$Dusty$ Cohl,$were$not$entirely$selfless.$ $ “The$reason$we$started$the$festival$was$quite$selfish,”$said$Marshall.$“I$was$making$feature$ films$and$none$of$us$really$knew$what$we$were$doing$–$the$Canadian$industry$was$half$a$ dozen$guys$at$the$time,$we$were$a$very$small$bunch.$We$thought$if$we$had$a$film$festival$we$ could$bring$other$experts$here$from$all$over$the$world$and$see$how$they$do$it$and$we$could$ get$some$ideas.$This$is$why$we$got$to$be$good$at$what$we$do$–$if$not$confident.”$ $ Marshall$said$that$it$wasn’t$only$hard$for$the$writers$and$directors$to$find$quality$ international$films$for$inspiration,$but$for$residents$as$a$whole.$For$a$city$as$diverse$as$ Toronto,$there$was$a$surprising$lack$of$options$for$the$community$to$enjoy$films$in$their$ native$language.$ $ “There$is$an$audience$that$likes$and$appreciates$movies$in$Toronto,”$said$Marshall.$“We$ didn’t$know$how$big$it$was$–$but$it$was$a$seething$underbrush.$If$you$were$Spanish$or$ French$or$Italian,$this$festival$was$the$only$way$you$got$to$see$your$own$country’s$culture$ and$movies$–$and$people$wanted$that.”$ $ As$obvious$as$it$was$to$bring$such$a$film$festival$to$Toronto$in$the$mid\seventies,$Marshall$ said$it$was$just$as$clear$when$deciding$to$bring$such$a$festival$to$the$Niagara$Region$–$if$not$ a$perfect$combination.$ $ “When$I$started$in$Toronto,$it$seemed$to$me$so$obvious,”$said$Marshall.$“It$is$a$city$of$ immigrants$and$that$is$a$factor$to$make$something$like$this$work$–$if$you$give$them$ something$they$want,$it$can’t$fail.$Niagara$has$so$many$resources$just$sitting$on$the$vine$and$ not$being$properly$exploited,$it$was$really$a$no$brainer.”$ $ NIFF$will$be$taking$full$advantage$of$the$region’s$untapped$resources$by$combining$the$best$ of$Niagara’s$offerings$into$an$amalgamated$masterpiece$of$wineries,$cinema$and$nature.$$$ Showcasing$35$films$and$100$screenings$over$the$June$19\22$weekend,$the$films$will$take$ place$at$an$assortment$of$venues.$Venues$will$range$from$predictable$and$traditional$ locations$like$Landmark$Cinemas$in$the$Pen$Center$and$Brock$University,$Niagara$College$ and$Ridley$College$auditoriums$to$the$less$traditional$including$vineyards,$parks$and$even$ airport$hangars.$ And$as$a$global$food$and$wine$destination,$Niagara$Region’s$vineyards$were$the$obvious$ pairing$for$NIFF$events$to$take$place$alongside.$ $ “The$wineries$in$Niagara$have$gone$from$ordinary$to$world$class,”$said$Marshall.$“And$it$ became$obvious$to$me$that$the$market$here$is$so$smart.$It$is$an$exciting$combination$–$and$ really$a$no$brainer.$Sitting$in$a$vineyard,$eating$great$food$and$watching$a$movie.$A$movie$is$ the$cherry$on$top$to$the$winery.$What$a$positive$way$to$spend$a$weekend.”$ $

12$vineyards$have$registered$to$host$events$throughout$the$festival,$including$Fimalicious,$a$ spin$on$the$traditional$“dinner$and$a$movie”$evening.$Filmalicious$will$bring$local$wineries,$ original$feature\length$films$and$some$of$Canada’s$most$talented$chefs$together$for$a$ spectacular$evening$of$world\class$cinema$and$food$–$all$with$wine$pairings$to$complete$the$ experience.$ Looking$for$a$less$intimate$cinema$and$wine$experience?$Film$Feast,$a$sampling$and$short$ film$coupling,$will$give$attendees$the$opportunity$to$sample$flights$of$vintage$wines$and$hors$ d’oeuvres$while$enjoying$a$selection$of$short$films.$ $ Included$in$this$short$films$category$will$be$the$series$Canada’s$Not$Short$on$Talent,$a$ compilation$of$Canada’s$top$short$films.$Originally$an$exclusive$series$to$the$Cannes$Film$ Festival,$this$will$be$the$first$time$Canadians$will$be$given$the$opportunity$to$see$these$short$ films$on$Canadian$soil.$ $ Another$special$feature$exclusively$for$the$region$will$be$Niagara$Rises.$The$event$will$ showcase$four$features$made$exclusively$by$Niagara$Region’s$resident$filmmakers,$writers,$ directors$and$producers.$ $ Marshall$said$he$discovered$the$Niagara$Rises$films$by$either$having$them$brought$to$him$or$ by$discovering$them$himself$–$putting$an$emphasis$on$the$lengths$he$will$go$to,$with$ pushiness$and$determination,$to$promote$new,$local$talent.$ $ “Niagara$Rises$will$surprise$people,”$said$Marshall.$“I$am$nosey$and$pushy$and$we$found$ these$amazing$guys$that$were$wandering$about$wondering$what$to$do$with$their$films$and$I$ told$them$‘Never$mind$my$boy,$don’t$take$them$to$LA,$just$bring$them$to$Niagara.’$What$ better$venue$to$showcase$their$talent$than$in$their$own$hometown.”$ $ Other$events$to$look$forward$to$throughout$the$weekend$includes$Pickfair,$a$Canadian$ premier$short$film$circa$1911$from$Hollywood$pioneer$Mary$Pickford,$screenings$of$the$ Oscar$winning$short$documentary$The$Lady$in$Number$6,$Mondo$Wacko$films$curated$by$ TIFF$mastermind$Colin$Geddes$and$the$World’s$Smallest$Film$Festival,$a$short$film$ competition$featuring$videos$that$have$been$shot$entirely$on$a$mobile$device.$ $ Though$attracting$tourists$to$the$region$is$always$a$top$priority$for$film$festivals,$Marshall$ hopes$the$festival$will$appeal$as$well$to$the$local$community$and$garner$their$support$while$ willing$them$to$come$out$and$enjoy.$ $ “Yes,$we$are$going$to$bring$in$tourists$to$Niagara,$but$tourists$don’t$just$come$to$see$ themselves$and$other$tourists,$they$want$to$see$locals$here$enjoying$it$as$well,”$said$ Marshall.$“So$get$up$and$buy$a$ticket$and$come$enjoy$it.$Everyone$should$just$come$and$see$ it.”$ $ Ticket$prices$will$begin$at$25$dollars$and$move$upwards$according$to$event,$venue$and$ quantity.$For$a$full$list$of$events,$venue$locations$and$information$on$how$to$purchase$ tickets,$visit$http://niff.co$or$go$to$their$Facebook$Page$ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Niagara\Integrated\Film\Festival.$

* The*Niagara*Integrated*Film*Fest*is*here!* http://www.sheratononthefalls.com/blog/2014/05/integrated\film\fest\is\here/$$ Monday,$May$26,$2014$$ $

Watch$out$movie$world,$Niagara$is$quickly$becoming$a$hot$spot$for$films$with$the$ launch$of$the$inaugural$Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*(NIFF).$NIFF$will$be$coming$ to$Niagara$and$bringing$tons$of$new$films$to$its$many$venues$located$throughout$the$ region.$Choose$from$more$than$30$different$films,$including$comedy,$animation,$ drama,$documentary,$family$and$music$categories$and$watch$something$that$you$ may$have$never$heard$of$before.$ $ The$festival$will$feature$films$from$Niagara$and$around$the$world$including:$Third* Person,$starring$James$Franco,$Mila$Kunis,$Liam$Neeson;$Cold*in*July$starring$Michael$ C.$Hall;$Love*is*Strange$starring$John$Lithgow,$Alfred$Molina;$FRANK$starring$Michael$ Fassbender,$Maggie$Gyllenhaal;$and$many$more.$ The$event$will$have$several$ways$for$attendees$to$watch$the$films$to$make$sure$you$ get$the$best$experience$possible.$With$lots$of$programs$offered$you$definitely$won’t$ want$to$miss$out.$ * Filmalicious* This$program$brings$“dinner$and$a$movie”$to$a$whole$new$level$with$events$hosted$at$ some$of$Niagara’s$best$vineyards.$Each$vineyard$has$handcrafted$a$delicious$menu$ with$wine$pairings$to$compliment$your$film.$After$dinner$you’ll$be$treated$with$a$film$ showing$in$the$vineyard$for$a$film$festival$experience$like$no$other.$ * Film*Feast* For$an$event$that$embraces$short$films,$make$your$way$to$one$of$our$featured$ vineyards$for$a$flight$of$vintages,$hors$d’oeuvres$and$a$selection$of$short$films.$Enjoy$ a$low\key$evening$by$sipping$on$wine$and$watching$the$incredible$talent$found$in$ Canada.$ Other$programs$offered$at$NIFF$include$Niagara$Rises,$Canada’s$Not$Short$on$Talent,$ World’s$Smallest$Film$Festival$and$Purple$Carpet$Diaries.$Each$movie$brings$ something$new$to$the$table$and$showcases$the$talent$found$in$our$country.$NIFF$will$ be$bringing$wine$and$food$to$the$film$world$for$a$truly$unforgettable$experience.$ $

* Peller*Estates*Winery*in*NiagaraXonXtheXLake* Minutes*from*Niagara*Falls,*Queenston*and* Lewiston*Canada*USA*Border*Bridge*Crossing* #NIFF*Venue*June*2014* https://ideagirlcanada.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/peller\estates\winery\in\niagara\on\the\lake\minutes\ from\niagara\falls\queenston\and\lewiston\canada\usa\border\bridge\crossing\niff\venue\june\2014/$$ Monday,$May$26,$2014$$

$ Peller$Estates$Winery$in$Niagara\on\the\Lake$offers$exceptional$wines$and$exquisite$ surroundings$just$minutes$from$Niagara$Falls,$Queenston$and$Lewiston.$ the$idea$girl$says$ a$music$concert$and$film$for$#NIFF$Niagara$Film$Fest$in$June$2014$ see$details$here:$ https://niagarafilmfest.com/peller\estates/$

Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*(NIFF)*unveils* full*program*for*inaugural*year* David$Eng$ http://www.chinokino.com/2014/06/niagara\integrated\film\festival\niff.html$$ Friday,$June$2,$2014$$ The$inaugural$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$is$only$a$few$weeks$away!$The$hugely$anticipated$ event$from$Toronto$International$Film$Festival$cofounder,$Bill$Marshall,$runs$June$19$through$22,$2014.$ $ Highlighting$the$worldclass$epicurean$wonders$of$Niagara,$NIFF$will$take$full$advantage$of$its$unique$ location$with$two$special$programs.$Film$Feast$is$a$gourmet$wine$tour$meets$short$film$festival$mashup$ where$fine$wines$and$hors$d’oeuvres$are$enjoyed$with$a$short$film$from$Canada’s$Not$Short$on$Talent$ program.$Filmalicious$is$a$sublime$dinner$and$a$movie$experience,$where$guests$will$enjoy$a$luscious$ threecoursemeal,$accompanied$by$a$top$selection$of$wines,$and$finished$off$with$a$stellar$feature$film,$at$ one$of$the$Region’s$top$ wineries.$$ At$the$same$time,$NIFF$aims$to$shine$a$cinematic$spotlight$not$only$on$Niagara’s$extraordinary$beauty,$but$ also$on$the$remarkable$talent$that$comes$from$this$part$of$Canada.$In$Niagara$Rises,$a$special$program$ showcasing$homegrown$Niagara$filmmakers,$St.$Catharines'$own$Mike$Enns$kicks$it$of$with$the$world$ premiere$of$Restrung,$NIFF's$opening$night$film.$ $ FILMALICIOUS* Filmalicious$is$a$spectacular$“dinner$and$a$movie”$event$hosted$at$some$of$the$Niagara$Wine$Region’s$ most$fabulous$vineyards.$Each$vineyard$presents$a$sumptuous$dinner$with$wine$pairings$from$some$of$ Canada’s$most$talented$chefs.$$ $ Afterwards$the$movie$screen$comes$out$for$the$feature$presentation$–$a$film$or$films$from$some$of$our$ programs$such$as:$Niagara$Rises$and$Unearthed$Treasures.$In$each$case$we$have$done$our$best$to$provide$ you$with$a$guest$speaker$or$other$entertainment$related$to$the$film’s$subject.$$ $ Many$evenings$offer$the$opportunity$to$partake$of$the$whole$Filmalicious$experience$with$dinner$and$ screening$($125$175$per$person),$or$to$arrive$later$for$just$the$screening$and$presentation$($25).$$ $ Our$first$block$of$Filmalicious$screenings$is$now$on$sale.$Tickets$can$be$purchased$online$on$this$site$or$by$ phone$18006560713$ $ FILMALICIOUS*SCREENINGS* Thursday$June$19$ Film:$Restrung$ Director:$Mike$Enns$ Filmalicious$Dinner$with$wine$pairings$and$Screening$or$Screening$Only$ Trius$Winery$at$Hillebrand$ »»$TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ $ Friday$June$20$

Film:$Red$Obsession$ Director:$David$Roach,$Warwick$Ross$ Narrated$By:$Russell$Crowe$ Filmalicious$Dinner$with$wine$pairings$and$Screening$or$Screening$Only$ Trius$Winery$at$Hillebrand$ »»TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ $ Films:$Peter$Sellers$Hector$Dimwittie$Trilogy$ Starring:$Peter$Sellers,$Writer:$Mordecai$Richler$ Filmalicious$Dinner$with$wine$pairings$and$Screening$ Ravine$Vineyard$ »»TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ $ I$am$NOT$a$Rock$Star$ Director:$Bobbi$Jo$Hart$ Cast:$Marika$Bournaki$ Filmalicious$Dinner,$Screening$and$Piano$Concert$by$Marika$Bournaki$OR$ Screening$and$Concert$only$ Peller$Winery$ »»TCKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ $ Saturday$June$21$ Mary$Pickford$Screenings$of$“Their$First$Misunderstanding”$and$other$short$films$and$newsreels.$ Filmalicious$Dinner$with$wine$pairings$and$Screening$Presentation$by$Christel$Schmidt,$Author,$‘Mary$ Pickford:$Queen$of$The$Movies’$ Southbrook$Vineyard$ »»TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ $ FIlms:$Peter$Sellers$Hector$Dimwittie$Trilogy$ Starring:$Peter$Sellers,$Writer:$Mordecai$Richler$ Filmalicious$Dinner$with$wine$pairings$and$Screening$ Trius$Winery$ »»TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ $ Sunday$June$22$ Double$Feature:$ John$Woo’s:$Bullet$in$the$Plate$ Vine$Life:$The$Story$of$a$Vintage$ Filmalicious$Dinner$with$wine$pairings$and$Screening$or$Screening$Only$ Ravine$Estate$Winery$ »»TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ $ FILM*FEAST* The$Movieable$Feast!$Visit$eight$of$Niagara’s$most$spectacular$wineries,$and$sample$a$flight$of$vintages$at$ each,$accompanied$by$exquisitely$prepared$hors$d’oeuvres$and$our$selection$of$intriguing$short$films$ selected$from$‘Canada’s$Not$Short$on$Talent’,$an$annual$presentation$of$the$country’s$best$at$the$ Cannes$Festival.$ $ We$are$currently$finalizing$exactly$which$movies$will$be$showing$at$each$ winery.$Please$check$back$soon.$ https://niagarafilmfest.com/$$

* Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival*releases*full* lineup* Etan$Vlessing$ http://playbackonline.ca/2014/06/03/niagara\integrated\film\festival\releases\full\lineup/$ Saturday,$June$3,$2014$$

! Bill$Marshall’s$Niagara$Integrated$ Film$Festival$has$booked$world$ premieres$for$films$by$Ian$Gabriel,$ Chuck$Powers$and$Mike$Enns$at$its$ upcoming$inaugural$edition.! The$festival$that$combines$food$and$ film$in$Ontario’s$Niagara$region$will$ give$a$world$bow$to$Gabriel’s$Four* Corners,$South$Africa’s$entry$in$the$ 2014$foreign$language$Oscar$ competition,$and$Ribbit,$Chuck$Powers’$3D$animated$picture$from$Malaysia$that$stars$ Tim$Curry$and$Russell$Peters.$ Also$getting$world$premieres$at$the$June$19$to$22$film$gathering$is$VineLife:*The*Story*of* a*Vintage,$a$documentary$from$Andrew$Stevenson,$and$Mike$Enns’$Restrung,$about$a$ man$who$ditches$his$high\paying$job$to$make$guitars.$ The$inaugural$festival$will$also$give$Canadian$premieres$to$Kat$Candler’s$Hellion,$which$ stars$Juliette$Lewis$and$Aaron$Paul,$Lenny$Abrahamson’s$Frank,$Mike$Disa’s$animated$ pic$Postman*Pat,$Mirra$Bank’s$The*Only*Real*Game$from$India,$and$Jim$Mickle’s$Cold*in* July.$ The$festival$will$also$hold$a$Film$Feast$sidebar,$where$Canadian$short$films$are$viewed$ along$with$fine$wines.$

* NIFF:*Niagara*Integrated*Film*Festival* http://www.theniagaralocal.com/culture/2014/06/niff\niagara\integrated\film\fest/$$$ Sunday,$June$4,$2014$$ $

* The$curtain$is$about$to$go$up$on$NIFF,$Niagara’s$very$own$film$festival!$ $ From$June$19$–$22,$film$lovers$will$be$flocking$to$watch$movies$both$big$and$small$at$venues$in$St.$ Catharines$and$Niagara\on\the\Lake.$Have$you$checked$out$the$lineup$of$movies$and$events?$Are$you$ feeling$a$little$overwhelmed$about$what$to$choose?$Because$we$love$our$readers,$The$Niagara$Local$has$ put$together$a$simple$approach$for$planning$out$your$NIFF$experience.$ $ Thanks$to$JoAnne$Wang$and$Lauren$O’Malley$for$sending$us$in$the$right$direction$for$NIFF.$ $ 1.$Experienced$film$festival$goers$will$tell$you$that$the$best$way$to$plan$for$a$festival$is$to$make$a$ spreadsheet!$Create$a$calendar$with$time$of$day$on$the$left$and$days$across$the$top.$(If$you’re$going$to$ NIFF$with$a$group$of$people,$sharing$a$spreadsheet$on$Google$Drive$is$a$great$way$to$do$joint$planning.)$ $ 2.$Think$about$what’s$important$to$you$at$NIFF:$what$are$the$criteria$that$will$make$the$experience$for$ you?$Do$you$want$to$see$a$premiere?$Documentary?$Canadian$made$movies$only?$Famous$actors?$Do$you$ want$a$winery$experience?$Do$you$want$to$see$the$director$in$person?$Do$you$want$to$bring$your$kids?$ $ 3.$Now$take$your$time$and$go$through$the$list$of$movies$on$the$NIFF$site.$Read$the$synopses$and$watch$ the$trailers,$and$add$anything$that$looks$interesting$into$your$calendar.$Make$note$of$any$factors$that$are$ important$to$you:$family$friendly,$venue,$director,$actors,$etc.$This$is$where$you$can$get$really$fancy$and$ use$colour$coding!$

$ 4.$Once$you’ve$made$your$way$through$the$entire$program,$go$back$to$your$schedule$and$see$what$you’ve$ got.$Where$there$are$movies$that$don’t$work$for$your$personal$schedule,$eliminate$them.$Where$there$ are$multiple$movies$at$the$same$time,$revisit$the$descriptions$and$trailers$and$only$keep$the$most$ interesting$ones$for$you.$ $ 5.$Now$you$should$have$a$schedule$of$movies$that$you$are$drawn$to$for$one$reason$or$another.$This$is$the$ time$to$use$your$notes$and$personal$criteria$to$narrow$down$your$choices$even$more.$At$this$point,$you$ should$be$left$with$a$short$list$of$movies$to$pick$from.$ $ Now\$$just$in$case$a$spreadsheet$isn’t$your$thing,$here$are$a$few$picks$that$caught$this$local’s$eye.$ * For*family:$$Ribbit.$Who$doesn’t$love$a$frog?$https://niagarafilmfest.com/ribbit/$ * For*the*full*on*Niagara*winery*experience:$Red$Obsession.$“A$film$about$power,$passion$and$the$fine$wine$ game”.$$Filmalicious$Dinner$at$Trius$Winery$at$Hillebrand$https://niagarafilmfest.com/red\obsession/$ * For*laughs:$$Cas$&$Dylan.$Because$you$just$can’t$get$enough$of$Richard$ Dreyfuss.$https://niagarafilmfest.com/cas\dylan$ * For*love:$$Third$Person.$$Two$words.$Liam$Neeson.$https://niagarafilmfest.com/third\person/$ * For*learning:*Food$for$Change.*$Also$the$best$chance$to$run$into$Tiffany$Mayer$ofEating$ Niagara.$$https://niagarafilmfest.com/food\for\change/$ $ We$also$asked$fellow$local,$Lauren$O’Malley$of$Gathering$Niagara$for$her$picks.$$Here$is$her$short$list:$ $ Cold$in$July$(Michael$C$Hall,$Don$Johnson$and$Sam$Shepard,$and$more$twists$than$a$pretzel)$ $ A$Kind$of$Wonderful$Thing$(local;$looks$very$good$all$around)$ $ The$Best$Offer$(mainly$for$the$director$and$Ennio$Morricone)$ $ Dead$Before$Dawn$(looks$like$a$total$blast!)$ $ Frank$(existential$comedy$about$literally$being$unable$to$manage$without$a$mask)$ $ Hellion$(love$Aaron$Paul$and$Juliette$Lewis)$ $ God$Help$the$Girl$(great$story$about$the$making$of$the$film)$ $ Four$Corners$(gritty$and$tough$South$African)$ $ and$for$the$truly$local:$ $ Niagara$Rises:$a$series$of$films$from$the$talents$within$the$Niagara$ region.$https://niagarafilmfest.com/niagara\rises\post/$$ $ That’s$it!$You’re$ready$to$buy$your$tickets$to$the$very$first$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival.$Have$fun,$and$ we’ll$see$you$at$the$movies!$ $

Get*involved*with*film*fest* Plenty$of$ways$to$get$engaged$at$inaugural$NIFF$ $ Scott$Rosts$$ Monday,$June$5,$2014$$ http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson\story/4562523\get\involved\with\film\fest/$$ $ ST.$CATHARINES$—$The$countdown$is$on$to$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival,$and$there$are$ still$plenty$of$ways$for$community$members$to$get$involved.$ Lauren$O’Malley,$coordinator$of$community$outreach,$events$and$the$World’s$Smallest$Film$ Festival,$said$with$the$festival$quickly$approaching$they$are$hoping$to$get$Niagarans$involved$in$ as$many$ways$as$possible.$ “It$is$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival,$so$we$want$a$real$Niagara$factor$there,”$said$O’Malley.$ An$easy$way$to$be$part$of$the$festival$is$to$grab$your$smartphone$and$capture$your$own$film$for$ the$World’s$Smallest$Film$Festival,$a$competition$of$films$shot$on$smartphones.$You$can$make$a$ splash,$as$the$theme$of$the$inaugural$year$is$water,$allowing$filmmakers$to$use$the$theme$in$any$ way$they$wish.$ The$one\$to$three\minute$length$mobile$shorts$will$be$hosted$on$the$NIFF$website$and$viewers$ will$vote$their$favourite$film$through$a$user\generated$voting$system.$The$top$films$will$be$ selected$to$screen$at$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival,$June$19\22,$with$a$$1,000$cash$prize$ for$the$director’s$choice$award,$a$Samsung$tablet$for$the$audience’s$choice$award,$as$well$as$ other$prizes$for$honourable$mentions.$Films$will$be$judged$on$creative$direction$as$well$as$ mobile$device$usage.$ “We$would$love$more$submissions,”$said$O’Malley.$“It’s$a$great$way$for$Niagara$communities$to$ represent$themselves,$whether$they$submit$a$film$as$a$group,$or$individual.$(We$want)$kids,$ teens,$a$real$mix.”$ The$deadline$for$entry$is$June$10,$and$the$voting$period$will$follow.$There$is$a$$20$fee$for$each$ submission.$For$complete$rules,$submission$information$and$other$details,$visit$ http://niagarafilmfest.com/worlds\smallest\film\festival\post/.$ O’Malley$said$local$residents$can$also$purchase$all\access$passes$or$individual$tickets$for$the$ various$events.$There$are$a$variety$of$activities$from$world$premiere$screenings$to$the$ Filmalicious$events$where$dinner$and$a$movie$is$hosted$in$area$vineyards,$and$much$more.$ Ticket$information$is$available$online$at$https://niagarafilmfest.com/tickets/.$She$said$there$are$ a$number$of$ways$local$audiences$can$get$engaged$and$embrace$the$festival$programming.$

“We’re$also$looking$for$community$partnerships,”$said$O’Malley,$noting$there$are$a$variety$of$ ways$local$groups,$businesses$and$individuals$can$get$involved,$whether$as$sponsors,$volunteers$ or$assisting$with$ticket$sales.$ “It’s$been$a$very$enthusiastic$response,”$O’Malley$said$of$the$event.$“But$we$would$love$to$get$ even$more$people$involved$and$make$the$first$year$a$real$success.”$

* Study*at*the*International*Culinary*Center!** Grocery*Gossip* Rita$Demontis$ http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/05/study\at\the\international\culinary\center$$ Monday,$June$5,$2014$$ DINNER*AND*A*MOVIE:$Take$ dinner$and$a$movie$to$the$next$ level$at$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$ Festival$(NIFF),$coming$up$June$19\ 22.* Here’s$your$chance$to$explore$ some$of$Niagara’s$best$vineyards;$ treat$yourself$to$delicious$food$ from$Canada’s$most\talented$chefs,$ and$watch$a$selection$of$fascinating$ films.* NIFF$highlights$the$connection$of$ food,$film$and$wine,$with$two$ irresistible$programs:$Film$Feast$ and$Filmalicious.* Film$Feast$is$a$unique$bus$tour$of$ Niagara’s$most$spectacular$wineries,$where$guests$sample$vintages,$accompanied$by$exquisitely$prepared$ hors$d’oeuvres,$and$watch$intriguing$short$films.* The$evening$begins$with$Canada’s$most$talented$chefs$presenting$a$sumptuous$three\course$dinner$ highlighted$with$wine$pairings,$followed$by$a$special$feature$film$presentation.* NIFF$offers$foodies$and$moviegoers$the$best$of$both$worlds$—$White$Oaks$Resort$&$Spa,$Ravine$Vineyard,$ Trius$Winery$and$Peller$Estates$Winery$are$just$a$few$of$the$world\class$wineries$that$have$joined$NIFF$ and$the$foodie$&$film$festivities.$ Ticket$prices$depend$on$the$different$packages$offered.* Check$out$Niagarafilmfest.com.$ Tickets*can*be*purchased*online*at*Niagarafilmfest.com/tickets*or*by*phone*at*1X800X656X07131X800X 656X0713.*

* JUNE*2014*EVENTS*IN*NIAGARA* http://www.skylon.com/2014/06/june\2014\events\niagara/$$ Monday,$June$5,$2014$$

$ All$summer$long,$Niagara$Region$is$heating$up$with$great$events$and$festivals!$June$is$red$hot$ with$music$festivals$and$many$chances$to$enjoy$the$beauty$that$our$local$wineries$have$to$offer.$ $ Niagara$makes$it$easy$to$make$the$most$of$your$summer,$take$a$look$at$some$of$the$amazing$ events$Niagara$is$offering$this$June:$ $ The$Founder$of$TIFF$(Toronto$International$Film$Festival)$is$introducing$NIFF$(Niagara$Integrated$ Film$Festival)$to$Niagara!$Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s$the$festival$that$treats$you$like$a$star.$NIFF$brings$together$the$ hospitality$and$wine$that$Niagara$is$known$for$with$movie$screenings$and$after$parties.$Enjoy$ great$food,$new$movies$and$delicious$wine$at$this$years$NIFF,$you$might$even$meet$George$ Clooney!$ $ Visit$the$NIFF$website$site$for$more$details$:$https://niagarafilmfest.com/$

June%1st.%Springalicious.%Roberta%Munro%Niagara% Integrated%Film%Festival,%Michael%Rosen%Tree% Canada% Radio&Interview&by&Jim&Fannon3&06.01.2014& https://soundcloud.com/jimfannonshow/june31st3springalicious3roberta3munro3niagara3 integrated3film3festival3michael3rosen3tree3canada& & &

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June&1st&Springalicious&weekend.&Roberta&Munro&Managing&Director&of& the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&and&Michael&Rosen&President&of& Tree&Canada.&Produced&by&Drew&Comerford,&news&by&Louis&Butko,&beats& by&Fannon.% %

EVENTS%TORONTO%CITY%GUIDE:%JUNE%2014% By&Sonia&–&06.03.2014& http://www.aznmodern.com/2014/06/03/toronto3events3june/& & & &

Niagara%Integrated%Film% Festival&3&June&19322,&Niagara& Wine&Region&(just&within&an& hour’s&drive&from&the&city)&will& transform&into&a&world3class& destination&of&food,&wine&and& films&in&this&spectacular&new& Film&Festival.&Take&part&in&a& Filmalicious&event&as&some&of& the&most&well3known&vineyards& and&Canada’s&most&talented& chefs&host&“dinner&and&movie”&events.&On&our&radar&is&the&pairing&of&the&World&Premiere&of& RESTRUNG&by&local&filmmaker&Mike&Enns&and&a&fabulous&dinner&with&Trius&Winery&at&Hillebrand.& For&more&info&visit&www.niagarafilmfest.com&%

Get%Outdoors%This%Summer!%Events%Happening%In% Ontario% By&Sonia3&06.03.2014&

http://urbanmoms.ca/entertainment/get3outdoors3this3summer3events3happening3in3ontario/!

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Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&&(June&19322,&Niagara3on3the3Lake)&Niagara3on3 the3Lake&will&bring&together&film&lovers&and&wine&enthusiasts&to&the&vineyards&of& Niagara3on3the3Lake&at&this&first&ever&film&festival&in&this&region.&Take&part&in&the& Filmalicious&series&and&enjoy&a&themed&dinner&prior&to&a&film&screening&at&one&of& the&wineries.&Enjoy&local&and&international&films&in&this&beautiful&setting.& &

NC%student%film%selected%for%Niagara%Integrated% Film%Festival% 06.06.2014& http://insidenc.niagaracollege.ca/content/Home/Info/tabid/2416/EntryId/2790/NC3student3 film3selected3for3Niagara3Integrated3Film3Festival.aspx&

The crew of Sidewalk Surfing: executive producer Andrew Stevenson, producer Madison Garratt, and director Dillon Erwin, and producer Jordan Ogryzlo. The&curtain&will&rise&on&a&Niagara&College&student3created&film&when&the&inaugural&Niagara& Integrated&Film&Festival&opens&in&mid3June.& Sidewalk)Surfing,&which&was&a&school&project&for&three&students&in&the&third&year&of&the&College’s& Broadcasting:&Radio,&Television&and&Film&program,&was&announced&as&part&of&the&lineup&for&the& first&edition&of&the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&(NIFF).&It&will&be&part&of&the&Niagara&Rises& program&at&NIFF,&highlighting&industry&talent&emerging&from&the&Niagara&region.& Madison&Garratt,&Jordan&Ogryzlo&and&Dillon&Erwin&–&who&will&graduate&from&their&program&this& month&–&began&pre3production&in&January.&The&short&documentary&film&which&focuses&on&the& sport&of&longboarding&was&shot&the&film&in&San&Diego,&California&in&late&February,&early&March.& “It&is&such&an&amazing&opportunity&for&our&film’s&world&premiere&to&be&at&a&local&and&

inaugural&film&festival,&put&on&by&the&founder&of&TIFF!&We’ve&made&such&amazing& connections&and&are&extremely&grateful&for&this&opportunity,”&said&Dillon&Erwin,&who&was& the&writer,&director&and&editor&of&the&film.& The&213year3old&resident&of&Kingsville&valued&the&experience&he&gained&from&the&project.& “Having&the&opportunity&through&Niagara&College&to&travel&to&a&different&country&with&a& small&crew&and&tight&shooting&schedule&to&accomplish&a&large&goal&really&showed&me&how& exciting&documentary&filmmaking&can&be,”&he&said.& Twenty3one3year3old&Jordan&Ogryzlo,&co3producer&and&director&of&photography&for&the& film,&said&the&project&was&a&valuable&learning&experience&that&changed&the&way&he&views& filmmaking.& “The&trip&was&a&great&experience&it&made&me&leave&school&with&a&professional&work&ethic& that&I'm&carrying&onto&the&film&sets&I'm&now&a&part&of,”&he&said.&“Honestly,&Sidewalk) Surfing&proves&that&if&you&work&hard&in&school&you&can&come&out&with&an&amazing& product&that&producers&will&be&impressed&with.&Sidewalk)Surfing&is&the&first&stepping& stone&in&my&career&in&the&film&industry,&I'm&glad&I&made&it&with&friends&and&some&of&the& hardest&working&people&I&know.”& Twenty3year3old&St.&Catharines&resident&Madison&Garratt,&who&is&also&working&as&an& intern&for&NIFF,&said&she&was&very&excited&about&the&film&being&selected&for&the&festival.& As&the&film’s&producer,&she&took&on&the&business&aspects&of&the&project,&and&such&details& as&permits,&releases&and&fundraising.& The&experience&of&working&on&the&film&as&a&student,&she&noted,&is&leading&her&to&pursue& producing&as&a&career.&“With&every&project&I&worked&on&at&Niagara,&I&learned&more&and& more&about&what&it&takes&to&work&in&this&industry.&I&learned&more&about&myself&and&got& more&confident&in&my&work,”&she&said.&“Sidewalk)Surfing&was&a&project&that&I&really&got&to& take&the&reins&into&my&own&hands,&and&I&was&ready&for&it.”& “I&am&extremely&proud&that&the&work&of&our&students&has&been&recognized&by&NIFF&and& will&be&screening&alongside&award3winning&films&by&established&filmmakers&from&Niagara& and&around&the&world,”&said&BRTF&professor&Andrew&Stevenson&who&was&executive& producer&for&Sidewalk)Surfing.&“NIFF&is&shaping&up&to&be&a&high3profile&event&and&it&will& be&a&fantastic&opportunity&for&the&students&to&gain&exposure&for&their&work&in&front&of&a& large&audience&and&to&network&with&industry&professionals&and&filmmakers&from&the& Canadian&film&industry.”& Along&with&BRTF&professors&James&Crowe&and&David&Niven,&Stevenson&was&also&behind& the&film&VineLife:)the)Story)of)a)Vintage,&which&will&be&part&of&NIFF’s&Niagara&Rises& program.&The&one3hour&documentary&profiles&several&winemakers&from&the&Niagara& wine&industry,&including&NC&Viticulture&grads&Shauna&White&and&Casey&Kulczyk.&&& Stevenson&pointed&out&that&at&least&one&other&NIFF&film&has&a&NC&connection;&Cas)and) Dylan,&a&feature&film&starring&Richard&Dreyfus&and&Tatiana&Maslany,&was&produced&by&

BRTF&grad&and&St.&Catharines&native&Mark&Montefiore.& Stevenson&believes&that&NIFF&will&be&highly&beneficial&for&the&film&industry&in&Niagara&by& shining&a&spotlight&on&the&creative&talent&that&exists&in&the&region.& “Just&as&the&creation&of&the&Toronto&International&Film&Festival&helped&to&boost&the& profile&of&Canadian&filmmakers&within&the&international&film&community,&NIFF&will&draw& attention&to&the&work&of&local&filmmakers&and&introduce&it&to&a&wider&audience,”&he&said.& “Niagara&College,&with&its&innovative&culinary,&viticulture&and&film&programs,&is&in&an&ideal& position&to&benefit&from&the&exposure&that&the&festival&will&bring&to&the&region.&Niagara& students&will&have&the&chance&to&show&off&their&work&at&the&festival,&and&to&take& advantage&of&networking&and&volunteer&opportunities&that&will&help&build&their&resumes& and&portfolios.”& The&festival&will&take&place&June&19322&at&venues&around&the&Niagara&region.& A&date&for&Sidewalk)Surfing&has&not&yet&been&announced.&Visit&the&NIFF&website&for&more& details,&dates&and&ticket&information:&niagarafilmfest.com.& &

% NIAGARA%INTEGRATED%FILM%FESTIVAL% 06.07.2014& http://www.htzfm.com/events/Details.aspx?ID=424228& WHERE%Venues&throughout&Niagara WHEN%Thursday,&June&19,&2014&to&Sunday,&June&22,& 2014&& TIME%Various&times& 97.7&HTZ3FM&is&proud&to&sponsor&the&world's&juiciest& film&festival&3&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival! &

The&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&(NIFF)&will&hit&the&Niagara&Region&for&four&fabulous& days&of&film,&food&and&festivities&from&June&19322.&Many&of&Niagara’s&stunning&wineries& will&provide&the&backdrop&for&the&100&scheduled&screenings.& Film&screenings&paired&with&food&and&wine&tastings&will&provide&a&unique&experience&for& any&film&buff,&foodie&or&wine&connoisseur.& For&more&information,&visit&niagarafilmfest.com.&

Inaugural%Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival% Schedule%Announced% By&Marion&S3&06.09.2014& http://filmbutton.com/mainpage/?p=12609& & &

The&inaugural&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&(NIFF)&is&only&a&few&weeks& away!&The&hugely&anticipated&event&from&Toronto&International&Film& Festival&co3founder,&Bill&Marshall,&runs&June&19&through&22,&2014.& & & & & & & NIFF&will&take&full&advantage&of&its&unique&location&of&Niagara&with&two& special&programs.&Film&Feast&is&a&gourmet&wine&tour&meets&short&film& festival&mash3up&where&fine&wines&and&hors&d’oeuvres&are&enjoyed&with&a& short&film&from&Canada’s&Not&Short&on&Talent&program.&Filmalicious&is&a& dinner&and&a&movie&experience,&where&guests&will&enjoy&a&luscious&three3 course3meal,&accompanied&by&a&top&selection&of&wines,&and&finished&off&with& a&stellar&feature&film.& & At&the&same&time,&NIFF&aims&to&shine&a&cinematic&spotlight&on&the& remarkable&talent&that&comes&from&this&part&of&Canada.&In&Niagara&Rises,&a& special&program&showcasing&home3grown&Niagara&filmmakers,&St.& Catharines’&own&Mike&Enns&kicks&it&off&with&the&world&premiere&of&Restrung,& NIFF‘s&opening&night&film.& & For&all&up3to3date&information&on&the&programs,&and&everything&else,&please& visit&the&website.&

Chamber%this%week% 06.09.2014& http://www.greaterniagarachamber.com/NEWS/20143Back3Issues3Chamber3This3 Week/20143Chamber3This3Week32nd3Quarter/June3932014/& & &

% % A%NIFFty%discount%for%members&The&Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival&is&only& 10&days&away,&and&to&celebrate&their&inaugural&event,&they’re&offering&a& NIFFTY&discount&for&you&to&share&with&your&friends,&family&and& members.&&Enter&the&code&NIFFTY&and&receive&25%&of&off&any&Filmalicious& ticket!&&Each&Filmalicious&venue&offers&an&amazing&wine&and&food& experience&—&a&three3course&dinner&with&wine&pairings&at&a&scenic&vineyard& restaurant.&After&dinner,&enjoy&a&specially&selected&Festival&film&in&the& vineyard,&with&wines&and&gourmet&concessions&available.&There&is&no&better& way&to&spend&a&summer&evening…&For&a&full&list&of&Filmalicious&events,&visit& www.niagarafilmfest.com& &

"Food%For%Change"%Screening% By&Jill&Mitchell&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&06.10.2014& http://www.gardencityfoodcoop.ca/food_for_change_screening! ! ! Garden&City&Food&Co3op&has&partnered&with&the& Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&(NIFF)&and&the& Niagara&Artists&Centre&(NAC)&to&bring&you&Food&for& Change&3&a&film&that&documents&the&little3known&story& of&the&co3operative&movement&in&the&United&States.&& & WHEN,&WHERE,&AND&HOW&MUCH?& Come&join&us&for&a&night&at&the&movies&at&the&Niagara& Artists&Centre&on&Friday,&June&20th.&Doors&open&at& 8:30&PM.&The&evening&is&pay3what3you3can,&but&a& donation&of&$15&is&suggested&to&cover&costs.& PURCHASE&YOUR&TICKETS&NOW!& & THE&FILM& Directed&by&Steve&Alves,&Food&For&Change&tells&the& little3known&story&of&the&cooperative&movement&in&the&United&States&from&the&Great& Depression&to&the&present.&This&alternative&economic&model&is&presently&experiencing&a& resurgence&in&response&to&the&2008&market&crash,&widening&wealth&disparity,&and&the& consolidation&of&the&food&industry.&Run&time:&85&minutes.& & FOOD&AND&BEVERAGE& What&would&the&movie3going&experience&be&without&popcorn?&Guests&will&enjoy&a& POPCORN&BAR&with&popcorn&courtesy&of&Niagara's&own&Shriner's&Creek&Kettle&Popcorn!& A&variety&of&flavours&will&be&available,&along&with&a&great&selection&of&toppings!&And&for& your&sweet&tooth,&some&delicious&treats&will&be&provided&by&Rise&Above.&Beverages&will& also&be&available.&& & WHEN& June&20,&2014&at&8:30pm&3&11pm& WHERE& The&Niagara&Artists&Centre& Contact:&Jill&Mitchell&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&Jill@gardencityfoodcoop.ca&

Wining%and%dining%with%Niagara's%new%film%fest% By&John&Law3&06.16.2014& http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2014/06/11/wining3and3dining3with3niagaras3new3 film3fest& &

& Niagara)Film)Festival)founder)Bill)Marshall)opens)a)bottle)of)bubbly)at)Trius)Winery) Wednesday)during)a)media)sneak)peak)of)the)June)19)F)22)event.)Marshall)also)coF founded)the)Toronto)International)Film)Festival.)PHOTO:)John)Law)/)Niagara)Falls) Review) ) It&was&a&taste&of&things&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&and&movies&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&to&come.& With&a&'party&bus'&in&tow,&the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&made&the&rounds&in& Niagara3on3the3Lake&Wednesday,&offering&the&media&a&sneak&peak&of&the&June&19&3&22& event.&Showing&off&the&area's&scenery,&it&was&designed&to&show&how&different&the& inaugural&fest&will&be&from&the&Toronto&International&Film&Festival,&despite&the&fact&they& were&started&by&the&same&guy.& Co3founder&Bill&Marshall&recalls&how&hard&it&was&getting&anyone&to&take&the&first&festival& serious&in&1976.&Of&all&the&Toronto&media,&only&the&Toronto&Sun&took&it&serious.&The& Globe&&&Mail&and&Toronto&Star&film&critics&wanted&nothing&to&do&with&it.& Three&years&later,&they&saw&things&differently.&

& "It&was&hard&to&say&100,000&people&got&it&wrong,"&says&Marshall.& He&expects&the&Niagara&fest&to&have&the&same&time&table&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&three&years&to&prove&his& hunch&was&correct.&Three&years&to&show&movies&and&Niagara's&wine&region&are&the& perfect&match.& & With&a&$1&million&budget,&the&festival&will&offer&new&short&films,&Canadian&movies&and& even&made3in3Niagara&features&like&Dead&Before&Dawn&and&A&Kind&of&Wonderful&Thing.& There&will&be&the&Canadian&premiere&of&a&1911&lost&Mary&Pickford&movie,&and&the&North& American&premiere&of&three&Peter&Sellers&short&films.&Documentaries&will&include&the& acclaimed&More&Than&Honey,&about&the&imminent&threat&of&disappearing&bees,&and&the& Canadian3made&Watermark,&about&the&globe's&relationship&with&water.& & Judging&by&Wednesday's&media&sneak&preview,&the&Niagara&fest&should&be&an&easy&sell.& The&mostly&Toronto&bloggers&and&writers&Tweeted&pics&of&Niagara3on3the3Lake's& soothing&scenery&throughout&the&day.&"If&only&every&Wednesday&looked&like&this!,"&wrote& CHCH's&Brigitte&Truong,&attaching&a&picture&of&the&vineyards&at&Trius&Winery.& & Trius&was&one&of&three&stops&along&the&tour,&along&with&Oast&House&Brewers&and& Southbrook&Vineyards.& & All&will&host&screenings&throughout&the&festival.& Retail&manager&Christine&Montana&of&Southbrook&says&the&festival&is&a&"great& opportunity"&to&attract&a&new&crowd&to&the&organic&winery&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&film&buffs.& "There's&lots&to&do,&(and&this)&will&add&one&more&element&and&get&more&Toronto&people& here."& & Short&films&from&the&Canada's&Not&Short&on&Talent&program&of&the&fest&were&screened&in& the&lobby&at&Oast,&and&the&cellars&at&Trius.&At&Southbrook,&a&film&was&screened&in&the& same&room&the&Mary&Pickford&Program&will&be&held&June&21.& As&the&media&entourage&Tweeted&and&Facebooked&throughout&the&day,&Marshall& marveled&how&fast&word&on&the&new&film&fest&spread.&In&1976,&it&took&weeks&to&gather& momentum.& & Marshall's&plan&is&to&get&the&festival&established,&then&"hope&it&generates&talent&here&that& can&take&it&over."& & The&event&kicks&off&June&19&with&a&dinner,&screening&and&after3party&at&Trius.& Tickets&range&from&$15&for&individual&screenings&to&$125&3&$175&for&Filmalicious,&which& includes&custom&catered&wine&and&food&before&a&vineyard&screening.& john.law@sunmedia.ca& & ! !

Wining%and%dining%with%Niagara's%new%film%fest% By&John&Law3&06.16.2014& http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/2014/06/11/wining3and3dining3with3niagaras3new3 film3fest& &

& Niagara&Film&Festival&founder&Bill&Marshall&opens&a&bottle&of&bubbly&at&Trius&Winery& Wednesday&during&a&media&sneak&peak&of&the&June&19&3&22&event.&Marshall&also&co3 founded&the&Toronto&International&Film&Festival.&PHOTO:&John&Law&/&Niagara&Falls& Review& & It&was&a&taste&of&things&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&and&movies&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&to&come.& With&a&'party&bus'&in&tow,&the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&made&the&rounds&in& Niagara3on3the3Lake&Wednesday,&offering&the&media&a&sneak&peak&of&the&June&19&3&22& event.&Showing&off&the&area's&scenery,&it&was&designed&to&show&how&different&the& inaugural&fest&will&be&from&the&Toronto&International&Film&Festival,&despite&the&fact&they& were&started&by&the&same&guy.& & Co3founder&Bill&Marshall&recalls&how&hard&it&was&getting&anyone&to&take&the&first&festival& serious&in&1976.&Of&all&the&Toronto&media,&only&the&Toronto&Sun&took&it&serious.&The& Globe&&&Mail&and&Toronto&Star&film&critics&wanted&nothing&to&do&with&it.&

Three&years&later,&they&saw&things&differently.& "It&was&hard&to&say&100,000&people&got&it&wrong,"&says&Marshall.& He&expects&the&Niagara&fest&to&have&the&same&time&table&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&three&years&to&prove&his& hunch&was&correct.&Three&years&to&show&movies&and&Niagara's&wine&region&are&the& perfect&match.& & With&a&$1&million&budget,&the&festival&will&offer&new&short&films,&Canadian&movies&and& even&made3in3Niagara&features&like&Dead&Before&Dawn&and&A&Kind&of&Wonderful&Thing.& There&will&be&the&Canadian&premiere&of&a&1911&lost&Mary&Pickford&movie,&and&the&North& American&premiere&of&three&Peter&Sellers&short&films.&Documentaries&will&include&the& acclaimed&More&Than&Honey,&about&the&imminent&threat&of&disappearing&bees,&and&the& Canadian3made&Watermark,&about&the&globe's&relationship&with&water.& & Judging&by&Wednesday's&media&sneak&preview,&the&Niagara&fest&should&be&an&easy&sell.& The&mostly&Toronto&bloggers&and&writers&Tweeted&pics&of&Niagara3on3the3Lake's& soothing&scenery&throughout&the&day.&"If&only&every&Wednesday&looked&like&this!,"&wrote& CHCH's&Brigitte&Truong,&attaching&a&picture&of&the&vineyards&at&Trius&Winery.& & Trius&was&one&of&three&stops&along&the&tour,&along&with&Oast&House&Brewers&and& Southbrook&Vineyards.& & All&will&host&screenings&throughout&the&festival.& & Retail&manager&Christine&Montana&of&Southbrook&says&the&festival&is&a&"great& opportunity"&to&attract&a&new&crowd&to&the&organic&winery&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&film&buffs.& "There's&lots&to&do,&(and&this)&will&add&one&more&element&and&get&more&Toronto&people& here."& & Short&films&from&the&Canada's&Not&Short&on&Talent&program&of&the&fest&were&screened&in& the&lobby&at&Oast,&and&the&cellars&at&Trius.&At&Southbrook,&a&film&was&screened&in&the& same&room&the&Mary&Pickford&Program&will&be&held&June&21.& As&the&media&entourage&Tweeted&and&Facebooked&throughout&the&day,&Marshall& marveled&how&fast&word&on&the&new&film&fest&spread.&In&1976,&it&took&weeks&to&gather& momentum.& & Marshall's&plan&is&to&get&the&festival&established,&then&"hope&it&generates&talent&here&that& can&take&it&over."& & The&event&kicks&off&June&19&with&a&dinner,&screening&and&after3party&at&Trius.& Tickets&range&from&$15&for&individual&screenings&to&$125&3&$175&for&Filmalicious,&which& includes&custom&catered&wine&and&food&before&a&vineyard&screening.& john.law@sunmedia.ca& & &

Wining%and%dining%with%Niagara's%new%film%fest% By&John&Law3&06.16.2014& http://www.wellandtribune.ca/2014/06/11/wining3and3dining3with3niagaras3new3film3 fest& &

& Niagara&Film&Festival&founder&Bill&Marshall&opens&a&bottle&of&bubbly&at&Trius&Winery& Wednesday&during&a&media&sneak&peak&of&the&June&19&3&22&event.&Marshall&also&co3 founded&the&Toronto&International&Film&Festival.&PHOTO:&John&Law&/&Niagara&Falls& Review& & It&was&a&taste&of&things&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&and&movies&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&to&come.& With&a&'party&bus'&in&tow,&the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&made&the&rounds&in& Niagara3on3the3Lake&Wednesday,&offering&the&media&a&sneak&peak&of&the&June&19&3&22& event.&Showing&off&the&area's&scenery,&it&was&designed&to&show&how&different&the& inaugural&fest&will&be&from&the&Toronto&International&Film&Festival,&despite&the&fact&they& were&started&by&the&same&guy.& Co3founder&Bill&Marshall&recalls&how&hard&it&was&getting&anyone&to&take&the&first&festival& serious&in&1976.&Of&all&the&Toronto&media,&only&the&Toronto&Sun&took&it&serious.&The& Globe&&&Mail&and&Toronto&Star&film&critics&wanted&nothing&to&do&with&it.& Three&years&later,&they&saw&things&differently.& "It&was&hard&to&say&100,000&people&got&it&wrong,"&says&Marshall.&

He&expects&the&Niagara&fest&to&have&the&same&time&table&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&three&years&to&prove&his& hunch&was&correct.&Three&years&to&show&movies&and&Niagara's&wine&region&are&the& perfect&match.& With&a&$1&million&budget,&the&festival&will&offer&new&short&films,&Canadian&movies&and& even&made3in3Niagara&features&like&Dead&Before&Dawn&and&A&Kind&of&Wonderful&Thing.& There&will&be&the&Canadian&premiere&of&a&1911&lost&Mary&Pickford&movie,&and&the&North& American&premiere&of&three&Peter&Sellers&short&films.&Documentaries&will&include&the& acclaimed&More&Than&Honey,&about&the&imminent&threat&of&disappearing&bees,&and&the& Canadian3made&Watermark,&about&the&globe's&relationship&with&water.& Judging&by&Wednesday's&media&sneak&preview,&the&Niagara&fest&should&be&an&easy&sell.& The&mostly&Toronto&bloggers&and&writers&Tweeted&pics&of&Niagara3on3the3Lake's& soothing&scenery&throughout&the&day.&"If&only&every&Wednesday&looked&like&this!,"&wrote& CHCH's&Brigitte&Truong,&attaching&a&picture&of&the&vineyards&at&Trius&Winery.& Trius&was&one&of&three&stops&along&the&tour,&along&with&Oast&House&Brewers&and& Southbrook&Vineyards.& All&will&host&screenings&throughout&the&festival.& Retail&manager&Christine&Montana&of&Southbrook&says&the&festival&is&a&"great& opportunity"&to&attract&a&new&crowd&to&the&organic&winery&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&film&buffs.& "There's&lots&to&do,&(and&this)&will&add&one&more&element&and&get&more&Toronto&people& here."& Short&films&from&the&Canada's&Not&Short&on&Talent&program&of&the&fest&were&screened&in& the&lobby&at&Oast,&and&the&cellars&at&Trius.&At&Southbrook,&a&film&was&screened&in&the& same&room&the&Mary&Pickford&Program&will&be&held&June&21.& As&the&media&entourage&Tweeted&and&Facebooked&throughout&the&day,&Marshall& marveled&how&fast&word&on&the&new&film&fest&spread.&In&1976,&it&took&weeks&to&gather& momentum.& Marshall's&plan&is&to&get&the&festival&established,&then&"hope&it&generates&talent&here&that& can&take&it&over."& The&event&kicks&off&June&19&with&a&dinner,&screening&and&after3party&at&Trius.& Tickets&range&from&$15&for&individual&screenings&to&$125&3&$175&for&Filmalicious,&which& includes&custom&catered&wine&and&food&before&a&vineyard&screening.&

st. catharines

Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival%(NIFF)% 06.12.2014& http://www.tourismstcatharines.ca/event/niagara3integrated3film3festival3niff& & Jun&19&3&Jun&22,&2014:&5:00pm&to&11:00pm&

Various&Locations&in&St.&Catharines&&&NOTL&

St.&Catharines&ON& Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival%(NIFF):%June%19Y22,%2014%%Movie&buffs&&&foodies,&itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s& your&time!&3&Come&for&the&evening,&stay&for&the&weekend&and&experience&the&first& Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival.&NIFF&is&no&ordinary&film&festival.&&Film&screenings,& parties&and&tastings&will&take&place&in&non3traditional&venues&throughout&the&Niagara& Region,&including&wineries,&airport&hangars,&parks&and&academic&institutions.&&Visit&our& website&to&join&in&the&festival&or&find&out&where&the&fun&happens!& & & &

& 06.12.2014& http://planetcaviarandfinefoods.com/?p=1426& &

Films,&Wine&&&&&Fine&Eating&at&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival& For&several&years,&Bill&Marshall&has&been&sharing&that&he''&d&prefer& to&start&an&additional&movie&celebration.&Nevertheless,&the&last& one&he&made&found&ended&up&rather&well.& & & &

Films,%Wine%&%Fine%Dining%at%Niagara% Integrated%Film%Festival& By&M.&Faust&–&06.12.2014& http://artvoice.com/issues/v13n24/film_feature& & For&years,&Bill& Marshall&has& been&saying& that&he’d&like& to&start& another&film& festival.&After& all,&the&last& one&he&helped& found&turned& out&pretty& well.&You&may& have&heard&of& it:&the&Toronto& International& Film&Festival.& Casting&about& for&a&suitable&location,&he&decided&on&the&Niagara&region&of&Ontario.&You&know,&that&place&right&over& the&Rainbow&Bridge,&once&you&get&past&all&the&Falls&hullabaloo.&With&all&the&wineries,&and&the&Shaw& Festival.& And&so&next&weekend&brings&the&first&edition&of&NIFF:&The&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival.&The&”I”& could&have&stood,&as&it&usually&does,&for&“international,”&but&“integrated”&refers&to&the&festival’s& mixture&of&film&with&those&qualities&Niagara&is&already&known&for,&food&and&wine.&In&conjunction&with& six&of&the&area’s&wineries&and&brewers,&NIFF&will&offer&two&dining&and&viewing&combinations:& “Filmalicious,”&an&evening&that&includes&dinner&at&a&winery&followed&by&a&film&and&guest&speaker;&and& “Film&Feast,”&a&four3hour&afternoon&bus&tour&of&three&wineries&that&includes&tastings,&hors&d’oeuvres& and&a&screening&of&“Canada’s&Not&Short&on&Talent,”&the&presentation&of&Canadian&short&films&sent&to& Cannes&every&year.& All&well&and&good:&I&like&to&eat&as&much&as&the&next&person,&but&a&festival&stands&or&falls&on&the&quality& of&the&films&it&shows.&NIFF&is&fortunate&to&have&landed&the&programming&services&of&Tony&Watts,&who& since&1970&has&worked&with&film&festivals&as&notable&as&Berlin,&London,&Rotterdam,&Thessaloniki,& Barcelona,&and&Göteborg.& & For&its&premiere&edition,&NIFF&has&scored&two&notable&coups.&The&first&is&the&“Hector&Dimwittie& Trilogy,”&a&trio&of&303minute&films&made&in&1957&to&showcase&the&talents&of&a&then3young&Peter& Sellers.&Two&of&the&films&were&thought&to&have&been&lost&until&recently.&What&makes&their&discovery&

even&more&astonishing—and&pertinent&to&a&Canadian&festival—is&that&they&were&written&by&Mordecai& Richler,&then&also&in&his&salad&days&before&becoming&Canada’s&literary&lion.&The&program&will&be& hosted&by&director&Ted&Kotcheff,&who&in&the&50s&worked&on&an&unrealized&project&with&Richler,&Sellers& and&fellow&Goon&Spike&Milligan.& & An&even&rarer&treat&for&film&buffs&is&the&first&festival&screening&of&“Their&First&Misunderstanding,”&the& 1911&Mary&Pickford&comedy&that&was&recently&discovered&in&a&New&Hampshire&barn.&Painstakingly& restored,&the&short&will&be&shown&with&several&other&Pickford&rarities&at&a&special&presentation&hosted& by&Pickford&expert&Christel&Schmidt.& & If&all&you&want&out&of&a&film&festival&is&the&chance&to&gorge&at&a&buffet&of&new&movies&in&the&months& before&the&rest&of&your&friends&get&to&see&them,&you&can&do&that&at&the&Landmark&Cinema&in&St.& Catherines,&where&the&bulk&of&screenings&will&be&held.&Among&the&most&promising:& & Love&is&Strange,&starring&John&Lithgow&and&Alfred&Molina&as&Ben&and&George,&longtime&partners&who& are&torn&apart&when&their&marriage&raises&the&ire&of&one’s&employer.& & The&1003Year3Old3Man&Who&Climbed&Out&The&Window&and&Disappeared,&the&North&American& premiere&of&the&comedy&that&has&been&an&enormous&hit&in&its&native&Sweden.& & Watermark,&a&new&collaboration&between&director&Jennifer&Baichwal,and&radical&photographer& Edward&Burtynsky&(Manufactured&Landscapes)&that&revisits&the&theme&of&a&natural&world&reshaped&by& man.& & God&Help&the&Girl,&a&Scottish&musical&written&and&directed&by&Stuart&Murdoch&of&the&band&Belle&&& Sebastian.& & A&Night&in&Old&Mexico,&starring&Robert&Duvall&as&an&aging&Texas&rancher&who&enlists&his&grandson&on&a& hellraising&trip&to&Mexico.& & Cold&in&July,&Texas&noir&with&Dexter’s&Michael&C.&Hall&as&a&family&man&whose&trouble&only&begin&when& he&kills&a&burglar&in&his&home& & War&of&the&Worlds:&Goliath,&a&steampunk3inspired&animated&sequel&to&H.&G.&Welles&in&which&mankind& is&better&armed&when&the&Martians&return&for&another&go&at&our&planet.& & The&Infinite&Man,&a&berserk&sci3fi&comedy&from&Australia&about&a&control&freak&who&invents&a&time& machine&to&try&to&fix&a&romantic&mistake,&only&to&involve&him&and&his&girlfriend&in&a&Groundhog&Day3 ish&spiral.& & Frank,&absurd&comedy&about&a&Manchester&band&let&by&Michael&Fassbender,&though&you&may&have&to& take&that&on&faith&as&his&character&always&wears&a&goofy&oversized&papier&mache&mask.& & Cas&&&Dylan,&road&movie&starring&Richard&Dreyfuss&as&a&dying&doctor&whose&plans&for&his&final&days&are& altered&when&he&picks&up&a&young&hitchchiker.& & Third&Person,&a&new&multicharacter&drama&written&and&directed&by&Paul&Haggis&(Crash)&and&starring& Liam&Neesom,&James&Franco,&Mila&Kunis,&Olivia&Wilde,&Kim&Basinger&and&Maria&Ballo.& & For&a&complete&schedule&and&information&about&ticket&packages&visit&niagarafilmfest.com.!

Gossipler: Michael Fassbender Films,%Wine%&%Fine%Dining%at%Niagara% Integrated%Film%Festival& By&M.&Faust&–&06.12.2014& http://michael3 fassbender.gossipler.com/?article=20140614_Films_Wine_Fine_Dining_at_Niagara_Inte grated_Film_Festival#BXsB7ahAS1L5CqCI.99&

For&years,&Bill& Marshall&has& been&saying& that&he’d&like&to& start&another& film&festival.& After&all,&the& last&one&he& helped&found& turned&out& pretty&well.&You& may&have& heard&of&it:&the& Toronto& International& Film&Festival. Casting&about& for&a&suitable&location,&he&decided&on&the&Niagara&region&of&Ontario.&You&know,&that&place&right&over&the& Rainbow&Bridge,&once&you&get&past&all&the&Falls&hullabaloo.&With&all&the&wineries,&and&the&Shaw&Festival.&

And&so&next&weekend&brings&the&first&edition&of&NIFF:&The&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival.&The&”I”&could& have&stood,&as&it&usually&does,&for&“international,”&but&“integrated”&refers&to&the&festival’s&mixture&of&film& with&those&qualities&Niagara&is&already&known&for,&food&and&wine.&In&conjunction&with&six&of&the&area’s& wineries&and&brewers,&NIFF&will&offer&two&dining&and&viewing&combinations:&“Filmalicious,”&an&evening&that& includes&dinner&at&a&winery&followed&by&a&film&and&guest&speaker;&and&“Film&Feast,”&a&four3hour&afternoon& bus&tour&of&three&wineries&that&includes&tastings,&hors&d’oeuvres&and&a&screening&of&“Canada’s&Not&Short& on&Talent,”&the&presentation&of&Canadian&short&films&sent&to&Cannes&every&year.& All&well&and&good:&I&like&to&eat&as&much&as&the&next&person,&but&a&festival&stands&or&falls&on&the&quality&of& the&films&it&shows.&NIFF&is&fortunate&to&have&landed&the&programming&services&of&Tony&Watts,&who&since&

1970&has&worked&with&film&festivals&as&notable&as&Berlin,&London,&Rotterdam,&Thessaloniki,&Barcelona,&and& Göteborg.& & For&its&premiere&edition,&NIFF&has&scored&two&notable&coups.&The&first&is&the&“Hector&Dimwittie&Trilogy,”&a& trio&of&303minute&films&made&in&1957&to&showcase&the&talents&of&a&then3young&Peter&Sellers.&Two&of&the& films&were&thought&to&have&been&lost&until&recently.&What&makes&their&discovery&even&more&astonishing— and&pertinent&to&a&Canadian&festival—is&that&they&were&written&by&Mordecai&Richler,&then&also&in&his&salad& days&before&becoming&Canada’s&literary&lion.&The&program&will&be&hosted&by&director&Ted&Kotcheff,&who&in& the&50s&worked&on&an&unrealized&project&with&Richler,&Sellers&and&fellow&Goon&Spike&Milligan.& & An&even&rarer&treat&for&film&buffs&is&the&first&festival&screening&of&“Their&First&Misunderstanding,”&the&1911& Mary&Pickford&comedy&that&was&recently&discovered&in&a&New&Hampshire&barn.&Painstakingly&restored,&the& short&will&be&shown&with&several&other&Pickford&rarities&at&a&special&presentation&hosted&by&Pickford&expert& Christel&Schmidt.& & If&all&you&want&out&of&a&film&festival&is&the&chance&to&gorge&at&a&buffet&of&new&movies&in&the&months&before& the&rest&of&your&friends&get&to&see&them,&you&can&do&that&at&the&Landmark&Cinema&in&St.&Catherines,&where& the&bulk&of&screenings&will&be&held.&Among&the&most&promising:& & Love&is&Strange,&starring&John&Lithgow&and&Alfred&Molina&as&Ben&and&George,&longtime&partners&who&are& torn&apart&when&their&marriage&raises&the&ire&of&one’s&employer.& & The&1003Year3Old3Man&Who&Climbed&Out&The&Window&and&Disappeared,&the&North&American&premiere&of& the&comedy&that&has&been&an&enormous&hit&in&its&native&Sweden.& & Watermark,&a&new&collaboration&between&director&Jennifer&Baichwal,and&radical&photographer&Edward& Burtynsky&(Manufactured&Landscapes)&that&revisits&the&theme&of&a&natural&world&reshaped&by&man.& & God&Help&the&Girl,&a&Scottish&musical&written&and&directed&by&Stuart&Murdoch&of&the&band&Belle&&& Sebastian.& & A&Night&in&Old&Mexico,&starring&Robert&Duvall&as&an&aging&Texas&rancher&who&enlists&his&grandson&on&a& hellraising&trip&to&Mexico.& & Cold&in&July,&Texas&noir&with&Dexter’s&Michael&C.&Hall&as&a&family&man&whose&trouble&only&begin&when&he& kills&a&burglar&in&his&home& & War&of&the&Worlds:&Goliath,&a&steampunk3inspired&animated&sequel&to&H.&G.&Welles&in&which&mankind&is& better&armed&when&the&Martians&return&for&another&go&at&our&planet.& & The&Infinite&Man,&a&berserk&sci3fi&comedy&from&Australia&about&a&control&freak&who&invents&a&time&machine& to&try&to&fix&a&romantic&mistake,&only&to&involve&him&and&his&girlfriend&in&a&Groundhog&Day3ish&spiral.& & Frank,&absurd&comedy&about&a&Manchester&band&let&by&Michael&Fassbender,&though&you&may&have&to&take& that&on&faith&as&his&character&always&wears&a&goofy&oversized&papier&mache&mask.& & Cas&&&Dylan,&road&movie&starring&Richard&Dreyfuss&as&a&dying&doctor&whose&plans&for&his&final&days&are& altered&when&he&picks&up&a&young&hitchchiker.& & Third&Person,&a&new&multicharacter&drama&written&and&directed&by&Paul&Haggis&(Crash)&and&starring&Liam& Neesom,&James&Franco,&Mila&Kunis,&Olivia&Wilde,&Kim&Basinger&and&Maria&Ballo.& & For&a&complete&schedule&and&information&about&ticket&packages&visit&niagarafilmfest.com.&

Trailer%Tracker:%A%trio%of%films%go%back%and%to% the%future% By&Chris&Knight&3&06.13.2014&

http://arts.nationalpost.com/2014/06/13/trailer3tracker3a3trio3of3films3go3back3and3to3the3future/& & & & Not&to&get&all& conspiracy3 theoretical,& but&do&time3 travel&movies& cause&ripples& that&create& other&time3 travel& movies?& Probably&not,& but&the&recent& release&of&the& time3loop&film& Edge)of) Tomorrow&ma kes&it&as&good& a&time&as&any& to&investigate& three& upcoming& films&that& bend&laws&of&space&and&time.& ! The!Infinite!Man,&which&plays&next&weekend&at&the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival,&is&a&first&feature&from& Australian&writer/director&Hugh&Sullivan,&about&a&man&(Josh&McConville)&and&a&woman&(Hannah&Marshall)& who&have&a&less3than3perfect&romantic&weekend&getaway&somewhere&in&the&more&desolate&parts&of&South& Australia.& “If&I&could&change&it&I&would&but&I&can’t&—”&she&begins&to&explain&in&the&trailer,&but&he&cuts&her&off:&“But& what&if&I&could?”&Still,&no&matter&what&he&does&he&seems&to&end&up&in&tears,&or&unconscious,&or&facing&a& smarmy&version&of&himself&from&the&future.&(What&is&it&with&people&from&the&future&and&attitude?)&At&one& point&she&asks:&“What&about&flowers&or&a&box&of&chocolates?”&He&admits:&“Well,&that&would&have&been& simpler.”&

THE%INAUGURAL%NIAGARA%FILM%FESTIVAL% (NIFF)% 06.13.2014& http://myetvmedia.com/feature/events/the3inaugural3niagara3film3festival3niff/& The&launch&of&the&latest&film&festival&for&Ontario,&NIFF&(June&19&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&22)&&brings&a&new&twist& to&film&fest&fever.&Set&in&scenic&the&heart&of&Niagara&Wine&country,&film&premieres&are& accompanied&by&vintage&wine&samplings,&world&class&chef3prepared&dinners,&tastings&and& lots&of&parties.lm-festival-

NIFF&Films&We&Love& Dead&Before&Dawn&3D&

& The&Best&Offer&3&Directed&by&Guiseppe&Tournatore&starring&Geoffrey&Rush,&Sylvia&Hoeks&&

& & I&Am&Not&A&Rockstar&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&Directed&by&Robbie&and&Bobbie&Jo&Hart&about&child&prodigy&and& classical&virtuoso&Marika&Bournaki&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;fi

& Watermark&

Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival:%Restrung% Review% By&MATTHEW&BLEVINS&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&06.13.2014& http://nextprojection.com/2014/06/13/niagara3integrated3film3festival3restrung3 review/& &

Restrung%(2014)% Director:&Mike&Enns&Country:&Canada&|&USA&Genre:&Documentary&|&Biography&|& Music&Official&Site:&Here& Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!Notes:)The)following)review)is)part)of)our)coverage)of)the)Niagara)Integrated) Film)Festival.)For)more)information)niagarafilmfest.com)and)follow)NIFF)on)Twitter) at)@niagarafilm.&

The&road&for&the&idiosyncratic&dreamer&is&a&difficult&one&and&wrought&with&perilous&self3 doubt&and&a&lifetime&of&practicality&nagging&at&one’s&confidence.&The&ghosts&of&parents& offer&pragmatic&advice&in&the&back&of&the&mind,&sometimes&leading&the&dreamer&to& forfeit&their&plans&or&relegate&them&to&haunting&whispers&that&become&part&of&the&chorus& of&“what&if’s”&and&inevitable&regrets&that&we&all&secretly&carry.&Randall&Wyn&Fullmer&did& the&impossible&and&chased&his&idiosyncratic&dream,&leaving&a&lucrative&career&as&a&Disney& animator&to&develop&a&line&of&hand3crafted&bass&guitars.&It&was&a&risky&endeavor&that&put& him&in&the&terrifying&position&of&starting&life&anew,&but&through&his&steadfast& determinism&and&fastidious&craftsmanship&he&developed&a&line&of&bass&guitars&that&were& wholly&unique&and&tailored&to&the&individual&needs&of&bass&guitarists&in&a&diverse&array&of& musical&genres.& & The&beginnings&of&Fullmer’s&dream& started&in&high&school&when&he&used& wood&shop&as&a&means&to&build&the& guitar&his&academic&parents&would&not& allow&him&to&buy.&Through&stubborn& determination&he&managed&to&build& his&first&guitar&but&it&would&not& become&an&immediate&fixation&as&he& entered&a&career&in&animation.&He&left& the&industry&twenty&years&later,& ending&a&career&working&on&high& profile&animated&features&for&Disney& to&pursue&a&riskier&path&that&allowed& for&individual&expression.& Collaboration&can&often&be&the&bane& of&imagination&as&each&well3meaning& party&throws&their&incongruent&ideas&into&the&mix.&In&his&search&for&an&avenue&of& individualist&expression&removed&from&the&often&frustrating&pitfalls&of&collaboration,& Fullmer&forfeits&a&lucrative&career&and&abandons&his&comfortable&safety&net&to&set&out&to& fulfill&an&old&dream&that&had&been&relegated&to&the&shoebox&of&forgotten&memories&at& the&back&of&the&mind&for&two&decades.& Fullmer’s&entry&into&this&new&career&inspired&by&old&fixations&would&not&make&for&an&easy& transition&and&bureaucratic&blowhards&and&nosy&neighbors&would&attempt&to&put&an&end& to&his&endeavor.&Shadenfreude&is&sometimes&a&proactive&process,&some&seemingly&of&the& belief&that&everyone&should&be&as&miserable&and&unfulfilled&in&life&as&they&are.&After&a& never&ending&string&of&minor&victories&and&major&setbacks,&Fullmer&meticulously& designed&a&new&shop&that&conformed&to&the&rules&established&to&keep&the&minor&player& from&competing&and&increased&production&while&maintaining&his&artistic&vision.&Each&bass& guitar&is&a&unique&work&of&art,&painstakingly&designed&and&crafted&to&possess&distinct& aesthetic&qualities&and&musical&potential,&making&them&sought&after&by&musicians&in&

genres&ranging&from&jazz&to&heavy&metal.&His&completely&hands&on&techniques&allow&him& to&make&modifications&that&larger&manufacturers&would&be&unable&to&accommodate&and& his&meticulous&selections&of&construction&material&make&these&instruments&masterworks& in&craftsmanship&and&artistic&expression.& Restrung&captures&a&sense&of&evolution&in&the&long&dormant&American&Dream&as&the& parameters&of&happiness&and&fulfillment&are&centered&around&passion&and&individual& expression&rather&than&monetary&gain.&Fullmer&fulfilled&this&new&dream&at&great&personal& risk,&leaving&behind&a&lucrative&career&to&pursue&an&idiosyncratic&passion&and&defying&the& odds&by&making&it&work&well&enough&to&live&a&life&of&tranquility&and&self3fulfillment.&He& finds&inner&peace&during&the&innumerable&hours&of&sanding,&listening&to&the&orchestra&of& sounds&found&in&his&self&styled&workshop&and&thinking&up&his&next&project&as&he&lives&a& more&objectively&satisfying&life&than&anything&conceived&of&by&Disney.& &

Projections:%Animation%festival%promises%to%be% toonYtastic% By&Jason&Anderson&–&&06.12.2014& http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/movies/2014/06/12/projections_animation_fe stival_promises_to_be_toontastic.html& & Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival:%Sure,&the&region&may&be&better&known&for&wine&and&waterfalls&but& Niagara&wants&to&be&a&destination&for&movie3lovers,&too.&With&that&goal&in&mind,&a&team&led&by&TIFF& founder&Bill&Marshall&presents&the&first&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival,&so&named&for&its&unique& integration&of&the&area’s&food&and&wine&delights&with&cinematic&fare.&The&four3day&program&launches&on& June&19&at&the&Trius&Winery&at&Hillebrand&and&continues&in&a&variety&of&vine3covered&settings&to&June&22.& Among&the&tasty&big3screen&offerings&are&the&Canadian&premiere&of&Cold)in)July)—&a&pulpy&new&thriller& starring&Dexter)’s&Michael&C.&Hall&—&and&a&program&of&rare&Peter&Sellers&shorts&written&by&Mordecai& Richler.&

& & & & &

& &

Peter%Sellers’%Hector%Dimwittie%Trilogy%has% Canadian%Premiere%@NIFF% By&Shael&Stolberg&–&06.13.2014& http://filmbutton.com/mainpage/?p=12923& &

Friday&June&20,&Ravine&Vineyards,&1366&York&Rd,&St&Davids,&ON& In&attendance&will&be&Mr&Kotcheff&and&Mr&Cotgrove,&who&will&share&in&stories&and& anecdotes&about&Peters&Sellers&and&Mordecai&Richler&in&what&will&be&a&much& anticipated&chat&following&the&screening,&as&well&as&a&Q+A&with&the&audience.& In&1957,&long&before&he&was&Inspector&Clouseau&–&or&even&Dr.&Strangelove&–& Sellers&debuted&his&acting&chops&in&a&series&of&pre3feature&film&shorts,&co3written&

by&Lewis&Greiffer&(Dr.&Who,&Danger&Man)&and&future&Canlit&legend&Mordecai& Richler.&Now,&50&years&later,&these&films&–&known&as&Hector&Dimwittie&Trilogy&–& will&be&making&their&Canadian&debut&at&the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival,&on& Friday&June&20,&at&Ravine&Vineyards,&in&a&special&Filmalicious&Event.& The&three&half3hour&films,&Dearth&Of&A&Salesman,&Insomnia&Is&Good&For&You,&and& Cold&Comfort,&follow&the&misadventures&of&one&Hector&Dimwittie,&a&lovable&loser& on&a&quest&to&become&Britain’s&most&successful&salesman&–&pitching&everything& from&tape&recorders&to&toilet&paper.&The&quirky&black3and3white&films&take&an& anti3authoritarian&stance,&characteristic&of&post3war&Britain,&and&they&showcase& Sellers’&amazing&character&comedy.&Sellers&would&break&out&the&following&year&in& three&features,&including&The& Mouse&That&Roared.& & “There&was&great&interest& among&film&festivals& worldwide&to&get&their&hands& on&this&treasure&trove&of&film& history,”&says&NIFF&Founder& Bill&Marshall,&“so&a&real&coup&for&us&and&the&inaugural&edition&of&this&festival.&And& my&friend&Ted&Kotcheff&promises&to&tell&the&best&showbiz&stories&about&Peter& Sellers&you’ve&never&heard.”& The&Hector&Dimwittie&Trilogy&was&initially&planned&as&a&series&of&10&shorts,&but&the& project&fell&by&the&wayside.&The&Sellers/Richler&collaboration&–&including& negatives,&titles,&show&prints,&outtakes&and&master&print&–&sat&on&a&private&shelf& for&years&after&the&1996&bankruptcy&of&London’s&Park&Lane&films.&Robert&Farrow,& who&rescued&them,&offered&them&to&Britain’s&Southend&Film&Festival,&where&they& debuted&in&May&of&last&year.& Filmalicious,&screening&and&party&–&$125&–&doors&open&@&6:30pm&Screening&–&$25& –&doors&open&@&8:30pm&

& &

Canadian%Premiere% 06.15.2014& http://www.uncorkniagara.com/canadian3premiere/& &

Peter&Sellers’&Hector&Dimwittie&Trilogy&*Canadian&Premiere*&Niagara& Integrated&Film&Festival& Friday&June&20&Ravine&Vineyards&1366&York&Rd,&St&Davids,&ON& Filmalicious,&screening&and&party&–&$125&–&doors&open&@&6:30pm&Screening& –&$25&–&doors&open&@&8:30pm&Tickets&available&here:& https://niagarafilmfest.com/peter3seller3mordecai3richler/& Canadian&filmmaking&legend&Ted&Kotcheff&and&Dimwittie&Ltd.’s&Paul& Cotgrove&will&be&in&attendance.& In&attendance&will&be&Messrs&Kotcheff&and&Cotgrove,&who&will&share&in& stories&and&anecdotes&about&Peters&Sellers&and&Mordecai&Richler&in&what& will&be&a&much&anticipated&chat&following&the&screening,&as&well&as&a&Q+A& with&the&audience.& (Toronto&–&June&13,&2014)&In&1957,&long&before&he&was&Inspector&Clouseau&–& or&even&Dr.&Strangelove&–&Sellers&debuted&his&acting&chops&in&a&series&of&pre3 feature&film&shorts,&co3written&by&Lewis&Greiffer&(Dr.&Who,&Danger&Man)&and& future&Canlit&legend&Mordecai&Richler.&Now,&50&years&later,&these&films&–& known&as&Hector&Dimwittie&Trilogy&–&will&be&making&their&Canadian&debut&at& the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival,&on&Friday&June&20,&at&Ravine&Vineyards,& in&a&special&Filmalicious&Event.&

The&three&half3hour&films,&Dearth&Of&A&Salesman,&Insomnia&Is&Good&For&You,& and&Cold&Comfort,&follow&the&misadventures&of&one&Hector&Dimwittie,&a& lovable&loser&on&a&quest&to&become&Britain’s&most&successful&salesman&–& pitching&everything&from&tape&recorders&to&toilet&paper.&The&quirky&black3 and3white&films&take&an&anti3authoritarian&stance,&characteristic&of&post3war& Britain,&and&they&showcase&Sellers’&amazing&character&comedy.&Sellers& would&break&out&the&following&year&in&three&features,&including&The&Mouse& That&Roared.& “There&was&great&interest&among&film&festivals&worldwide&to&get&their&hands& on&this&treasure&trove&of&film&history,”&says&NIFF&Founder&Bill&Marshall,&“so&a& real&coup&for&us&and&the&inaugural&edition&of&this&festival.&And&my&friend&Ted& Kotcheff&promises&to&tell&the&best&showbiz&stories&about&Peter&Sellers& you’ve&never&heard.& The&Hector&Dimwittie&Trilogy&was&initially&planned&as&a&series&of&10&shorts,& but&the&project&fell&by&the&wayside.& The&Sellers/Richler&collaboration&–&including&negatives,&titles,&show&prints,& outtakes&and&master&print&–&sat&on&a&private&shelf&for&years&after&the&1996& bankruptcy&of&London’s&Park&Lane&films.&Robert&Farrow,&who&rescued&them,& offered&them&to&Britain’s&Southend&Film&Festival,&where&they&debuted&in& May&of&last&year.& About&NIFF&The&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&(NIFF)&is&a&film&festival&that& aims&to&shine&a&cinematic&spotlight&on&the&Niagara&Region’s&extraordinary& beauty&while&showcasing&top&shelf&films&from&around&the&world.&NIFF&is&run& by&an&expert&team&of&film&festival&managers,&led&by&Bill&Marshall,&Founder& and&Chair&Emeritus&of&TIFF&(Toronto&International&Film&Festival),&the&world’s& most&successful&public&film&festival.&www.niagarafilmfest.com& & & &

% Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival%debuts% By&Christopher&Schobert&–&06.16.2014& http://www.buffalonews.com/gusto/movies/niagara3integrated3film3festival3debuts3 20140616& & A&feast&of&film,&food&and&wine&in&Niagara3on3the3Lake& The&first&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&might& not&have&the&flashiest&name,&but&it&is&hard&to&top& the&location.&Running&from&June&19&to&22,&NIFF& will&take&place&in&and&around&the&Niagara&Wine& Region,&with&a&number&of&Niagara3on3the3Lake& wineries&serving&as&venues.&(Other&venues&include& two&locations&in&St.&Catherines.)& The&four3day&event&is&the&brainchild&of&Toronto& International&Film&Festival&co3founder&Bill& Marshall,&and&his&ambitious&plan&seeks&to&connect& film,&food&and&wine.&The&festival&website,& www.niagarafilmfest.com,&has&a&full&rundown&of& the&unique&events,&dinners&and&screenings&on&tap.& Yes,&the&location&is&lovely,&we&know&the&wines&will&be&wonderful,&but&what&of&the&films?&It&is&a& nice&mix&of&features&and&shorts,&including&a&special&Mary&Pickford&program&featuring&the&silent& icon’s&recently&discovered&“Their&First&Misunderstanding.”&(Pickford&was&born&in&Toronto.)& A&few&additional&highlights&include:& “Love&Is&Strange”:&John&Lithgow&and&Alfred&Molina&received&huge&praise&when&director&Ira& Sachs’s&drama&about&a&same3sex&couple&forced&to&live&apart&premiered&at&last&winter’s&Sundance& Film&Festival.&Sachs,&the&consistently&interesting&filmmaker&behind&2012’s&“Keep&the&Lights&On,”& will&hold&a&Skype&Q&A&following&the&film’s&June&21&screening.& “Frank”:&Yes,&“Frank”&is&the&one&in&which&Michael&Fassbender&wears&a&giant,&weird,&fake&head.&He& plays&the&lead&singer&of&a&dysfunctional&band&in&this&Sundance&breakout,&which&is&directed&by& Irish&filmmaker&Lenny&Abrahamson.& “God&Help&the&Girl”:&The&songs&of&twee&indie&icons&Belle&and&Sebastian&always&have&felt&vaguely& cinematic,&often&telling&short,&witty&stories&of&lovelorn,&bookish&individuals.&It&is&no&surprise,& then,&that&band&leader&Stuart&Murdoch&has&written&and&directed&a&musical,&“God&Help&the&Girl.”& The&reaction&to&this&one&so&far&has&been&…&mixed,&at&best.&But&for&Belle&and&Sebastian&fans,&“God& Help&the&Girl”&could&not&seem&more&intriguing.& NIFF&is&a&festival&to&keep&an&eye&on.&Closer&to&Buffalo&than&TIFF&and&certainly&more&ambitious& than&any&Buffalo3based&fests,&it&could&be&a&welcome&addition&for&film&lovers.&

A%look%at%the%Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival% 06.16.2014& http://www.bttoronto.ca/videos/3624759241001/& & & &

! ! ! ! !

THE%BEST%OFFER%Y%Review%By%Greg%Klymkiw%Y%Festival% Preview%Review%for%the%inaugural%Niagara%Integrated%Film% Festival%2014%(NIFF%2014)%from%the%visionary%producer% and%legendary%coYfounder%and%the%firstYever%Director%of% the%Toronto%International%Film%Festival%(TIFF),%Mr.%Bill% Marshall% & By&Greg&Klymkiw&â&#x20AC;&#x201C;&06.16.2014& http://klymkiwfilmcorner.blogspot.ca/2014/06/the3best3offer3review3by3greg3 klymkiw.html& & & The&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&launches&its&first&exciting&season&June&19322,&2014& inclusive.&You're&probably&wondering&about&the&"integration"&aspect&of&this&cultural& event&and&I&can&assure&you&it&has&nothing&to&do&with&President&Lyndon&Johnson's&1964& Civil&Rights&Act.&No&Gene&Hackman&and&Willem&Dafoe&sporting&guns&and&fedoras&to&stop& Mississippi&[from]&Burning,&no&To)Kill)a)Mockingbird&Atticus&Finch&(Gregory&Peck)&show& trials,&no&Virgil&Tibbs&(Sidney&Poitier)&coming&to&town&In)the)Heat)of)the)Night&to&solve& murder&with&a&racist&lawman&(Rod&Steiger),&no&Melvin&Van&Peebles&singing&that&Sweet) Sweetback's)Baadasssss)Song&and&most&certainly,&no&William&Shatner,&The)Intruder,& heading&to&Wine&Country&to&preach&against&desegregation.&No3siree,&Bobski!&We're& talking&all&about&the&integration&of&fine&cinema,&fine&dining&and&the&finest&wine&from&the& luscious&grapes&of&Southern&Ontario,&all&finely&mushed&together&by&the&skillful&prowess&of& only&the&finest&bare&feet&a3stomping&on&the&sweet&orbs&of&fruity&delights&in&those&healthy& receptacles&designed&to&yield&the&nectar&of&the&Gods.&This&is&going&to&be&one&unique&film& festival&and&I've&had&a&chance&to&preview&a&few&of&the&cinematic&morsels&on&view&this& coming&weekend.&The&Film&Corner&reviews&of&NIFF's&bevy&of&cinematographic&delights& right&here&and&now& & & &

The&Best&Offer&(2013)&***& Dir.&Giuseppe&Tornatore&& Starring:&Geoffrey&Rush,&Sylvia&Hoeks,&Donald&Sutherland,&Jim&Sturgess,&Kiruna&Stamell& & Review&By&Greg&Klymkiw& & He&gave&us&Cinema&Paradiso,&the&bonafide&masterpiece&and&loving&ode&to&movies&and& he's&reigned&as&one&of&Italy's&most&prolific,&though&not&always&on3the3mark&directors.& With&The&Best&Offer,&Giuseppe&Tornatore&delivers&a& sumptuously&crafted&romance&infused&with& elements&of&mystery&and&the&high3toned&trappings& of&filthy&rich&people&and&settings&that&offer&the&sort& of&pleasures&only&movies&can&bring&to&us&plebeians.& & Herein&this&cinematic&eye3candy,&Geoffrey&Rush& plays&a&lone3wolf&art/antique&expert&and&celebrated& auctioneer&who&jets&all&over&the&world&to&appraise& private&collections&of&disgustingly&affluent&upper3 class&scum.&His&greatest&joy&is&privately&collecting& priceless&portraits&by&working&with&a&bearded&beard& (Donald&Sutherland)&who&attends&auctions&to&bid& and&win&works&that&Rush&prices&far&too&below&their& real&value.&It's&how&the&rich&get&richer&and&stay&rich.& They're&essentially&criminals&at&heart,&but&when& they're&played&by&Geoffrey&Rush,&we&kind&of&look& the&other&way&so&long&as&they're&not&overtly& exploiting&the&downtrodden.&& & & & When&Rush&agrees&to&assess&the&collection&of&a&mysterious&young&heiress&(Sylvia&Hoeks),& locked&away&Miss&Havisham3like&in&a&massive&villa,&he's&delighted&with&the&woman's& offerings&within&her&crumbling&manse,&but&taken&aback&that&she&refuses&to&meet&with& him&in&person.&He&only&does&business&with&people&he&can&lay&eyes&upon.&Our&girl,&hidden& behind&the&walls&of&her&secret&room,&proves&however,&to&be&quite&the&conversationalist& and&when&our&auctioneer&snatches&a&few&peeks&of&her&lithe&form&she's&also&quite&the& catch&for&a&stinky&old&art&connoisseur,&a&definite&babe.& & Needless&to&say&and&in&spite&of&her&agoraphobia,&the&classy,&erudite&Mr.&Rush&manages&to& charm&the&panties&off&shy&little&missy&and&she&eagerly&opens&up&her&private&boudoir&to& him.&Soon&our&smelly,&old,&but&oh3so&rapturously&seductive&gentleman&is&not&only& plumbing&the&depths&of&her&very&soul,&but&plumbing&her,&uh,&plumbing&(so&to&speak).& &

One&of&the&cooler&elements&of&the&tale&is&how&a&handsome,&young&restoration&expert& (Jim&Sturgess)&side3coaches&Rush&to&orgasmic&bliss,&performing&a&kind&of&Cyrano&de& Bergerac&role,&though&in&reverse,&obviously,&since&Rush&is&a&smelly,&old&coot&endowed& with&a&semi3prominent&proboscis&and&dreamboat&Sturgess&has&his&fair&share&of&babe3o3 licious&ladies&drooling&over&him.&& & Even&cooler,&though,&is&the&subplot&involving&Rush&finding&scattered&pieces&of&what& appears&to&be&the&inner3workings&of&a&centuries3old&automaton&and&Sturgess&excitedly& rebuilding&it.&This&actually&might&be&the&coolest&idea&I've&seen&in&a&movie&in&some&time&3&I& almost&perversely&wish&it&could&have&been&devoted&to&an&entire&movie&instead&of&the&one& Tornatore&gives&us.&Well,&we're&stuck&with&this&one&and&it's&pretty&darn&good&with&two& exceptions.& & The&first&drag&is&that&the&first&hour&of&the&film&is&supremely&entertaining.&No&two&ways& about&it.&That's&not&the&problem,&though.&What&is,&is&that&the&careful&viewer&will&pick&up& on&pretty&obvious&hints&as&to&where&the&narrative&is&going&and&said&careful&viewers&will,& like&I&did,&want&to&beg&Tornatore&not&to&go&there.&Alas,&he&does.&It's&not&only&the&obvious& direction&for&the&film&to&go,&but&as&such,&is&an&almost3hard3to3swallow&denouement&that& hardly&delivers&on&the&promise&of&the&first&half.& & The&second&drag&might&be&my&own&peccadillo,&but&is&there&anyone&on&the&face&of&God's& Green&Earth&who&wants&to&see&Geoffrey&Rush&naked&and&having&sex?&Sure,&if&he's&playing& a&sicko&like&the&Marquis&de&Sade,&I'm&there,&but&somehow,&in&a&mystery3drenched& romance&a&la&Daphne&Du&Maurier,&there's&something&vaguely&upchuck3inducing&about& oldster&carnal&shenanigans&(unless&one's&imbued&with&that&fetish,&and&if&so,&knock& yourself&out).&Three&years&ago,&Rush&starred&in&a&dreadful&Australian&picture&called&The& Eye&of&the&Storm.&When&I&reviewed&it,&I&noted&that&one&of&the&picture's&more&sickening& subplots&involved&Geoffrey&Rush&having&his&knob&plunged&and&polished&by&a&comely& young&thing&who&seemed&genuinely&charmed&by&him.&It's&more&of&the&same&here,&only& this&is&a&good&movie&that&really&needed&a&far&more&chaste&approach&to&Rush&achieving& orgasms.& & I&know&what&you're&thinking:&The&laddie&doth&protest&too&much.&Indeed,&perhaps,&he& does,&but&some&things&are&worth&protesting,&mais&non?& & The&Best&Offer&screens&on&the&opening&night&of&NIFF.&For&further&info,&visit&the&festival& website&HERE.&The&movie&is&worth&seeing&on&a&big&screen,&but&it&will&also&soon&be& available&on&DVD&via&Mongrel&Media.&Feel&free&to&order&the&film&from&the&Amazon&links& below&and,&in&so&doing,&support&the&ongoing&maintenance&of&The&Film&Corner.& & & & & &

Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival:%Kicks%off%this% week!% By&Christine&Lynn&–&06.16.2014& http://www.cliftonhill.com/falls_blog/niagara3integrated3film3festival3kicks3week/& &

We&all&know&what&TIFF&is,&but&now&it’s&time&to&get&familiar&with&NIFF&—&the&Niagara&Integrated& Film&Festival.&This&is&the&first&year&for&this&event,&but&founder&Bill&Marshall&is&the&same&man&who& started&the&Toronto&International&Film&Festival&in&1976.&Big&name&films&such&as&American&Beauty,& Black&Swan,&Ray,&127&Hours&and&The&Wrestler&all&premiered&at&TIFF,&and&now&it’s&time&to& introduce&to&the&world&some&of&Niagara’s&finest&film3makers,&making&this&a&highly&anticipated& event&for&Niagara&Falls&and&our&tourism&industry.&& While&the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&focuses&on&creative&film3making,&this&festival&heavily& ties&into&introducing&Niagara’s&famous&and&fabulous&wineries&to&the&world,&as&the&backdrop&to&its& viewing.&Trius&Winery,&Ravine&Vineyard&Winery,&Oast&House&Brewers,&Peller&Estates,&Southbrook& Vineyards,&and&Kinzelmann&Estate&Winery&all&play&house&to&NIFF,&with&movie&viewings,&complete& with&food&and&winery&pairings.&What&better&way&to&promote&Niagara’s&best&cuisine&and&wines& than&this?&This&is&what&the&two&programs&the&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&intends&to&do,&with& “Film&Feast”&and&“Filmalicious”&as&the& two&selections.& & “Film&Feast”&as&a&unique&bus&tour&of& Niagara’s&most&spectacular&wineries& where&guests&sample&vintages,& accompanied&by&exquisitely&prepared& hors&d’oeuvres,&and&then&watch& intriguing&short&films.&

“Filmalicious”&offers&guests&a&unique& experience&at&a&selected&winery,&in& which&talented&chefs&present&a&three3course& dinner&accompanied&with&wine&pairings,& followed&by&a&special&feature&film& presentation.&

& & & & &

The&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&(with&a&

budget&of&$1&million),&will&include&both&Canadian&and&Niagara&bred&movies,&along&with&long3lost& films&from&Peter&Sellers&and&the&Toronto3born&“America’s&sweetheart”&Mary&Pickford.& The&festival&runs&from&Thursday,&June&19th&to&Sunday,&June&22nd.&Tickets&range&in&pricing& depending&on&if&you&wish&an&individual&screening&($10&if&you&are&a&Student/Senior)&to&a&“NIFF& Unlimited&Pass”,&which&includes&a&pass&to&all&screenings&and&the&“Filmalicious”&of&your&choice&for& all&4&days&at&$525.& Click&here&for&Individual&Ticket&sales.& Click&here&for&All3Access&Ticket&sales.& All&Ticket&and&Pass&holders&are&allowed&entry&into&NIFF&parties&and&events&including:& •&Opening&Night&Party:&Thursday&June&19&at&9&P.M.&at&Market&Square&in&St.&Catharines& •&Cocktail&Hour:&Friday&June&20&and&Saturday&June&21&from&5&P.M.&to&7&P.M.&at&White&Oaks& •&Closing&Night&Reception:&Sunday&June&22&at&White&Oaks&

& &

Niagara%Integrated%Film%Festival%starts% Thursday% 06.18.2014&

http://www.1057ezrock.com/news/2014/06/18/niagara3integrated3film3festival3starts3thursday&

& The&Niagara&Integrated&Film&Festival&or&NIFF&is&set&to&take&centre&stage&Thursday. & The&event&from&Toronto&International&Film& Festival&co3founder,&Bill&Marshall&will&start& Thursday&June&19th&and&run&until&Sunday&the& 22nd.&&&Highlighting&our&world3class&epicurean& wonders,&NIFF&will&take&full&advantage&of&its& unique&location&with&two&special&programs.& Film&Feast&is&a&gourmet&wine&tour&meets&short&film&festival&mash3up&where&fine&wines& and&hors&d’oeuvres&are&enjoyed&with&a&short&film&from&Canada’s&Not&Short&on&Talent& program.& Filmalicious& is& a& sublime& dinner& and& a& movie& experience,& where& guests& will& enjoy& a& luscious& three3course3meal,& accompanied& by& a& top& selection& of& wines,& and& finished& off& with& a& stellar& feature& film,& at& one& of& the& Region’s& top& wineries.&& &&&In& Niagara& Rises,& a& special&program&showcasing&home3grown&Niagara&filmmakers,&St.&Catharines'&own&Mike& Enns&kicks&it&off&with&the&world&premiere&of&Restrung,&NIFF's&opening&night&film.& & !

NIFF$and$Southbrook$Vineyards$ Priya!Rao!)!Tuesday,!June!10,!2014!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdTG1)EF)Dc&list=TLHhqUYWyxeyMzysNP47ywvhmR94vSVBIJ!!

NIFF$and$Trius$Winery! Priya!Rao!)!Tuesday,!June!10,!2014!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7WsclUe74c&list=TL3faVkfI3Hk7)JAbUwGIXpKnRDrWFU6Nc&index=4!!

Jason$Lupish$and$Erica$Sherwood$$ Priya!Rao!)!Wednesday,!June!11,!2014!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7oEf0IYw1E!!

! !

NIFF$Co>founders$Bill$Marshall$and$Sari$Ruda$ Priya!Rao!)!Wednesday,!June!11,!2014!$

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHLIS0awSbU&list=UUQJup3QxBycKqSFFd5BMEmQ!

White$Oaks$Resort$–$the$NIFF$Headquarters$ Priya!Rao!)!Wednesday,!June!11,!2014!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55IoJXh4OJg&list=TLMrqcQ3jrlaq6CUDzVlIah7MciYW8jp)X! !!!

! !

World$Premiere$of$“Ribbit”$ http://www.seanastin.com/event/world)premiere)ribbit/!! Wednesday,!June!11,!2014!! “Ribbit”!will!premiere!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival,!June!21,!2014!!3pm,!in!Niagara,!ON.!A!Q&A! with!writer!and!director!Chuck!Powers!will!follow!the!screening,!with!Sean!Astin!planning!to!Skype!in!from! Philadelphia.! “Ribbit”!is!the!story!of!a!frog!(Sean!Astin)!with!an!identity!crisis,!and!his!quest!to!find!meaning!in!life.!!All! his!life,!Ribbit!has!felt!like!an!outsider,!different!from!all!the!other!frogs.!Desperate!to!find!purpose!in!his! life,!Ribbit!embarks!on!an!incredible!journey!through!the!magnificent!Amazon!rainforest.! Through!a!comical!mix)up,!Ribbit!is!accidently!hypnotized!into!believing!he!is!a!human!prince!trapped!in!a! frog’s!body.!Convinced!that!he!now!understands!why!he!is!so!different,!Ribbit!heads!out!in!search!for!the! princess!whose!kiss!will!solve!all!his!problems.! Joined!by!his!best!friend,!a!flying!squirrel!named!Sandy!(Cherami!Leigh),!Ribbit!encounters!an!amazingly! zany!cast!of!unique!and!colourful!characters!(including!Tim!Curry!and!Russell!Peters)!and!is!propelled!into! a!fast)paced,!action)filled!adventure!of!a!lifetime.!

Wining$and$dining$with$Niagara's$new$film$fest$ http://www.thoroldedition.ca/2014/06/11/wining)and)dining)with)niagaras)new)film)fest! Monday,!June!16,!2014!!

! It!was!a!taste!of!things!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!and!movies!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!to!come.! With!a!'party!bus'!in!tow,!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!made!the!rounds!in!Niagara)on) the)Lake!Wednesday,!offering!the!media!a!sneak!peak!of!the!June!19!)!22!event.!Showing!off!the! area's!scenery,!it!was!designed!to!show!how!different!the!inaugural!fest!will!be!from!the! Toronto!International!Film!Festival,!despite!the!fact!they!were!started!by!the!same!guy.! Co)founder!Bill!Marshall!recalls!how!hard!it!was!getting!anyone!to!take!the!first!festival!serious! in!1976.!Of!all!the!Toronto!media,!only!the!Toronto!Sun!took!it!serious.!The!Globe!&!Mail!and! Toronto!Star!film!critics!wanted!nothing!to!do!with!it.! Three!years!later,!they!saw!things!differently.!

"It!was!hard!to!say!100,000!people!got!it!wrong,"!says!Marshall.! He!expects!the!Niagara!fest!to!have!the!same!timetable!–!three!years!to!prove!his!hunch!was! correct.!Three!years!to!show!movies!and!Niagara's!wine!region!are!the!perfect!match.! With!a!$1!million!budget,!the!festival!will!offer!new!short!films,!Canadian!movies!and!even! made)in)Niagara!features!like!Dead!Before!Dawn!and!A!Kind!of!Wonderful!Thing.!There!will!be! the!Canadian!premiere!of!a!1911!lost!Mary!Pickford!movie,!and!the!North!American!premiere!of! three!Peter!Sellers!short!films.!Documentaries!will!include!the!acclaimed!More!Than!Honey,! about!the!imminent!threat!of!disappearing!bees,!and!the!Canadian)made!Watermark,!about!the! globe's!relationship!with!water.! Judging!by!Wednesday's!media!sneak!preview,!the!Niagara!fest!should!be!an!easy!sell.!The! mostly!Toronto!bloggers!and!writers!Tweeted!pics!of!Niagara)on)the)Lake's!soothing!scenery! throughout!the!day.!"If!only!every!Wednesday!looked!like!this!,"!wrote!CHCH's!Brigitte!Truong,! attaching!a!picture!of!the!vineyards!at!Trius!Winery.! Trius!was!one!of!three!stops!along!the!tour,!along!with!Oast!House!Brewers!and!Southbrook! Vineyards.! All!will!host!screenings!throughout!the!festival.! Retail!manager!Christine!Montana!of!Southbrook!says!the!festival!is!a!"great!opportunity"!to! attract!a!new!crowd!to!the!organic!winery!–!film!buffs.! "There's!lots!to!do,!(and!this)!will!add!one!more!element!and!get!more!Toronto!people!here."! Short!films!from!the!Canada's!Not!Short!on!Talent!program!of!the!fest!were!screened!in!the! lobby!at!Oast,!and!the!cellars!at!Trius.!At!Southbrook,!a!film!was!screened!in!the!same!room!the! Mary!Pickford!Program!will!be!held!June!21.! As!the!media!entourage!Tweeted!and!Facebooked!throughout!the!day,!Marshall!marveled!how! fast!word!on!the!new!film!fest!spread.!In!1976,!it!took!weeks!to!gather!momentum.! Marshall's!plan!is!to!get!the!festival!established,!then!"hope!it!generates!talent!here!that!can! take!it!over."! The!event!kicks!off!June!19!with!a!dinner,!screening!and!after)party!at!Trius.! Tickets!range!from!$15!for!individual!screenings!to!$125!)!$175!for!Filmalicious,!which!includes! custom!catered!wine!and!food!before!a!vineyard!screening.! john.law@sunmedia.ca! • • • •

WHAT:!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival! WHEN:!June!19!to!22! WHERE:!Trius!Winery,!Ravine!Vineyard!Winery,!Oast!House!Brewers,!Peller!Estates,! Southbrook!Vineyards,!Konzelmann!Estate!Winery! TICKETS:!www.niagarafilmfest.com!or!1)800)656)0713

FILMbutton Interview w/ Bill Marshall Shael Stolberg http://filmbutton.com/mainpage/?p=12880 Monday, June 16, 2014

FILMbutton Interviews Co-‐Founder of TIFF Bill Marshall before his new festival the Niagara Integrated Film Festival unspools on June 19 – 22, 2014.

St.$Catharines$director$launches$new$film$fest$ Thursday$ John!Law! Monday,!June!16,!2014!4:37:19!EDT!PM! http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2014/06/16/st)catharines)director)launches)new)film)fest)thursday!

Mike!Enns!never!set!out!to!be!a!filmmaker.!He!only!goes!to!the!movie!theatre!once!or!twice!a! year.! Film!school?!Don't!make!him!laugh.!He's!much!more!interested!in!music,!playing!bass!in!Niagara! band!Generation!Train.! So!he!finds!himself!in!a!state!of!disbelief!this!week.!His!documentary!Restrung!will!be!the!first! movie!screened!at!the!first)ever!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!Thursday!night.! "I've!never!actually!been!to!a!film!festival!before,!so!this!is!a!completely!new!experience,"!he! says.!"People!are!telling!me!it's!a!pretty!big!deal!to!be!first!film!at!an!inaugural!film!festival,!so! it's!an!honour."!

Restrung!examines!the!artistry!of!bass!guitar!maker! Randall!Wyn!Fullmer,!whom!Enns!met!in!Anaheim! two!years!ago!while!doing!another!film!on!a!St.! Catharines'!robotics!team!which!had!made!it!to!the! championship.! "After!seeing!his!bass!guitars!and!how!breathtaking! they!were…I!met!Randy!and!he!was!the!most! humble,!gentle,!understated!person!I!met,"!he! recalls.!"It!wasn't!until!later!I!found!out!he!worked!at! Disney!for!18!years!and!produced!some!pretty!big! films,!like!The!Emperor's!New!Groove!and!Chicken! Little."! Inspired!by!Fullmer's!creative!process,!Enns!decided! to!make!his!own!full)length!documentary.!His! experience?!Ten!years!as!media!arts!director!with! Southridge!Community!Church!in!St.!Catharines.! "It!was!there!I!just!picked!up!the!camera!and!started! editing!videos,"!he!says.!"Shooting!a!talking!head!for! half!an!hour!and!condensing!it!down!to!the!essence! of!the!story.!You!get!better!at!telling!stories!and! knowing!what!you!want."! After!he!finished!the!film!in!January,!Enns!had!"no! idea"!what!to!do!with!it.! "I!just!decided!I!was!going!to!throw!it!online!and!try! to!make!a!couple!dollars!selling!it!off!my!website.! Then,!sure!enough,!I!heard!about!NIFF!coming!to! town."! Created!by!Bill!Marshall,!co)founder!of!the!Toronto! International!Film!Festival,!NIFF!will!utilize!Niagara's! wineries!and!eateries!for!a!series!of!innovative! screenings,!many!of!them!outdoors!near!vineyards.! Marshall!gave!the!film!the!festival's!opening!night! slot!at!Trius!Winery.!Enns,!in!turn,!joined!the!festival! as!technical!co)ordinator,!setting!up!screenings!in! various!venues!around!the!region.! "It's!down!to!the!wire,"!he!says.! Fullmer!will!be!attending!Thursday's!screening!at!Trius,!and!even!made!Enns!a!new!bass!guitar.! It!will!be!the!film's!world!premiere.! The!32)year)old!director!has!planned!a!trip!to!Germany!for!his!next!project.! "My!inspiration!comes!from!life,!it!comes!from!unplugging,"!he!says.!"From!relationships!with! people!and!feeling!things.!When!I'm!cutting!a!film,!it's!kind!of!like!a!dance.!It's!an!emotional! things,!an!intuition!thing.!The!musical!side!of!me!plays!into!that!as!well."! john.law@sunmedia.ca! • WHAT:!Restrung,!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival! • WHERE:!Trius!Winery,!1249!Niagara!Stone!Rd.! • WHEN:!June!19,!8:30!p.m.! • TICKETS:!www.niagarafilmfest.com!

St.$Catharines$director$launches$new$film$fest$ Thursday$ $ John!Law! Monday,!June!16,!2014!4:37:19!EDT!PM! http://www.niagaraadvance.ca/2014/06/16/st)catharines)director)launches)new)film)fest)thursday!

St.$Catharines$director$launches$new$film$fest$ Thursday$ John!Law! http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/2014/06/16/st)catharines)director)launches)new)film)fest)thursday! Monday,!June!16,!2014!!

St.$Catharines$director$launches$new$film$fest$ Thursday$ John!Law! http://www.wellandtribune.ca/2014/06/16/st)catharines)director)launches)new)film)fest)thursday! Monday,!June!16,!2014!

St.$Catharines$director$launches$new$film$fest$ Thursday$ John!Law! http://www.finditniagara.com/st)catharines)director)launches)new)film)fest)thursday/! Monday,!June!16,!2014!

St.$Catharines$director$launches$new$film$fest$ http://to411daily.com/2014/06/17/stGcatharinesGdirectorGlaunchesGnewGfilmGfest/!! Tuesday,!June!17,!2014!

! Mike!Enns!never!set!out!to!be!a!filmmaker.!He!only!goes!to!the!movie!theatre!once!or!twice!a! year.! Film!school?!Don’t!make!him!laugh.!He’s!much!more!interested!in!music,!playing!bass!in!Niagara! band!Generation!Train.! So!he!finds!himself!in!a!state!of!disbelief!this!week.!His!documentary!Restrung!will!be!the!first! movie!screened!at!the!firstGever!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!Thursday!night.! “I’ve! never! actually! been! to! a! film! festival! before,! so! this! is! a! completely! new! experience,”! he! says.!“People!are!telling!me!it’s!a!pretty!big!deal!to!be!first!film!at!an!inaugural!film!festival,!so! it’s!an!honour.”! Restrung! examines! the! artistry! of! bass! guitar! maker! Randall! Wyn! Fullmer,! whom! Enns! met! in! Anaheim!two!years!ago!while!doing!another!film!on!a!St.!Catharines’!robotics!team!which!had! made!it!to!the!championship.! “After! seeing! his! bass! guitars! and! how! breathtaking! they! were…I! met! Randy! and! he! was! the! most!humble,!gentle,!understated!person!I!met,”!he!recalls.!“It!wasn’t!until!later!I!found!out!he! worked! at! Disney! for! 18! years! and! produced! some! pretty! big! films,! like! The! Emperor’s! New! Groove!and!Chicken!Little.”! Inspired!by!Fullmer’s!creative!process,!Enns!decided!to!make!his!own!fullGlength!documentary.! His! experience?! Ten! years! as! media! arts! director! with! Southridge! Community! Church! in! St.! Catharines.! “It!was!there!I!just!picked!up!the!camera!and!started!editing!videos,”!he!says.!“Shooting!a!talking! head! for! half! an! hour! and! condensing! it! down! to! the! essence! of! the! story.! You! get! better! at! telling!stories!and!knowing!what!you!want.”! After!he!finished!the!film!in!January,!Enns!had!“no!idea”!what!to!do!with!it.! “I!just!decided!I!was!going!to!throw!it!online!and!try!to!make!a!couple!dollars!selling!it!off!my! website.!Then,!sure!enough,!I!heard!about!NIFF!coming!to!town.”! Created! by! Bill! Marshall,! coGfounder! of! the! Toronto! International! Film! Festival,!NIFF!will! utilize! Niagara’s! wineries! and! eateries! for! a! series! of! innovative! screenings,! many! of! them! outdoors! near!vineyards.! Marshall!gave!the!film!the!festival’s!opening!night!slot!at!Trius!Winery.!Enns,!in!turn,!joined!the! festival!as!technical!coGordinator,!setting!up!screenings!in!various!venues!around!the!region.! “It’s!down!to!the!wire,”!he!says.! Fullmer!will!be!attending!Thursday’s!screening!at!Trius,!and!even!made!Enns!a!new!bass!guitar.! It!will!be!the!film’s!world!premiere.! The!32GyearGold!director!has!planned!a!trip!to!Germany!for!his!next!project.! “My!inspiration!comes!from!life,!it!comes!from!unplugging,”!he!says.!“From!relationships!with! people! and! feeling! things.! When! I’m! cutting! a! film,! it’s! kind! of! like! a! dance.! It’s! an! emotional! things,!an!intuition!thing.!The!musical!side!of!me!plays!into!that!as!well.”! !

Niagara$to$shine$on$NIFF’s$screens$this$ weekend! Made$in$Niagara$films$at$inaugural$film$festival$ Melinda!Cheevers!$ http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson)story/4582530)niagara)to)shine)on)niff)s)screens)this) weekend/!! Tuesday,!June!17,!2014!!

! When!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!rolls!into!the!region!this!weekend,!Niagara!truly!will!be!on!display! —!both!on!and!off!the!screen.!The!Angel!Inn,!filmed!and!set!in!Niagara)on)the)Lake,!will!be!one!of!the!films!shown!as! part!of!the!Niagara!Rises!program.!

NIAGARA!—!The!Niagara!region!isn’t!just!acting!as!host!for!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film! Festival,!it!will!also!be!featured!as!a!backdrop!for!several!of!the!films!that!will!be!screened.!

Niagara)on)the)Lake,!for!example,!serves!as!the!setting!for!two!very!different!stories!—!both!being! featured!in!the!Niagara!Rises!program.!The!first,!Niagara!on!Fire,!will!screen!as!part!of!the!Niagara! Rises!Shorts!program!taking!place!Sunday!at!3:30!p.m.!in!the!White!Oaks!Amphitheatre.!The!13) minute!short!film!had!a!larger!than!life!debut!in!December,!in!the!heart!of!Niagara)on)the)Lake’s!Old! Town,!during!the!Niagara!on!Fire!even!hosted!by!the!town’s!War!of!1812!Bicentennial!Committee.! Directed!by!Mario!Iaizzo,!the!film!tells!the!dramatic!and!historically!accurate!story!of!the!burning!and! destruction!of!the!Town!of!Niagara.!Now!known!as!Niagara)on)the)Lake,!the!town!was!destroyed!by! fleeing!American!forces!in!December!1813,!with!residents!forced!out!into!the!cold!night!as!their! possessions!burned.! The!film,!starring!Monica!Dufault,!Dr.!Tom!Pekar,!Scott!Finlay!and!Chloe!Meloen,!was!truly!a! community!effort!and!filmed!in!locations!across!town!over!the!course!of!a!year.!While!copies!of! Niagara!on!Fire!have!been!distributed!to!local!school!boards,!executive!director!Tony!Chisholm!said! he’s!excited!more!people!will!have!the!opportunity!to!see!the!short!film.! “This!is!something!I!pursued!to!make!sure!it!could!reach!a!larger!audience,”!he!said,!adding!festival! volunteers!involved!on!NIFF’s!end!have!been!very!helpful.!“I!think!it’s!great!for!them!to!include! Niagara!films!in!this!festival!and!not!just!those!made!in!other!parts!of!Canada,!or!from!outside!the! country.”! Niagara!on!Fire!will!be!one!of!four!shorts!screened!as!part!of!the!program,!which!will!highlight!the! talents!of!filmmakers!who!live!in!or!were!raised!in!the!Niagara!region.!Other!shorts!include!The! Boyfriend!directed!by!Atefeh!Sadreddin,!Sidewalk!Surfing!directed!by!Dillon!Erwin,!and!Steakjuice! directed!by!Blake!Hannahson.! The!second!film!set!in!Niagara)on)the)Lake!will!be!part!of!the!feature)length!Niagara!Rises!program.! Angel!Inn,!written!and!directed!by!Virgil!resident!Kirk!Schriefer,!is!not!only!set!in!town,!but!also! features!several!of!the!landmarks!that!locals!and!visitors!alike!have!come!to!love.!The!90)minute! feature!follows!three!friends!—!Pete,!Janet!and!Stan!—!who!find!out!their!deceased!friend,!Keith,!has! left!them!equal!ownership!of!his!bar,!The!Angel!Inn.!While!the!three!friends!dive!into!life!at!the!bar,! it!slowly!begins!to!dawn!on!them!that!before!dealing!with!the!future,!they!must!first!deal!with!their! past.! Screening!on!Sunday!afternoon!at!the!Landmark!Cinema!10!in!St.!Catharines,!it!will!mark!the!film’s! Canadian!theatrical!premiere.! “It’s!pretty!exciting,”!said!Schriefer!of!the!movie!theatre!debut.! The!film!had!its!official!premiere!in!January!2013!at!the!Shaw!Festival!in!Niagara)on)the)Lake.!While! it’s!available!for!purchase!or!rental!on!iTunes!and!has!been!showing!on!the!SuperChannel!since! September,!Schriefer!said!he!still!has!people!asking!him!all!of!the!time!when!they’ll!get!the!chance!to! see!it!in!local!theatres.! “I’m!glad!I!can!finally!tell!them!‘here’s!your!chance’,”!he!said.!“And!to!have!it!on!screen!here!is! Niagara!is!great.”! While!it’s!not!uncommon!to!see!Niagara’s!scenery!on!the!big!screen,!it’s!not!often!that!the!movies! are!actually!set!in!one!of!Niagara’s!municipalities.!For!the!Angel!Inn,!however,!that’s!the!case.!!While! the!exterior!shots!were!filmed!at!the!actual!Olde!Angel!Inn!on!Market!Street,!the!interior!scenes! were!filmed!at!a!bar!set!erected!inside!the!defunct!Anchorage!Motel.!Other!filming!locations!include! St.!Mark’s!Anglican!Church!and!the!waterfront.!!

The!film!will!be!screened!at!the!Pen!Centre’s!Landmark!Cinema!in!St.!Catharines!on!Sunday!at!1:15! p.m.! Other!feature)length!films!in!the!Niagara!Rises!program!—!those!showcasing!the!talents!of!Niagara! filmmakers!—!include!Restrung!by!Niagara)based!director!Mike!Enns!on!Thursday!at!Trius!Winery!at! Hillebrand;!A!Kind!of!Wonderful!Thing!by!St.!Catharines!director!Jason!Lupish!on!June!20!at!White! Oaks!Amphitheatre;!Niagara!Falls!director!April!Mullen’s!Dead!Before!Dawn!at!White!Oaks! Amphitheatre!on!Friday;!St.!Catharines’!Edward!Burtynsky’s!documentary!Watermark!on!Saturday!at! Rodman!Hall;!VineLife:!the!Story!of!a!Vintage!by!director!Andrew!Stevenson!about!the!2011!vintage! in!Niagara’s!wine!country!through!the!eyes!of!three!emerging!winemakers!on!Sunday!at!Ravine! Vineyard!and!Estate!Winery.! Tickets!can!be!purchased!invidually!or!as!part!of!a!package.!For!the!full!schedule!and!ticket! information,!visit!www.niagarafilmfest.com.!

The$Post$Screening$in$Niagara$ http://northcountrycinema.com/site/2014/06/the)post)screening)in)niagara/!! Tuesday,!June!17,!2014!!

! Kyle!Thomas’!short!film!The!Post!has!been!selected!to!screen!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film! Festival!as!part!of!a!showcase!of!Canadian!films!curated!by!Danny!Lennon.!The!Post!will!open! “Canada’s!Not!Short!on!Talent!Program!2″!on!Saturday!June!21!at!White!Oaks!Amphitheatre!in! Niagara!at!3:00!pm.!We’re!very!proud!to!have!our!work!included!in!this!program!of!films!by! some!of!Canada’s!most!exciting!new!directors.!Screening!in!wine!country!sounds!divine,!sad!to! be!missing!this!one!!

The$Return$of$Hector$Dimwittie$ Staff$ http://www.northernstars.ca/News/01406160934_niagaraff.html!)!.U6r5D41dWjK! Tuesday,!June!17,!2014!

(June!16,!2014!)!Niagara,!Ontario)!Long! before!he!was!Inspector!Clouseau!–!or!even! Dr.!Strangelove!–!Peter!Sellers!debuted!his! acting!chops!in!a!series!of!pre)feature!film! shorts,!co)written!by!Lewis!Greiffer!(Dr.! Who,!Danger!Man)!and!future!Canlit!legend! Mordecai!Richler.!Now,!50!years!later,!these! films!)!known!collectively!as!Hector! Dimwittie!Trilogy!)!will!be!making!their! Canadian!debut!on!Friday!June!20!at!the! inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival.! ! The!three!half)hour!films!include!Dearth!Of! A!Salesman,!Insomnia!Is!Good!For!You,!and!Cold!Comfort,!and!follow!the!misadventures!of!one! Hector!Dimwittie,!a!lovable!loser!on!a!quest!to!become!Britain’s!most!successful!salesman!–! pitching!everything!from!tape!recorders!to!toilet!paper.! !The!quirky!black)and)white!films!take!an!anti)authoritarian!stance,!characteristic!of!post)war! Britain,!and!they!showcase!Sellers’!amazing!character!comedy.!Sellers!would!break!out!the! following!year!in!three!features,!including!The!Mouse!That!Roared.!!!“There!was!great!interest! among!film!festivals!worldwide!to!get!their!hands!on!this! treasure!trove!of!film!history,”!says!NIFF!Founder!Bill!Marshall,! “so!a!real!coup!for!us!and!the!inaugural!edition!of!this!festival.! And!my!friend!Ted!Kotcheff(pictured)!promises!to!tell!the!best! showbiz!stories!about!Peter!Sellers!you’ve!never!heard."!!The! Hector!Dimwittie!Trilogy!was!initially!planned!as!a!series!of!10! shorts,!but!the!project!fell!by!the!wayside.!The!Peter!Sellers) Mordecai!Richler!collaboration!)!including!negatives,!titles,! show!prints,!outtakes!and!master!print!–!sat!on!a!private!shelf! for!years!after!the!1996!bankruptcy!of!London’s!Park!Lane! films.!Robert!Farrow,!who!rescued!them,!offered!them!to! Britain’s!Southend!Film!Festival,!where!they!debuted!in!May!of! last!year.!!!The!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival,!on!Friday!June! 20,!at!Ravine!Vineyards,!in!a!special!Filmalicious!Event.!Click! here!for!a!link!to!the!NIFF!and!to!other!June!film!festivals.!!

Beer,$wine,$food$and$film$—$NIFF$said! Sarah!Gopaul$ http://www.digitaljournal.com/a)and)e/entertainment/beer)wine)food)and)film)niff) said/article/386927#ixzz35fjrVOmX$ Tuesday,!June!17,!2014!$

The!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!pairs!local!wine!and!beer,!and!culinary! pleasures!with!exceptional!film!programs!screened!throughout!the!region.!

! Anyone!who!pays!attention!to!the!weekly!events!listings!would!think!the!last!thing! needed!in!or!near!Toronto!is!another!film!festival.!Thus,!Toronto!International!Film! Festival!(TIFF)!co)founder!Bill!Marshall!understood!that!if!he!was!going!to!add!a!new! showcase!to!the!catalogue!it!was!essential!it!be!innovative.!The!result!of!his! brainstorming!is!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF),!which!combines!premiere! festival!films!with!some!of!the!finest!food!and!drink!offerings!of!the!Niagara!region.! From!June!19!to!22,!movie!lovers,!wine!connoisseurs!and!foodies!are!invited!to!merge! their!passions!with!two!irresistible!programs:!“Film!Feast”!and!“Filmalicious.”! Emphasizing!the!connections!between!these!delectable!pursuits,!NIFF!offers!revellers! the!best!of!all!three!worlds.!

La$animación$malaya$llega$al$Niagara$ Integrated$Film$Festival$

http://www.prensario.net/9300)La)animacion)malaya)llega)al)Niagara)Integrated)Film)Festival.note.aspx! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

! Kartun!Studios,!la!división!de!animación!de!KRU!International!(Malasia),!llega!al!Niagara!Integrated!Film! Festival!(NIFF)!para!presentar!el!film!en!3D!Ribbit,!en!el!evento!que!se!realizará!del!19!al!22!de!junio!en! Ontario,!Canadá.! Escrita!y!dirigida!por!Chuck$Powers,!CCO!de!Kartun$Studios,!Ribbit!es!una!aventura!que!se!relaciona!con! los!chicos!y!los!adultos!por!igual;!junto!con!gráficos!visualmente!atractivos!y!escenas!llenas!de!acción,!el! film!dirigido!a!toda!la!familia!busca!impulsar!la!producción!malaya!dentro!del!mercado!internacional,!la! cual!ha!crecido!exponencialmente!en!los!últimos!años!gracias!al!talento!local,!la!infraestructura!y!la! presencia!del!Gobierno.! ‘Esto!es!sólo!el!comienzo!de!lo!que!KRU$Internacional!tiene!previsto!llevar!a!cabo’,!remarcó!el!CCO!de!la! compañía!que!ya!cuenta!con!cinco!películas!de!animación!en!3D!y!tres!series!de!televisión!de!animación! en!el!desarrollo.!‘Queremos!demostrar!que!una!empresa!de!Malasia!puede!producir!espectáculos!que! pueden!desempeñar!en!los!mercados!internacionales;!queremos!una!producción!con!un!atractivo! universal.!Esa!es!la!clave!para!nosotros‘,!reforzó.! Ribbit!representa!el!primer!paso!de!KRU!internacional!en!la!industria!de!la!animación!y!ya!ha!cosechado! las!ventas!a!más!de!80!países!alrededor!del!mundo!incluyendo!Reino!Unido,!Alemania,!Australia,!Japón,! China!y!Brasil.!Se!espera!que!el!film!sea!lanzado!en!todo!el!mundo!en!el!segundo!semestre!de!2014.!

Feature$Animation$at$Niagara$Film$Fest$ Staff! http://www.northernstars.ca/News/01406180809_niagaraff.html#.U6sWHo1dWjJ!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

(June!18,!2014!)!Niagara,!Ontario)!The!World!Premiere!of!a!new!animated!feature!is!set!for!this! Saturday!at!Ontario's!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival.!Ribbit,!as!it!is!titled,!is!a!bit!of!a!children's! story!but!this!colourful!tale!of!an!Amazonian!frog!who!somehow!doesn’t!feel!at!home!in!the!rain! forest!carries!a!message!for!all!ages.! ! Ribbit!features!the!voices!of!some!of!the!best!and!most!well)known!actors!in!the!world.!You!may! not!recognize!him!but!that's!Lord!Of!The!Rings’!Sean!Astin!as!the!rain!forest!frog!Ribbit!in!the! picture!above.!Standing!next!to!him!is!Deepak,!a!vampire!bat!voiced!by!Canada’s!most!famous! comedian,!Russell!Peters.!Then!there's!a!toucan!named!Terrence!voiced!by!British!actor!Tim! Curry.!!! ! Ribbit!is!the!ultimate!misfit!)!a!frog!who!hates!water,!and!who!has!absorbed!notions!of!the! human!world!that!suggests!he!was!meant!for!something!bigger!than!catching!flies.!Through!a! comical!mishap,!Ribbit!is!hypnotized!into!thinking!he’s!a!human!prince!trapped!in!an!amphibian! body.!Thus!begins!his!perilous!pilgrimage,!accompanied!by!his!best!friend,!a!squirrel!named! Sandy!(Cherami!Leigh),!and!marked!by!encounters!with!Terrence!and!the!deceptively)smooth) talking!vampire)bat)with)an)agenda.!! !

!!Awash!in!the!colours!of!the!South!American!rain!forest,!Ribbit!is!the!feature!film!debut!of! writer/director!Chuck!Powers,!a!veteran!American!voice!actor!who!stepped!behind!the!camera! in!Asia!to!become!a!creative!force!behind!many!iconic!anime!franchises,!including!YuKGiKOh!,! Digimon!and!One!Piece.!!! ! "Ribbit’s!story!is!universal,"!said!Powers.!"!He!has!an!identity!crisis!and!a!quest!to!find!a!meaning! in!life.!And!the!Amazon!provides!an!incredible!backdrop!for!this!amazing!adventure.!The! audience!has!a!front)row!seat!to!Ribbit’s!incredible!world."!Chuck!Powers!will!be!in!attendance! for!the!World!Premiere!screening!at!the!Landmark!Cinema!in!St!Catharines.!!!! ! Produced!by!Malaysia’s!Kru!Studios!and!Crest!Animation!Studios,!Ribbit!was!written!and! directed!by!Chuck!Powers,!vice!president!of!animation!for!the!Kru!Group.!A!founding!partner!of! Creative!Fuzion!Entertainment,!Powers!was!instrumental!in!the!creation,!writing,!directing!and! development!of!numerous!shows!that!have!been!seen!on!Disney,!Nickelodeon,!Cartoon! Network,!and!Discovery!among!others.! ! Click!here!for!a!link!to!the!Niagara!Intergrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!and!other!June!film!festivals.!!

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$starts$ Thursday$ 610!CKTB!News! http://www.1057ezrock.com/news/2014/06/18/niagara)integrated)film)festival)starts)thursday! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

! The!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!or!NIFF!is!set!to!take!centre!stage!Thursday.! The!event!from!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!co)founder,!Bill!Marshall!will!start!Thursday! June!19th!and!run!until!Sunday!the!22nd.!!!Highlighting!our!world)class!epicurean!wonders,!NIFF! will!take!full!advantage!of!its!unique!location!with!two!special!programs.! Film!Feast!is!a!gourmet!wine!tour!meets!short!film!festival!mash)up!where!fine!wines!and!hors! d’oeuvres!are!enjoyed!with!a!short!film!from!Canada’s!Not!Short!on!Talent!program.! Filmalicious!is!a!sublime!dinner!and!a!movie!experience,!where!guests!will!enjoy!a!luscious! three)course)meal,!accompanied!by!a!top!selection!of!wines,!and!finished!off!with!a!stellar! feature!film,!at!one!of!the!Region’s!top!wineries.!!!!!In!Niagara!Rises,!a!special!program! showcasing!home)grown!Niagara!filmmakers,!St.!Catharines'!own!Mike!Enns!kicks!it!off!with!the! world!premiere!of!Restrung,!NIFF's!opening!night!film.!!!!For!more!information!go!to:! www.niagarafilmfest.com/category/programs/!!

NIFF$Review:$Restrung$(2014)$ http://www.the)filmreel.com/2014/06/18/niff)review)restrung)2014/! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!! $

After!a!successful!career!working!at!Disney,!Randy!Fullmer!felt!it!was!time!for!a! change.!Leaving!behind!a!well!paying!job,!Randy!turned!his!hobby!for!making! guitars,!into!his!full!time!job.!Working!on!his!own,!Randy!began!creating!bass! guitars,!one!by!one,!in!the!hopes!that!his!craftsmanship!would!be!appreciated,! and!rewarded.! Opening!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival,!Restrung!serves!up!an! inspiring!message,!all!set!to!the!fantastic!soundtrack!that!Randy!Fullmer!has! played!a!part!in!creating.!It!may!sound!insane!to!leave!behind!a!career!at!Disney,! but!Fullmer!felt!he!was!reaching!his!peak,!as!well!as!losing!his!creativity.! His!passion!for!building!guitars!became!his!job,!and!its!eventual!success!shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t! come!as!a!surprise.!He!handcrafts!each!instrument,!making!one!piece!of!art,!that! will!be!used!for!another!art.!What!really!makes!this!film!so!spectacular!is!the!way! in!which!Fullmer!approaches!this!transition.!From!start!to!finish,!his!advice!can!be! applied!to!almost!every!avenue!of!life,!giving!us!all!an!important!look!at!how!to!

achieve!our!goals,!and!with!the!most!open!mind,!always!ready!to!accept!our! mistakes,!and!learn!from!them.$ Is$Restrung$Worth$Watching?! An!absolute!must!see!film,!especially!for!people!who!dream!of!starting!a!new! career.!Fullmer’s!attitudes,!and!advice,!show!us!how!we’re!all!capable!of! achieving!our!dreams,!even!if!it!means!leaving!something!successful!behind.! Restrung$Screening$Time! • Thursday,!June!19,!2014!at!8:30!pm!at!Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! $

Restrung$Clip! !

Restrung$Gallery! ! !

! !

Five$Must>See$Docs$at$NIFF$ Steve!Gow! http://www.strictlydocs.com/five)must)see)docs)at)niff/!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

! Sure,!you’ve!heard!of!dinner!and!a!movie.!Now!there’s!an!opportunity!to!savor! dinner,!wine!and!a!doc.! ! With!the!inaugural!launch!of!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!starting!on!June! 19th!(and!running!until!June!22nd),!programmers!have!designed!a!thrilling!set!of! experiences!to!bring!together!Niagara’s!best!wineries!and!a!sampling!of!the!region’s! best!films!as!well!as!an!international!array!of!exciting!movies!and!docs.! ! There!will!be!many!unique!programs!such!as!the!dinner!and!dining!experience!of! Filmalicious!or!the!touring!Film! Feast!but,!of!course,!what!it!all!comes! down!to!is!great!cinema!–!and!NIFF!will! be!boasting!several!great! documentaries.!Whatever!program!you! decide!to!take!in,!here!are!5!docs!not!to! miss!at!NIFF:! ! Restrung!! The!opening!night!film,!Restrung!documents!Randall!Wyn,!a!high)paid!Disney!

animator!who!turned!his!back!on!a!successful!career!to!follow!his!dream!building! small)batch!bass!guitars!out!of!his!home.! ! Why$should$you$care?! Director!Mike!Enns!is!from!the!Niagara!region!so!this!opening!night!flick!should!carry! a!lot!of!excitement.!Plus,!the!film!is!an!inspirational!look!at!a!craftsman!who!gave!up! conformity!for!passion.!Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!not!enough!of!that!in!the!world.! Go!Far! Making!its!world!premiere!at!NIFF,!Go!Far!tells!the!incredible!story!of!Christopher! Rush,!who!was!diagnosed!with!muscular!dystrophy!at!seven!months!old.!In!his!brief! 30!year!life,!he!accomplished!more!than!most!of!us!do!in!our!entire!lives.! Why$should$you$care?! If!you!need!a!reason!beyond!the!simple!inspiration!to!follow!your!dreams,!the!NIFF! screening!will!be!followed!by!a!Q&A!with!the!director!and!Rushâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!family.! I!Am!Not!a!Rock!Star

! Recounting!the!rollicking!life!of!Marika!Bournaki,!this!doc!was!shot!over!eight!years!

as!the!young!Montreal)born!classical!pianist!“matures!both!personally!and! professionally!before!our!eyes”.! Why$should$you$care?$ The!documentary!has!won!many!awards!and!has!been!the!official!selection!in!more! than!25!film!festivals!all!over!the!globe.!Oh,!and!also!–!Marika!will!be!performing!at! the!screening.!Not!bad!$ VineLife:!The!Story!of!a!Vintage!! How!can!we!talk!about!a!Niagara!film!fest!without!including!a!doc!on!vineyards?!In! VineLife,!filmmakers!follow!the!2011!vintage!in!Ontario’s!wine!region,!concentrating! on!three!rising!winemakers.! $ Why$should$you$care?! If!you!think!a!vintner’s!life!is!simply!filled!with!days!drinking!delicious!glasses!of!vino,! you’re!dead!wrong.!This!doc!promises!to!show!the!hardships,!stress!and!how! inconsistent!weather!can!make!or!break!those!days!of!wine!and!roses.!Not!to! mention!your!entire!wine!crop.$ More!Than!Honey!! A!Switzerland/Germany/Austria!co)production,! this!acclaimed!documentary!may!be!the!‘An! Inconvenient!Truth!of!insect!movies’.!Following! up!on!Einstein’s!long)ago!prognosis!about!the! symbiotic!relationship!between!bees!and! humankind,!this!in)depth!examination!looks!at! honeybee!colonies!around!the!globe!and!how! pesticides!and!other!factors!have!led!to!their! incredible!decimation.!! $ Why$should$you$care?! Well!as!Einstein!predicted,!“if!bees!were!to! disappear!from!the!globe,!mankind!would!only! have!four!years!left!to!live.”! ! For!a!full!slate!of!NIFF’s!films,!check!out!their! website!here.! !

) Restrung$a$film$by$Mike$Enns$Opens$the$ Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$ Shale!Stoleberg! ! http://filmbutton.com/mainpage/?p=13009!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

Restrung! Thursday!June!19,!2014! Trius!Winery! 1249!Niagara!Stone!Rd,!NiagaraKonKtheKLake! In!a!success)oriented!society,!“happiness”!is!normally!defined!as!simply!reaching!the! upper!echelons!of!one’s!field.!But!Mike!Enns!encountered!a!more!personal!definition!of! happiness!when!he!met!former!Disney!executive!Randall!Wyn!Fullmer!at!the!Los! Angeles!Winter!National!Association!of!Music!Merchants!show.! This!meeting!prompted!Enns!into!a!journey!that!will!culminate!on!June!19,!when! Restrung!gets!a!World!Premiere!at!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!

in!Niagara)on)the)Lake’s!Trius!Winery.! This!feature!documentary!is!a!study!of!one)man’s!epiphany!in!the!name!of!art,!and!is! the!result!of!that!chance!meeting.!A!talented!bass!guitarist!himself,!Enns!attended!the! event!for!his!own!reasons,!but!was!immediately!taken!with!Fullmer’s!rich)sounding,! handcrafted!guitars!(played!soulfully!for!the!crowd!by!internationally!renowned!bassist,! Abraham!Laboriel).!A!few!words!with!the!craftsman!led!Enns!to!what!would!become! Restrung,!and!to!a!re)evaluation!of!his!own!creative!process.! Randy!had!let!go!of!his!role!as!a!“manager!of!artists”!at!the!Disney!Studios!to!become!a! “real!artist”!again,!answerable! to!no!committee!save!his! muses.! ! “From!my!first!conversation,”! says!Enns,!“I!realized!that! Randy’s!process!of!creativity! was!exactly!what!I!yearned!to! emulate!in!my!own!career.”! Eventually,!Mike!took!a!chance! of!his!own,!capturing!Randy’s! story!on!camera.!He!brought!a! crew!to!L.A.!for!a!whirlwind! week!of!filming!Randy!at!work! into!the!wee!hours.!The! dedication!for!the!comparative! lack!of!financial!reward!was! contagious!and!inspirational.! “Going!against!the!grain,!transcending!common!sense,!overcoming!fear!of!failure!and! embracing!natural!intuition…!these!are!all!things!I!learned!from!Randy!and!hoped!to!find! in!myself,”!adds!Enns.! The!Restrung!project!is!Enns’!most!personal!work,!and!he!hopes!it!strikes!a!similar!chord! in!audiences.!!! Filmalicious!Dinner,!Screening,!Party!–!$150.00!–!Doors!Open!@!6:30pm!Screening!and! Opening!Night!Party:!$25.00!–!Doors!Open!@!8:30pm!Tickets!available!on!website!

Malaysian$Flick$‘Ribbit’$to$Premiere$at$Niagara$ Fest$ Mercedes!Milligan! http://www.animationmagazine.net/features/malaysian)flick)ribbit)to)premiere)at)niagara)fest/!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!! !

Ontario,!Canada’s!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!is!taking!place!June!19)22,! showcasing!a!hand)picked!selection!of!films!from!around!the!world.!One!of!the! premieres!that!will!be!featured!at!the!event!is!the!global!debut!of!Malaysian!animated! film!Ribbit!from!KRU!International’s!Kartun!Studios.!The!film!stars!Sean!Astin,!Russell! Peters!and!Tim!Curry!and!will!be!screened!in!3D!on!June!21.! Ribbit!centers!on!its!titular!frog!hero!who!is!a!bit!of!a!dreamer!who!doesn’t!fit!in!with! the!other!frogs.!To!escape!from!reality!he!hangs!out!in!his!“clubhouse,”!a!downed,! dilapidated!plane!in!the!jungle,!and!reads!about!animals!who!have!no!trouble!finding! their!purpose!in!life!in!old!copies!of!National!Geographic.! Written!and!directed!by!Kartun’s!chief!creative!officer!Chuck!Powers,!the!CG!film!is!“a! beautiful!heart)warming!adventure”!aimed!at!the!whole!family.!Ribbit!is!the!first!feature! length!project!from!the!studio!and!has!already!been!sold!to!over!80!countries! worldwide,!including!the!U.K.,!Germany,!Australia,!Japan,!China!and!Brazil,!which!will! likely!see!releases!in!the!fall.!KRU!currently!has!five!3D!animated!films!and!three! animated!television!series!in!development.! !

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$ Charles!Traounski! http://scenecreek.com/festivals/niagara)integrated)film)festival/!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!! !

! ! The!I’s!have!it.!While!many!filmgoers!are!familiar!with!the!initials!that!make!up!TIFF,! (Toronto!International!Film!Festival),!the!I!of!NIFF–Integrated–is!integral!to!the!idea! of!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival,!which!is!running!from!June!19th!to! the!22nd.!What!makes!the!integration!work!so!well!is!the!inclusion!of!Niagara)on)the) Lake!wineries,!(as!well!as!a!brewery),!that!makes!the!invitation!to!experience!NIFF!so! incandescent.! ! When!certain!media!members!were!invited!to!preview!the!festival,!it!seemed!at!first! to!be!insipid,!but!turned!out!to!be!inspired.!For!starters,!the!bus!to!Niagara!was!no! ordinary!ride,!but!an!illuminated!party!bus,!complete!with!stripper!pole,!(which,! sadly,!went!unused).!This!same!bus!will!be!used!on!the!Film!Feast!tour!in!NIFF,!which! will!be!departing!Saturday!and!Sunday!morning,!from!Niagara!College.!The!idea!of! this!tour!is!to!integrate!visits!to!two!different!wineries,!as!well!as!to!the!Oast!House! Brewery.!Oast!House!is!a!must)visit.!We!first!tasted!a!beer!created!in!part!by!Oshawa! band!Cuff!the!Duke,!called!Bound!to!your!own!Weisses,!(based!on!their!song!Bound! to!your!own!Vices),!paired!alongside!hors!d’oeuvres.!The!beer!was!a!little!spicy,!a!

little!sweet!and!was!a!fun!treat!at!11!a.m.!The!experience!at!Oast!House!is! intoxicating,!as!the!brewery!is!housed!in!a!red!barn,!and!the!beer!is!brewed!onsite.! In!addition!to!a!rotating!Saison!beer,!the!featured!beer!is!called,!appropriately! enough,!Barnraiser.! ! The!second!and!third!stops!on!the!tour!were!wineries,!and!though!the!ones!that!we! visited!are!different!than!the!ones!featured!on!the!Film!Feast!tour,!they!were! memorable!for!the!chance!to!watch!the!Canada’s!Not!Short!on!Talent!film!program,! which!recently!returned!from!this!year’s!Festival!de!Cannes.!Included!in!the!program! on!the!tour!is!Adam!Deviller’s!short!film!Foam!Drive!Renegades,!which!was! absolutely!knockdown,!drag)em)out!hilarious.!Certainly,!the!wine!and!beer!did!not! that!cloud!judgment!on!this!delightfully!foul)mouthed!film.!It!centered!on!a!late! addition!to!the!crew!of!a!robbery,!and!really!has!to!be!seen!(and!not!talked!about),! to!be!fully!appreciated.!Other!stand)outs!from!Canada’s!Not!Short!on!Talent!were! Next!Floor,!a!grotesque!piece!directed!by!the!well)known!Quebecois!director!Denis! Villeneuve,!Subconscious!Password,!a!dreamy,!bendy!glimpse!into!the!process!of! remembering!someone’s!name!starring!Don!McKellar,!and!Noah,!a!film!that!takes! place!entirely!on!Facebook,!chronicling!a!change!in!relationship!status.!Noah!won! the!2013!Best!Canadian!Short!Film!Award!at!TIFF,!and!is!worth!making!the!voyage.! ! While!integration!is!all!well!and!good,!the!feature!films!have!been!carefully!curated,! and!offer!some!interesting!choices.!Some!choices!that!leap!out!are!the!Canadian! premiere!of!family)friendly!Earth!to!Echo,!the!Michael!C.!Hall)starring!Cold!in!July,! based!on!the!Joe!R.!Lansdale!book,!Frank,!a!rockin’!road!trip,!which!features!Michael! Fassbender!wearing!a!giant!head!throughout,!the!Ira!Sachs!directed!relationship! dramedy!Love!is!Strange,!The!Only!Real!Game,!a!true)to)life!Million!Dollar!Arm,! about!baseball!players!from!the!Indian!subcontinet,!the!Ontario!premiere!of! Scandinavian!The!100)Year!Old!Man!Who!Climbed!out!the!Window!and! Disappeared,!based!on!the!Jonas!Jonasson!novel,!Jason!Priestley’s!Cas!&!Dylan,!and! Red!Obsession,!appropriately,!the!Russell!Crowe!narrated!documentary!about! Bordeaux!wine.! ! NIFF’s!opening!night!feature!is!Restrung,!directed!by!Niagara’s!own!Mike!Enns.!It!is!a! documentary!featuring!Randall!Wyn!Fullmer,!who!quit!his!job!at!Disney!to!create! bass!guitars.!Once!more!featuring!integration,!the!evening!offers!a!Filmalicious!time! at!the!Trius!winery!at!Hillebrand,!(where!we!watched!our!host!sabre!open!a!bottle!of! sparkling!wine).!The!program!offers!dinner!and!wine!pairings!prior!to!the!film,! followed!by!a!performance!by!a!Jazz!trio.!Another!movie!and!dinner!pairing!that! looks!to!be!a!fun!evening!is!I!Am!Not!a!Rockstar,!at!Peller!Estate!Winery,!which! features!the!director!Bobbi!Jo!Hart,!and!a!performance!by!the!piano!prodigy!of!the! movie,!Marika!Bournaki.!Talk!about!integration.! *I*!will!be!seeing!you!at!NIFF.!

! Filmmaker!Mike!Enns!Chats!About!the!New! Niagara!Film!&!Wine!Fest! Sonya! http://urbanmoms.ca/entertainment/filmmaker)mike)enns)chats)about)the)new)niagara)film)wine)fest/! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!! !

What!better!way!to!kick!off!the!summer!season!than!a!trip!to!one!of!the!world’s!award) winning!wine!regions.!The!vineyards!of!Niagara)on)the)Lake!will!host!the! inauguralNiagara$Integrated$Film$Festival!(NIFF)!June!19!to!22,!2014.!Wine,!food!and! film!pairings!bring!a!unique!perspective!to!this!festival!that!includes!film!industry!guests! (actors!and!directors),!cineophiles!and!wine!lovers!alike.! Highlighting!the!world)class!epicurean!wonders!of!Niagara,!NIFF!will!take!full!advantage! of!its!unique!location!with!two!special!programs.!Film$Feast!is!a!gourmet!wine!tour! meets!short!film!festival!mash)up!where!fine!wines!and!hors!d’oeuvres!will!be!served! in!Canada’s)Not)Short)on)Talent!program.$Filmalicious!is!a!sublime!dinner!and!a!movie! experience,!where!guests!will!enjoy!dinner!accompanied!by!a!top!selection!of!wines,! and!finished!off!with!a!feature!film,!at!one!of!the!Region’s!top!wineries.!

! In!Niagara)Rises,!a!special!program!showcasing!home)grown!Niagara!filmmakers,!Mike! Enns!will!kick!off!the!world!première!of!his!documentary!Restrung,!NIFF’s!opening!night! film.!Mike!Enns!is!a!filmmaker!who!focusses!on!“stories!with!soul”.!He!embraces!the! discovery!process!and!enjoys!the!imperfections!and!surprises!of!each!project!that!he! documents.! I!had!a!chance!to!speak!with!Mike!Enns!recently!at!NIFF’s!press!conference.! What$is$RESTRUNG$all$about?! Mike:!It’s!about!an!artist,!Randall!Fullmer,!from!L.A.!who!started!working!as!an!animator! and!worked!his!way!up!to!be!a!producer!of!films!like!Emperor’s!New!Groove!and! Chicken!Little.!After!18!years!at!Disney!he!found!himself!being!quite!removed!from! being!an!artist.!So,!instead!of!signing!up!for!another!animated!feature!film,!he!decided! to!to!go!back!to!his!roots!of!woodworking!and!making!bass!guitars.!Within!about!a!year! of!that!transition!his!basses!really!took!off.! That’s$really$cool,$are$there$any$people$we$may$ know$that$use$his$basses?! Mike:!Oh!yes,!some!of!the!best!gospel!and!R&B! base!players!started!playing!with!them.!Actually! Abraham!Laboriel,!who!is!one!of!the!most! recorded!base!players!of!all!time!supports!him.! Before!he!knew!it!he!was!in!high!demand!and! now!there’s!a!waiting!list!of!over!a!year!to!get! one!of!his!bass’.! How$did$you$get$the$chance$to$actually$meet$ Fullmar$and$speak$to$him$about$his$life$and$ process?! Mike:!Well,!actually!I’m!a!bass!player!so!I!found! out!about!Randall!at!a!music!convention!in! Anaheim!and!I!know!my!gear.!All!of!the!sudden!I! saw!his!booth!and!I!had!never!heard!of!wooden! bass!guitars.!I!was!first!blown!away!by!the! beauty!of!the!wood!!and!the!artist!nature!of!it.! But!then!I!didn’t!even!have!the!guts!to!go!into! the!booth!to!pick!up!a!base!because!I!saw!some! of!the!bass!players!in!the!booth!who!were! ridiculously!good!! $

Eventually$you$met$him$and$what$happened?! Mike:!So,!I!met!him!and!he!was!the!most!humble,!understated!person!ever!and!we!just! became!friends.!Then!over!the!course!of!a!year!we!chatted!back!and!forth!but!then!I!had! another!opportunity!to!go!back!to!film!a!different!documentary.!While!I!was!in!town! filming!I!would!drive!down!to!L.A.!from!where!I!was!filming!to!meet!with!Randall!and! this!process!started.!It!eventually!turned!out!to!be!a!full!length!feature!documentary.! This$film$festival$is$the$first$one$of$it’s$kind$for$Niagara,$why$did$you$choose$ to$première$your$film$here?! Mike:!When!I!made!this!film!I!had!no!idea!what!I!was!going!to!do!with!it.!I!got!a!call!from! Bill!Marshall,!(Founder!!of!the!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!–!TIFF)!who!had!said! he!had!seen!the!trailer!and!had!asked!if!I!would!be!interested!in!being!a!part!of!this! festival!and!it!snowballed!from!there.! You’re$from$the$Niagara$ area,$right?! Mike:!Yes,!I!am!!Born!and! raised!in!St.!Catherines!so! if!you’ve!factor!in!this!film! festival!and!the!perfect! season,!it’s!absolutely! amazing!!So!many!of!my! friends,!who!are!also! filmmakers,!know!that!is! difficult!to!make!a!living!in! this!industry!especially! living!in!St.!Catherines.! Toronto!and!Vancouver! are!bigger!markets!but!I! have!pretty!deep!roots! here!in!St.!Catherines!but! this!festival!is!a!great! venue!for!us!in!the!arts! and!to!show!that!there’s!a! pretty!big!scene!here!— !it’s!totally!awesome!! The!Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival!is!founded!by!Bill!Marshall!(Founder!and!Chair! Emeritus!of!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!–!TIFF).!The!festival!will!feature!World! Premieres,!North!American!Premieres!and!Canadian!Premieres!and!has!something!for! everyone.!Including!kids!!Visit!the!complete!listing!of!films!and!events! atwww.niagarafilmfest.com$

$ http://www.snapstcatharines.com/?option=com_sngevents&id[0]=686911!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$ Thursday!Jun!19!2014,!7)11:45pm! Location:$Niagara!Office! Address:$1!St.!Paul!Street,!Suite!A303! URL:https://niagarafilmfest.com! NIFF!pairs!premiere!festival!films!with!the!premiere!hospitality!of!our!Niagara!Wine! Region.!It's!the!film!festival!that!treats!YOU!like!a!star!!

! http://www.snapstcatharines.com/?option=com_sngevents&id[0]=686912! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$ Friday!Jun!20!2014,!6:30)11:45pm! Location:$Niagara!Office! Address:$1!St.!Paul!Street,!Suite!A303! URL:https://niagarafilmfest.com! NIFF!pairs!premiere!festival!films!with!the!premiere!hospitality!of!our!Niagara!Wine! Region.!It's!the!film!festival!that!treats!YOU!like!a!star!!

! http://www.snapstcatharines.com/?option=com_sngevents&id[0]=686913!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$ Saturday!Jun!21!2014,!11am)11:45pm! Location:$Niagara!Office! Address:$1!St.!Paul!Street,!Suite!A303! URL:https://niagarafilmfest.com! NIFF!pairs!premiere!festival!films!with!the!premiere!hospitality!of!our!Niagara!Wine! Region.!It's!the!film!festival!that!treats!YOU!like!a!star!!

http://www.snapstcatharines.com/?option=com_sngevents&id[0]=686914!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF)$ Sunday!Jun!22!2014,!11am)11:45pm! Location:$Niagara!Office! Address:$1!St.!Paul!Street,!Suite!A303! URL:https://niagarafilmfest.com! NIFF!pairs!premiere!festival!films!with!the!premiere!hospitality!of!our!Niagara!Wine! Region.!It's!the!film!festival!that!treats!YOU!like!a!star!! !

$ Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival! http://niagaraknowledgeexchange.com/niagaraGintegratedGfilmGfestival/!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!!

NIFF!will!collaborate!with!local!NotGForGProfits,!Colleges,!Universities!and!Businesses!to! align!with!their!missions!in!order!to!create!an!allGinclusive!film!festival!with!deep! community!involvement!that!will!forge!a!legacy!in!coming!years.!NIFF!is!no!ordinary!film! festival.!Film!screenings,!parties!and!tastings!will!take!place!in!nonGtraditional!venues! throughout!the!Niagara!Region.!These!include!wineries,!airport!hangars,!parks!and! academic!institutions.! !! NIFF!is!proud!of!its!team!of!film!festival!management!expertsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;spearheaded!by!Bill! Marshall,!Founder!and!Chair!Emeritus!of!TIFF,!Toronto!International!Film!Festival,!the! worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!most!successful!public!film!festival.! !! Check!out!the!NIFF!for!more!information!about!ticket!prices!and!screening!times!in!the! coming!weeks!!

Bobby!Roth!TV!Film!Director!Screenwriter! Producer!)!Lost,!Prison!Break!Criminal!Minds,! Revenge!White!Oaks!Niagara!Film!Festival!21! Jun!2014!10!AM–!1!PM!#NIFF! http://ideagirlcanada.wordpress.com/2014/06/18/bobby_roth)tv)film)director)screenwriter)producer) lost)prison)break)criminal)minds)revenge)white)oaks)niagara)film)festival)21)jun)2014)10)am)1)pm)niff/!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!

Bobby_Roth!TV!Film!Director!Screenwriter! Producer!Lost,!Prison!Break,!Criminal!Minds,! Revenge!White!Oaks!Niagara!Film!Festival!21!Jun! 2014!10!am!–!1!pm!#NIFF!! the!idea!girl!says!June!18,!2014!get!your!free! tickets!to!attend!the!“One!Day!Master!Class!with! Bobby!Roth)!from!10!am!to!1!pm!at!the!White! Oaks!Amphitheatre!on!Sat!21!Jun!2014.!Industry! Panel!is!from!1!pm!to!3!pm.! ! Rep!from!Ontario!Media!Development! Corporation!(OMDC)!light!lunch!at!Canada’s!Not! Short!on!Talent!read!details!and!get!your!tickets! before!they!sell!out!here!! https://niagarafilmfest.com/industry)day)with) bobby)roth/! ! **!pick!how!many!tickets!you!want!then!go! straight!to!“checkout”!and!fill!in!name,!address,!phone,!email!info!then!print!up!the! electronic!ticket.!It!also!sends!you!a!copy!of!your!order!to!your!email!address.! !

! Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)! http://www.tourismstcatharines.ca/event/niagara)integrated)film)festival)niff!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!! ! Jun!19!)!Jun!22!,!2014!:!5:00pm!to!11:00pm! Various!Locations!in!St.!Catharines!&!NOTL!

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF):$June$19>22,$2014$ Movie!buffs!&!foodies,!itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!your!time!!)!Come!for!the!evening,!stay!for!the!weekend!and! experience!the!first!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival.!NIFF!is!no!ordinary!film!festival.!! Film!screenings,!parties!and!tastings!will!take!place!in!non)traditional!venues!throughout! the!Niagara!Region,!including!wineries,!airport!hangars,!parks!and!academic! institutions.!! ! Visit!our!website!to!join!in!the!festival!or!find!out!where!the!fun!happens!

! ! !

$ Niagara$Film$Festival$ http://cniagara.ca/events/details/niagara)film)festival!! Wednesday,!June!18,!2014!$ Niagaraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!own!film!festival!includes!several!world!or!north!American!premieres!and! many!Canadian!premieres,!full!length!features!and!short!subjects,!drama,!comedy!and! documentaries,!receptions,!dinners!and!parties,!including!an!opening!party!on!June!20,! 10!pm,!at!Market!Square.!For!full!event!descriptions,!movie!trailers!and!more,!please! visit!our!website.

Filmalicious:$Niagara$ https://ontarioculinary.com/event/46163/2014)06)19/!! Wednesday,!June!19,!2014!!

Filmalicious!is!a!spectacular!“dinner!and!a!movie”!event!hosted!at!some!of!the! Niagara!Region’s!most!fabulous!vineyards.!Each!vineyard!presents!a!sumptuous! dinner!with!wine!pairings!from!some!of!Canada’s!most!talented!chefs.! But!the!real!treat!starts!after!dinner,!when!the!movie!screen!comes!out!for!the! feature!presentation!–!a!film!from!one!of!our!fantastic!programs.! To$celebrate$our$inaugural$event$we’re$offering$a$NIFFTY$discount$$>$Enter$the$code$ NIFFTY$and$receive$25%$of$off$any$Filmalicious$ticket!$ Thursday$June$19$ Restrung$ Director:$$Mike!Enns! Filmalicious!Dinner!and!Screening!OR!Screening!Only! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand$ »»$TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ Friday$June$20$ Red$Obsession$ Director:$David!Roach,!Warwick!Ross$ Narrated!By:!Russell!Crowe! Filmalicious!Dinner!and!Screening!OR!Screening!Only! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! »»$TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ $

Peter$Sellers’$“Hector$Dimwittie$Trilogy”$ Starring:$Peter!Sellers$ Writer:$Mordecai!Richler$ Filmalicious!Dinner,!Q&A!Session!with!Ted!Kotcheff!and!Screening!OR!Screening! and!Q&A!Session!Only! Ravine!Vineyard!and!Estate!Winery! »»$TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ I$am$NOT$a$Rock$Star$ Director:$Bobbi!Jo!Hart! Cast:$Marika!Bournaki! Filmalicious!Dinner,!Screening!and!Piano!Concert!by!Marika!Bournaki!!OR!Screening! and!Concert!only! Peller!Estate!Winery$ »»$TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ Saturday$June$21$ Mary$Pickford$Program$(Screenings$of$“Their$First$Misunderstanding”$and$other$ short$films)$ Filmalicious!Dinner,!Presentation!by!Christel!Schmidt!(Author,!Mary!Pickford:!Queen! of!The!Movies)!and!Flapper!Party!OR!Screening,!Presentation!and!Flapper!Party!Only! Southbrook!Vineyards! »»$TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ The$Infinite$Man$ Director:$Hugh!Sullivan! Cast:$Josh!McConville,!Hannah!Marshall,!Alex!Dimitriades! Filmalicious!Dinner,!Screening!and!Q&A!with!lead!actress!Hannah! Marshall!!OR!Screening!and!Q&A!with!Hannah!Marshall!Only! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! »»$TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ Sunday$June$22$ DOUBLE$FEATURE$[NIAGARA$RISES]:$ VineLife:$The$Story$of$a$Vintage$$and$StrAngel:$The$Angel$of$the$Odd$ Filmalicious$Dinner$and$Screening$OR$Screening$Only$ Ravine!Vineyard!and!Estate!Winery$ »»$TICKETS$AND$COMPLETE$INFORMATION$ For$a$full$list$of$Filmalicious$events,$visit$www.niagarafilmfest.com$

$ Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$

http://niagarafallstourism.com/events/niagaraGintegratedGfilmGfestival/!! Thursday,!June!19,!2014! !

Founded!by!Bill!Marshall!(the!CoGFounder!of!the!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!G! TIFF),!NIFF!pairs!premiere!festival!films!with!the!premiere!hospitality!of!our!Niagara! Wine!Region.!It's!the!film!festival!that!treats!YOU!like!a!star!

DAILY!SCHEDULE

Tickets!can!be!purchased!online!or!by!phone:!1G800G656G0713! THURSDAY!JUNE!19! Thursday,!June!19,!7:00!PM!The!Best!Offer!Landmark!Cinema!1! Thursday,!June!19:!6:30PM!Restrung!FILMALICIOUS!EVENING!Includes:!Soul!Food!BBQG style!Dinner!with!Wine!pairings,!Screening!and!AfterGParty!with!Mark!Lalama!Trio! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! Thursday,!June!19:!9:30PM!Restrung!FILMALICIOUS!SCREENING!ONLY!Screening!and! AfterGParty!with!Mark!Lalama!Trio! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! Thursday,!June!19,!9:45!PM!Cold!In!July!Landmark!Cinema!1! FRIDAY!JUNE!20! Friday,!June!20,!7:00!PM!Earth!to!Echo!FAMILY!Landmark!Cinema!10! Friday,!June!20,!6:30!PM!A!Kind!of!Wonderful!Thing!NIAGARA!RISES!Includes:!Q&A!with! Director!Jason!Lupish! White!Oaks!Resort!and!Spa!Idea!Loft! Friday,!June!20:!6:30PM!Red!Obsession!FILMALICIOUS!EVENING!Includes:!3Gcourse! dinner!with!Wine!Piarings!and!Screening! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! Friday,!June!20,!6:30PM!I!am!NOT!a!Rock!Star!FILMALICIOUS!EVENING!Includes:! Filmalicious!Dinner!with!Wine!Pairings,!Screening!and!Piano!Concert!by!Marika! Bournaki!! Peller!Winery! Friday,!June!20:!6:30PM!Peter!Sellers!Hector!Dimwittie!Trilogy!FILMALICIOUS! EVENING!Includes!3Gcourse!Dinner!with!Wine!Pairings!Peter!Sellers!â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hector!Dimwittie!

Niagara!filmmaker!set!to!shine!at!NIFF! Scott!Rosts! http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson)story/4586924)niagara)filmmaker)set)to)shine)at)niff/!! Thursday,!June!19,!2014!! $ Mike$Enns$celebrating$world$premiere$of$documentary$Restrung! !

Photo!courtesy!of!Enns!Visuals!

! Randall!Fullmer!in!Restrung,!a!documentary!by!St.!Catharines!filmmaker!Mike!Enns.!The!film! makes!its!world!premiere!Thursday!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival.! ST.!CATHARINES!—!There’s!a!striking!similarity!in!the!story!of!bass!guitar!maker!Randall!Wyn! Fullmer!and!Niagara!filmmaker!Mike!Enns.! It!wasn’t!until!Enns!started!his!documentary!two!years!ago!that!he!really!understood,!however,! just!how!much!of!an!inspiration!Fullmer!and!his!creative!philosophy!had!on!his!own!life.! Once!an!animator!and!executive!with!Disney,!Fullmer!left!behind!his!20)year!career!to!follow!his! passion,!turning!a!lifelong!hobby!and!full)out!obsession!for!making!guitars!into!his!new!creative! outlet.! “I!saw!a!direct!connection!and!a!strong!similarity!in!his!story!and!how!it!related!to!mine,”!said! Enns,!a!32)year)old!St.!Catharines!resident.!“He!found!a!new!way!to!be!an!artist!and!tap!into!his! creativity.!He!made!a!bold!and!brave!artistic!change!and!wanted!to!be!part!of!every!step!of!the! process.!He!said!he!wanted!to!be!a!real!artist!again.! “I!had!this!longing!myself!and!couldn’t!understand!what!it!was.!I!could!see!myself!in!his!story.”!

Enns!was!so!inspired!he!set!out!to!make!a!documentary.!He!had!experience!in!media!and! technology!as!media!arts!director!at!Southridge!Community!Church!in!St.!Catharines,!but!he! didn’t!have!filmmaking!experience.!In!fact,!when!he!met!Fullmer!he!was!simply!in!Anaheim!to! shoot!footage!of!the!Collegiate!robotics!team!in!a!championship.! “He!was!the!most!humble,!interesting,!gentle!person!I!had!ever!met,”!said!Enns!of!Fullmer.!“We! forged!a!great!friendship!and!a!mentoring!relationship.”! It!also!set!off!a!spark!in!Enns.!Inspired!by!Fullmer’s!approach!to!following!his!passion,!Enns! decided!to!make!a!full)length!documentary!on!Fullmer’s!life.!Fast!forward!two!years!and!he!is! set!to!debut!the!documentary,Restrung,!at!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)! on!Thursday!night!at!Trius!Winery!in!Niagara)on)the)Lake.! “It’s!been!such!an!amazing!experience,”!said!Enns,!whose!spark!was!also!ignited!through!his! own!passion!for!music.!Just!a!few!weeks!from!now!the!bassist!will!be!releasing!an!album!with! his!Niagara)based!band!Generation!Train!July!17!as!part!of!a!Summertime!Blues!concert!at! Firemen’s!Park!in!Niagara!Falls.!“I!don’t!even!know!what!to!expect.!I’m!honoured!to!be!part!of!it! and!I’m!looking!forward!to!sharing!it!with!everyone.”! His!passion!for!the!documentary!meant!investing!countless!hours!and!dollars!into!putting!it! together.!While!balancing!his!day!job!and!family!life,!he!worked!hard!to!put!together!what!was! by!far!the!most!lengthy!piece!he’d!ever!produced!—!much!more!difficult!a!task!than!doing!some! of!the!shorts!and!wedding!shoots!he’d!done!over!the!years.! “I’m!at!a!point!where!I’m!just!going!on!the!words!from!Randy!and!following!my!heart,!my! passion!and!finding!my!own!process!of!creativity,”!said!Enns.! With!the!release!of!Restrung!planned!through!the!documentary’s!website,!www.restrung.tv,!on! July!1,!Enns!said!he!is!amazed!with!how!far!he!has!come!since!first!picking!up!the!camera!with! Fullmer.!He!said!there!is!a!sense!of!relief!with!the!world!premiere!at!NIFF!and!he!is!thankful!to! founder!Bill!Marshall!for!allowing!him!to!be!part!of!it.! “It!was!first!rate,”!Marshall!said!of!Restrung!and!his!decision!to!have!Enns!be!part!of!NIFF.!“The! quality!of!the!documentary!and!the!storytelling!was!fantastic.”! Now!Enns!wants!to!continue!to!follow!his!heart,!and!push!forward!to!do!more.!He!is!already! planning!a!trip!to!Germany!this!summer!for!his!next!project,!which!will!see!him!capture!his! cousin’s!efforts!of!retracing!her!mother’s!steps.! “The!question!for!me!is,!can!I!do!this!and!make!a!living,”!he!said.!“With!my!next!project!there’s! no!funding,!and!I!am!okay!with!it,!I!think!that’s!my!faith!and!passion!shining!through.”! In!addition!to!celebrating!his!directorial!feature!debut,!he!is!looking!forward!to!being!able!to!mix! with!the!professionals!who!come!to!NIFF,!and!seek!some!further!inspiration,!just!as!he!did!to! follow!his!heart!based!on!Fullmer’s!story.! “There’s!so!much!momentum.!I!would!love!to!keep!this!going,”!said!Enns.!“Much!like!music!is!a! big!part!of!my!life,!I!know!this!is!what!I’m!meant!to!do.”! For!more!information!on!NIFF!and!the!complete!lineup,!visit!www.niagarafilmfest.com.!

! Niagara!filmmaker!set!to!shine!at!NIFF! Scott!Rosts! http://www.thespec.com/whatson)story/4586924)niagara)filmmaker)set)to)shine)at)niff/!! Thursday,!June!19,!2014!! $ Mike$Enns$celebrating$world$premiere$of$documentary$Restrung! !

Photo!courtesy!of!Enns!Visuals!

STRUNG$OUT$IN$NIAGARA$ Steve!Gow!!! http://www.strictlydocs.com/strung)out)in)niagara/!! Thursday,!June!19,!2014!!

Having!your!very!first!movie!in!a!film!fest!is!one!thing.!But!having!your!debut!doc!open!a! festival!in!its!inaugural!year!–!well,!that’s!an!honor.! For!director!Mike!Enns,!having!his!feature!open!the!first!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival! has!an!added!bonus!–!it’s!the!man’s!hometown!after!all.!When!his!doc!Restrung!makes! its!world!premiere!tonight!at!NIFF,!Enns!will!be!there!to!humbly!take!it!all!in!–!just!as!his! doc!modestly!takes!in!the!story!of!Randall!Wyn!Fullmer.!A!longtime,!high)paid!animator! who!turned!down!a!steady!career!with!Disney!in!order!to!launch!a!mad!mid)life!plan!to! manufacture!hand)crafted!bass!guitars,!Restrung!is!an!inspiring!portrait!of!an!ordinary! guy!with!a!“singular!artistic!vision”.!!Strictly!Docs!caught!up!with!Enns!to!chat!about! NIFF,!meeting!Mr.!Fullmer!and!bass)playing!in!a!bathroom:!

! Steve!Gow:!First!of!all,!let!me!ask!how!it!feels!to!have!the!opening!night!film!in!the! inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Fest,!especially!given!the!region!is!your!home?! ! Mike!Enns:!It’s!real!exciting.!Honestly,!when!talking!to!other!people!about!the!fact!that! it’s!the!first!film,!I!have!to!admit!that!I’ve!never!been!to!a!film!festival!before!and!so,! when!people!are!telling!me!it’s!a!pretty!big!deal!to!be!the!first!film,!I!hear!them,!and!it! sounds!awesome!but!I!don’t!have!any!reference!for!that.!But!the!second!part!to!that!is! that!I’m!really!excited!about!this!premiering!in!my!hometown.!I!had!made!this! documentary!with!no!idea!of!where!I!was!going!to!send!it;!I!was!going!to!basically!throw! it!online!and!try!to!sell!it!off!the!website!and!some!friends!and!family!(said)!you!have!to! do!a!screening!somewhere!at!least!in!town…so!its!really!cool!how!the!timing!worked.! ! Gow:!How!did!you!discover!Randall?! ! Enns:!A!couple!years!back,!I!was!at!a!music!convention!in!Anaheim!and!I!was!just!there! with!some!friends,!it!wasn’t!work!related,!just!because!I’m!a!bit!of!a!gearhead,!I’m!a! bass!player.!I!was!just!walking!around!and!then!all!of!a!sudden!there!was!this!booth!and! I’d!never!heard!of!Wyn!bass!guitars.!I!was!blown!away!by,!one,!they!were!gorgeous;! they!were!works!of!art!–!the!wood,!the!shapes!–!I!had!never!seen!before.!Second!of!all,! all!the!players!who!were!playing!instruments!were!heavy!musicians!–!I!didn’t!even!have! the!confidence!to!go!and!pick!up!a!bass.! Gow:!But!you!ended!up!meeting!Randall!and!even! fixed!some!cell)phone!footage!that!his!girlfriend! shot!at!the!convention.!What!connected!you!two! beyond!that?! ! Enns:!We!stayed!in!touch,!It!was!kind!of!the! beginning!of!the!friendship!and!I!helped!him!with! some!video!projects!just!with!his!website!–!getting! things!online!–!and!it!came!to!a!point!where!I!was! going!to!film!a!different!documentary!in!Anaheim! on!a!robotics!team!from!St.!Catherines…so!I! pitched!(a!doc)!to!Randy.!At!that!time,!we’re!just! friends,!he’s!not!like!a!potential!client.!By!that!time! I!found!out!about!his!past!life!at!Disney!and!saw!a!lot!of!similarities!in!my!life!so!the! relationship!started!kind!of!technically!and!then!went!to!this!friendship!and,!honestly,! its!more!like!a!mentor)thing!now!creatively!–!from!his!creative!process!and!him!leaving! work!as!a!producer!and!being!in!meetings!all!day!to!going!back!to!this!singular!artist!and! doing!things!by!himself!–!it’s!just!something!that!had!been!in!my!brain!and!feeling!the! same!pull!as!well.!

Gow:!Did!you!always!see!this!as!a!feature)length!doc!from!the!beginning?! ! Enns:!It!was!definitely!‘let’s!make!a!documentary’!but!at!the!time,!it!had!no!structure!or! story.!I!just!started!culling!all!the!footage!and!logging!it!and!categorizing!it!or!whatever.! But!for!the!first!year,!it!didn’t!really!take!form!from!a!story!perspective!–!I!was!just! throwing!stuff!in.!At!some!point,!Randy’s!like!you!have!to!pull!the!trigger!on!this.!Let’s! create!a!deadline!–!which!was!this!past!December!–!and!whatever!it!is,!it!is.!That!was! basically!the!kick!in!the!ass!to!book!one!more!trip!to!LA,!which!was!not!just!the!most! productive!week!in!the!whole!documentary,!but!I!think!as!a!filmmaker,!I!grew!the!most! as!well…that!last!week!in!LA,!we!formed!the!narrative!and!threw!different!speaking! parts!in!to!kind!of!help!it!a!bit!more.!A!lot!of!it!was!creating!the!tension!so!by!the!end!of! the!week!I!had!a!rough!cut!which!was!pretty!close!to!the!final.! ! Gow:!One!sequence!that!stands!out!is!when!you!cut!back!and!forth!from!Fernando!from! (hugely!successful!Mexican!rock!act)Maná!playing!(one!of!Wyn’s!guitars)!in!a!bathroom! against!their!concert!footage!from!Staples!Center.!How!fun!was!it!to!piece!that! together?! ! Enns:!That!was!one!of!the!first!things!I!pieced!together!right!when!I!got!back!from!the! first!time!in!LA.!It!was!an!easier!sequence!for!me!because!all!the!raw!materials!were! there.!I!think!I!had!a!longer!–!a!three!minute!piece!–!and!I!was!ready!to!release!it.!(I! thought)!hey,!let’s!just!get!it!out!there!because!its!like!literally!the!climax!of!the!film!sort! of;!it’s!like!this!big!anthemic!lift,!and!Randy!had!this!wisdom!to!(say)!I!think!it!might!be! best!to!hold!on!to!this!because!you!don’t!want!to!release!your!best!footage!right!now! and!have!no!where!else!to!go.!He!had!the!foresight!to!say,!as!cool!as!this!is,!lets!not!post! it.!So!that!was!a!really!fun!sequence!to!edit.!I!have!so!much!footage!there!that!will!never! be!seen!–!it’s!crazy.! ! To!watch!the!trailer!for!RESTRUNG,!view!below:! !

Malasia$apuesta$al$contenido$animado$ http://www.prensario.net/9331)Malasia)apuesta)al)contenido)animado.note.aspx!! Thursday,!June!19,!2014!!

$ KRU!Group!(Malasia)!anunció!el! lanzamiento!de!la!productora!Kartun! Studios!como!parte!del!grupo!con!el! fin!de!impulsar!la!producción!de! contenido!animado!de!calidad!y! consolidar!así!a!Malasia!dentro!del! mercado!internacional!con!un!fuerte! competidor.! Según!explicó!Y.B.$Dato’$Sri$Ahmad$ Shabery$Cheek,!ministro!de! Comunicación!y!Multimedia,!Kartun$ Studios!buscará!expandir!la! producción!de!animaciones!en!2D!y!3D! en!el!mercado!internacional!sin! descuidar!el!mercado!local.! ! 'El!desarrollo!continuo!del!sector!de!Comunicación!Contenido!e!Infraestructura!(CCI)!es!clave!para!el!país! en!su!esfuerzo!por!alcanzar!un!estado!de!altos!ingresos.!Abarcando!un!amplio!ecosistema,!el!compromiso! del!Gobierno!con!el!sector!de!las!CCI!ha!visto!numerosas!iniciativas!encaminadas!todas!a!fomentar!el! desarrollo!e!impulsar!la!nación!hacia!una!economía!basada!en!el!conocimiento,!comentó!Y.!B.!Dato’!Sri! Ahmad!Shabery!Check,!quien!agregó:!‘Las!iniciativas,!que!incluyen!el!30%!de!descuento!otorgado! por!FINAS,!el!despliegue!de!banda!ancha!de!alta!velocidad,!y!el!desarrollo!de!redes!de!televisión!digital!a! partir!de!2015,!son!parte!integral!de!la!preparación!de!la!nación!para!dar!el!siguiente!paso’.! ! De!acuerdo!con!Norman$Abdul$Halim,!presidente!Ejecutivo!y!CEO!deKRU$Group,!el!establecimiento!de! Kartun!Studios!no!sólo!sirve!para!posicionar!la!marca!y!destacar!su!contenido!de!animación,!pero!también! forma!parte!de!una!estrategia!empresarial!coherente!para!atraer!la!inversión!local!y!extranjera!en!los! próximos!tres!a!cinco!años.! ! ‘Contar!con!contenido!de!animación!en!2D!y!3D!nos!provee!de!una!oportunidad!excelente!para!que!los! estudios!locales!se!conviertan!en!actores!principales!en!el!escenario!mundial.!Tomemos,!por! ejemplo,Ribbit,!el!primer!largometraje!de!animación!de!KRU,!que!ya!ha!sido!vendido!a!más!de!80!países!y! que!tendrá!su!estreno!mundial!en!el!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!el!21!de!junio!2014!en!Ontario,! Canadá’,!remarcó!Norman.! ! Actualmente,!Kartun!Studios!se!encuentra!produciendo!tres!películas!de!animación,!130!series!en!3D!y! 130!series!en!2D!que!esperan!sean!esteradas!en!un!lapso!de!cinco!años.Además!de!Kartun!Studios,!el! grupo!cuenta!con!la!KRU$Academy,!que!alberga!!cerca!de!200!alumnos!pero!se!espera!que!en!el!próximo! año!300!más!se!incorporen.!La!KRU!Academy!está!comprometida!con!aumentar!la!conciencia!de!la! Industria!Creativa!y!continuará!entregando!una!combinación!de!demostraciones!informativas,!charlas!y! sesiones!prácticas!de!los!talleres!de!las!escuelas!secundarias!a!través!de!su!programa!Kreatif!X!Press.!

$ "Ribbit"$world$premiere$in$Canada$ https://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/news/ribbit)world)premiere)canada)040700896.html!! Thursday,!June!19,!2014!!

19$Jun!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!KRU!animation!studio,!Kartun!Studios'!very!first!animated!film,! "Ribbit"!is!set!to!premiere!worldwide!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival! (NIFF)!on!21!June!2014.! ! The!animated!film,!"Ribbit"! features!the!unique!voice!cast! from!Hollywood!such!as!Sean! Astin,!Tim!Curry,!Russell!Peters! and!the!famous!dub!actress! Cherami!Leigh.!The!Chief!Creative! Officer!of!Kartun!Studios,!Chuck! Power!acts!as!the!director!of!the! film!with!Amir!Hafizi!in!charge!for! the!screenplay!of!the!film.! ! The!3D!animated!film,!"Ribbit"!tells!the!story!about!a!peculiar!frog!with!an! identity!crisis.!Comparing!to!the!other!frogs,!Ribbit!hates!hopping!and!is!not! fond!of!water.!Through!some!weird!set!of!events,!he!comes!to!believe!that! he!is!in!fact!a!human!prince!that!got!trapped!in!the!body!of!a!frog.! ! Thus,!to!break!his!'spell',!he!goes!on!an!amazing!adventure!through!the! Amazon!Forest!along!with!his!best!friend,!Sandy!the!squirrel!to!search!for! his!true!identity!and!a!princess!that!can!set!him!free!from!his!curse.!Along! the!journey,!he!encounters!countless!of!odd!characters!and!gets!into!a! series!of!ridiculous!trouble.! ! The!movie!is!expected!to!premiere!in!Malaysia!on!4!September!2014.! ! Aside!from!"Ribbit",!KRU!Studios!has!five!more!3D!animation!films!and! three!animation!TV!series!in!development.!

NIFF:!NIAGARA’S!DELICIOUS!NEW!FILM! FESTIVAL! Mark!D’Amico! http://www.weraddicted.com/niff)niagaras)delicious)new)film)festival/!! Thursday,!June!19,!2014!!!

This!weekend!you!have!a!tasty!new!reason!to!visit!the!Niagara!region:!the!Niagara$ Integrated$Film$Festival!is!launching!its!inaugural!year,!offering!a!weekend!of!exciting! film!presentations!paired!with!incredible!wine!and!food!from!award)winning!local! vineyards.!!Developed!by!TIFF!founder!Bill$Marshall,!NIFF!marks!an!effort!to!bring!the! renowned!cinema!culture!of!Toronto!to!the!Niagara!region!like!never!before,!with! several!delicious!ways!to!experience!the!best!of!both!worlds.!!It’s!the!film!festival!that! treats!you!like!a!star,!and!it!runs!this!Thursday!June$19th!through!to!Sunday!the!22nd!! Festival!highlights!include!a!variety!of!programs!designed!to!tickle!your!tastebuds!and! whet!your!cinematic!appetites,!including:! Filmalicious!–!Touted!as!the!“ultimate!wine!and!dine!experience,”!this!dinner)and)a) movie!event!will!be!hosted!at!some!of!the!region’s!most!renowned!vineyards,!offering! custom!catered!food,!delicious!wine,!and!a!film,!along!with!some!guest!speakers!and! additional!entertainment!at!select!screenings.! Film$Feast!–!This!“non)stop!sampling!of!wines,!hors!d’oeuvres!and!movies”!includes!a! Niagara!bus!tour!where!you!will!visit!two!wineries!and!a!micro)brewery,!sampling!a! flight!of!vintages!and!brews!alongside!a!variety!of!delicious!items!at!each!location.!!This! all!accompanied!by!a!selection!of!Canada’s!best!shorts!from!“Canada’s$Not$Short$on$ Talent“,!a!special!presentation!of!works!which!have!been!curated!by!Cannes! programmer!Danny$Lennon.!

The$World’s$Smallest$Film$Festival!–!This!film!competition!features!shorts!that!were! shot!exclusively!using!a!mobile!device!(smartphone,!tablet,!iPad,!etc)!as!a!way!to! showcase!the!extreme!creativity!of!filmmakers!working!only!with!today’s! groundbreaking!mobile!film!technologies.!!The!theme!for!the!competition!is!Water!–!an! integral!element!of!the!Niagara!Region!and!it’s!award)winning!products.! A!few!film!selections!that!stand!out!at!the!festival!include:! The)Peter)Sellers)“Hector)Dimwittie)Trilogy”!–!The!Canadian!premiere!of!three!rare!30) minute!films!featuring!legendary!actor!Peter$Sellers!in!the!role!of!Hector!Dimwittie,!the! titles!of!which!are!Death$of$a$Salesman,!Insomnia$is$Good$for$You,!and!Cold$Comfort.! Restrung!–!Mike$Enn‘s!portrait!of!Randall$Wyn$Fullmer,!a!former!Disney! artist/animator/producer!who!gave!up!his!career!in!order!to!pursue!his!passion!of! creating!handcrafted!bass!guitars.! Ribbit!–!A!3D!animated!feature!about!a!frog!searching!for!his!place!in!the!great!big!pond! we!call!the!world,!featuring!the!voice!talents!of!Sean$Astin,!Tim$Curry,!and!Russell$ Peters.! Love)Is)Strange!–!A!drama!directed!by!Ira$Sachs!exploring!a!same)sex!couple!who!are! forced!to!live!apart!after!one!of!them!loses!their!job.!!The!film!stars!Alfred$Molina,!John$ Lithgow,!and!Marisa$Tomei.! More)Than)Honey!–!This!award)winning!mixture!of!personal!essay!and!nature! documentary!explores!the!global!epidemic!affecting!the!honeybee!colonies!of!the! world,!which!continue!to!decline!in!population!each!year.! Cold)in)July!–!This!thriller!starring!Dexter’s!Michael$C.$Hall!tells!the!story!of!a!family!man! who!shoots!a!petty!burglar!late!one!night!at!his!house!in!defense,!only!to!have!his!entire! life!turned!upside!down!when!the!victim’s!ex)con!father!rolls!into!town!bent!on! revenge.! Earth)to)Echo!–!Three!friends!begin!to!investigate!strange!occurrences!in!their! neighbourhood,!but!soon!find!themselves!in!over!their!heads!when!they!discover!an! alien!from!another!world!who!needs!their!help.! For!a!complete!list!of!the!official!selections,!click!here.!!Tickets!and!additional!info!is! available!at!theofficial$festival$website.! And!to!see!a!glimpse!of!what’s!in!store!for!festival)goers,!check!out!the!image!gallery! below!from!the!NIFF!press!conference,!when!founder!Bill!Marshall!introduced!the! festival!alongside!several!filmmakers!and!festival!supporters,!and!we!all!were!treated!to! a!bunch!of!delicious!things!!

! ! !!

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Film$festival$will$shine$light$on$Niagara,$ region’s$talented$people$

Scott!Rosts! http://www.niagarathisweek.com/opinion)story/4587554)film)festival)will)shine)light)on)niagara)region) s)talented)people/!! Thursday,!June!19,!2014!!!

It’s!no!surprise!that!Niagara!is!renowned!for!its!food!and!wine!industry.! So!when!Bill!Marshall!decided!to!bring!a!film!festival!to!Niagara!Region,!he!built!upon!the! strengths!of!the!region!and!used!Niagara’s!epicurean!expertise!to!create!a!foundation!for! the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF).! Food,!wine,!top)notch!films!—!a!recipe!for!success!that!should!be!enticing!to!locals!who! enjoy!that!type!of!thing!(and!let’s!be!honest,!who!doesn’t?)!or!to!attract!outsiders,!whether! from!New!York!State,!Toronto!or!beyond!to!the!region.! That!was!one!of!the!key!pieces!when!I!talked!to!Bill!back!in!December!when!word!first! started!to!spread!like!wildfire!that!a!festival!was!coming.!When!asked,!“why!Niagara?”,!he! said!he!wanted!to!capitalize!on!the!wine!and!culinary!scene!in!the!region!to!create!the! perfect!blend!of!hospitality!and!entertainment.!In!future!conversations,!he!said!Niagara!will! be!the!star!–!from!its!wine!and!culinary!bounty,!to!its!impressive!sights,!to!the!people!who! live!here.! If!you’ve!talked!to!Bill!over!the!last!month!as!I!have,!you’ll!know!that!the!last!part!of!the! previous!sentence!has!now!really!come!into!play.! “One!of!the!greatest!things!has!been!seeing!just!how!much!talent!there!is!in!the!region,”!Bill! told!me!during!a!phone!interview!last!night.! There!is!indeed!a!wealth!of!talent!in!our!region,!and!some!if!it!will!be!highlighted!as!early!as! Thursday!night!during!the!inaugural!NIFF.!The!documentary!Restrung,!by!Mike!Enns,!will! help!kick!off!the!festival,!and!one!of!the!early!sellouts!of!the!festival!has!been!A!Kind!Of! Wonderful!Thing,!made!right!here!in!Niagara!by!Jason!Lupish!and!Open!Concept!Films.! There!are!also!numerous!others!that!will!be!showcases!throughout!the!four)day!run!of!the! festival.! Crucial!to!celebrating!Niagara!and!making!the!event!a!success,!however,!will!be!the!role!of! you!–!the!reader.!After!all,!this!is!called!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival,!and!Bill!and!his!

team!want!residents!to!be!part!of!this.!While!the!goal!is!to!bring!audiences!from!outside!the! region,!Bill!stresses!the!importance!of!Niagara!residents.! “Let’s!think!local!and!act!locally,”!he!said!during!a!local!launch!celebration!last!month.!“We! need!you!all.”! That’s!going!to!be!crucial!in!helping!ensure!the!film!festival!continues.!Much!like!it!will!be! phased!approach!in!terms!of!attracting!A)list!celebrities,!there!will!need!to!be!a!real!swell!of! local!support!to!help!ensure!the!viability!of!the!festival!in!its!fledgling!stages.! There!are!many!film!festivals!around!—!Toronto!Star!movie!writer!Linda!Barnard!told!me!in! an!email!exchange!after!the!NIFF!launch!in!April!there!are!77!in!Toronto!alone!and!even!the! Toronto!International!Film!Festival!(TIFF)!and!Hot!Docs!have!to!battle!for!dibs!—!and!the! local!support!will!be!integral!in!ever!seeing!this!evolve!to!the!point!where!other!major!film! festivals!have! The!team!behind!NIFF!has!worked!hard,!but!now!it’s!our!turn.!Head!online! to!!www.niagarafilmfest.com ,!check!out!the! programming,!purchase!an! all)access!pass,!individual! ticket,!or!whatever,!and! support!it!in!some!way.! Whether!you!catch!an! individual!show!or!enjoy! food,!wine!and!films!as!part! of!Filmalicious,!there!are! many!ways!to!lend!support.! As!Roberta!Marie!Munroe,! NIFF!managing!director,!said! in!an!article!this!week,!there! really!is!something!for! everyone.!They!even!have!the!world!premiere!of!a!kids!movie,!Ribbit,!a!3D!feature!film!that! features!the!voices!of!comedian!Russell!Peters!and!Sean!Astin.!Astin,!who!is!known!for!his! film!roles!as!Samwise!Gamgee!in!the!Lord!of!the!Rings!trilogy,!Mikey!Walsh!in!The!Goonies,! and!the!title!character!of!Rudy,!will!actually!Skype!into!Landmark!Cinema!in!St.!Catharines! on!Saturday!afternoon!following!the!premiere!for!a!question)and)answer!session!alongside! director!Chuck!Powers!(who!will!be!there!in!person).! Get!involved!now,!and!be!part!of!the!initial!stages.!As!Bill!says,!the!festival!needs!to!start! somewhere,!and!ventures!like!these!need!to!gain!local!support!before!they!can!become! blockbuster!affairs!like!TIFF!and!Sundance.!!! Niagara’s!already!become!a!world)class!destination!for!food!and!wine,!so!let’s!help!make!it! a!place!where!we!can!celebrate!talented!filmmakers!from!the!region!and!beyond.!It!should! be!one!great!weekend!party!in!Niagara!—!one!that!hopefully!many!will!be!able!to!look!back! on!and!feel!proud!to!have!played!part!of.!

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival:$I$Am$Not$ a$Rock$Star$Review$ Ansh!Patel! http://nextprojection.com/2014/06/19/niagara)integrated)film)festival)rock)star)review/!)!comments! Thursday,!June!19,!2014!!! ! Director:!Bobbi!Jo!Hart! Country:!Documentary!! Genre:!Canada!|!USA!|!Russia!|!South!Korea!|!Switzerland!|!UK! Editor’s)Notes:!The!following!review!is!part!of!our!coverage!of!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival.!For! more!information!niagarafilmfest.com!and!follow!NIFF!on!Twitter!at!@niagarafilm.!! Prodigies!have!the!unenviable!position!of!living!their!entire!life!under!the!heavy!expectations!of!the!world! and!their!ownselves!while!always!being!at!the!risk!of!peaking!too!early!and!looking!back!at!mere! possibilities!of!what!couldhave!been.!While!career!documentaries!on!prodigies!have!been!done!plenty!of! times!before,!what!sets!Bobbi!Jo!Hart’s!“I!Am!Not!a!Rock!Star”!apart!from!the!rest!of!the!crowd!is!the! singular!focus!it!puts!on!its’!central!prodigy!Marika!Bournaki!life!and!her!dedication!towards!her!craft!as! she!grows!older.! An!incredibly!talented!pianist!right!from!young!age,!the!film!covers!eight!years!in!Marika’s!life!tracing!her! rise!to!fame!and!the!trials!and!tribulations!the!lifestyle!and!expectations!that!came!along!with!it.! …what)I)Am)Not)a)Rock)Star)lacks)in)ambition)it)makes)up)for)it)with)moments)of)honesty.)) Having!played!at!Carnegie!Hall!and!many!other!famous!venues!by!the!young!age!of!12,!Marika!initially! revels!in!the!limelight!and!adapts!to!her!lifestyle!where!she!often!has!to!tour!to!different!places!across!the! continent!always!showered!with!praise!and!surprised!admiration!by!the!adults!in!her!audience.!In!an!early! scene,!the!film!showcases!just!how!vulnerable!child!prodigies!can!be!to!sensible!criticism!by!those!in!the! audience,!always!just!a!step!away!from!self)doubt.! Documented!in!the!traditional!manner!that!switches!between!slice)of)life!sequences!of!Marika’s! performances!and!life!and!conversations!she!has!to!the!camera!and!the!documenter,!presumably!Hart! herself,!what!I!Am!Not!a!Rock!Star!lacks!in!ambition!it!makes!up!for!it!with!moments!of!honesty.! Throughout!the!film’s!run!of!129!odd!minutes,!Hart’s!camera!manages!to!capture!some!moments!of! beauty!and!painful!struggle!that!an!artist!always!faces,!but!seeing!a!young!teenager!like!Marika!face!it,! ties!her!creative!struggle!perfectly!with!the!search!for!her!own!identity.!Promoted!by!supportive!parents,! particularly!her!father,!Pierre,!who!himself!was!a!former!classically)trained!violinist!who!doubles!as!her! manager!and!goes!along!with!her!wherever!she!tours.!Pierre!comes!across!as!the!caring!yet!ambitious! parent!who!pushes!their!talented!child!just!enough!to!bring!the!best!out!of!them.!But!as!Marika!grows! into!her!teens!and!eventually!out!of!it,!the!arguments!and!disagreements!between!both!escalate!as!his! ambition!conflicts!with!her!own!sense!of!independence.!

It’s!this!neat!connection!between!search!for!artistic!purpose!and!a!coming)of)age!tale!that!this!film!ties! across!in!an!admirable!fashion.!It!takes!its!time!with!it,!the!initial!years!with!Marika!behaving!as!the!child! who!thinks!her!parents!know!the!best!for!her!until!eventually!the!cynicism!of!teens!makes!her!question! everything!including!her!own!purpose!behind!her!craft.! It’s)this)neat)connection)between)search)for)artistic)purpose)and)a)comingLofLage)tale)that)this)film)ties) across)in)an)admirable)fashion.) The!title!of!the!film!is!drawn!from!a!crucial!central!scene!involving!a!conversation!between!a!concerned! Pierre!and!a!displeased!Marika!who!lashes!out!at!her!hectic!“touring!lifestyle”!saying!“I!am!not!a! rockstar”.!It!is!the!clearest!and!most!visible!sign!of!a!teenager!breaking!free!from!the!identity!that!her! parents!wished!to!carve!for!her.!Like!any!coming)of)age! tale,!Marika!dives!headfirst!into!such!questions!before! eventually!discovering!a!new!purpose!in!doing!what!she! has!always!enjoyed.! Such!creative!struggle!is!neatly!contrasted!with!the! effect!Marika’s!meteoric!rise!to!fame!have!on!those! around!her.!The!incredible!investment!of!time!and! energy!her!parents!put!into!her!career!meant!her! siblings!were!always!living!under!her!shadow.!A! beautiful!scene!sees!Marika’s!mother!describing!her! guilt!when!she!overhears!a!conversation!between!the! siblings!saying!how!Marika!is!more!important!than! them.! It’s!also!a!very!relatable!documentary!to!anyone!who!has!ever!had!a!creative!career!or!even!a!hobby! showcasing!how!dogged!obsession,!perfectionist!attitude!and!determination!to!fulfill!your!dream!on!your! own!terms!can!often!result!in!extended!cycles!of!frustration,!depression!and!anguish.!“Life!gets!in!the! way”!is!how!Marika!describes!her!situation!and!it!perfectly!defines!that!aspect!of!an!artist’s!life.! At!many!points,!Marika!talking!to!the!camera!almost!becomes!a!cathartic!release!to!speak!her!mind!and! possibly!make!sense!on!issues!of!carving!out!her!own!creative!identity!–!independent!from!the!one!her! parents!had!envisioned!for!her.!It’s!in!scenes!like!these!the!film,!just!like!Marika!comes!on!its!own’!taking! a!brief!declaration!of!independence!from!its!fairly!rote!approach!towards!its!genre.! While!the!film!suffers!from!some!typical!issues!that!face!documentaries!that!try!to!capture!the!slice)of)life! of!its!subjects,!particularly!how!awkwardness!reigns!high!in!scenes!involving!other!people!who!are!less! accustomed!to!having!a!camera!capturing!their!conversations!and!it’s!during!such!few!scenes!the!film’s! emotions!come!across!as!a!bit!false!and!orchestrated!to!the!viewer.! The!film!also!meanders!for!a!good!part!of!an!hour!but!that!is!largely!due!to!the!creative!struggle!of!Marika! not!coming!to!the!fore!until!her!late!teens.!But,!when!the!film!finds!its!footing,!it!is!capable!of!providing!a! quality!insight!into!the!struggles!of!a!young!prodigy!and!the!curse!of!expectations.!A!beautiful!climatic! scene!completes!Marika’s!cycle!within!the!film!as!her!present!day!self!ends!up!playing!with!another!young! prodigy!–!someone!just!her!age!when!she!had!started!–!mirroring!the!introductory!scene!of!the!film.! !

A!documentary!that’s!peppered!with!rich!moments!that!showcase!a!young!prodigy’s! struggle!with!creativity!and!identity!which!should!speak!on!a!personal!level!to!any! creative!person!worldwide,!irrespective!of!whether!or!not!their!talent!was!gifted!and! discovered!as!a!child!or!as!a!result!of!life)long!efforts.

Malaysian$flick$‘Ribbit’$to$premiere$at$Niagara$ Fest! http://www.therakyatpost.com/lifestyle/2014/06/20/malaysian)flick)ribbit)premiere)niagara)fest/!! Friday,!June!20,!2014!!!

! RIBBIT,!an!animation!by!newly)minted!local!production!company!company!Kartun!Studios,!will!premiere! in!its!global!debut!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!taking!place!from!today!till!Sunday.! ! Animation!Magazine!reported!that!the!3D!flick,!written!and!directed!by!Kartun’s!chief!creative!officer! Chuck!Powers,!is!“a!beautiful!heart)warming!adventure”!aimed!at!the!whole!family.! Featuring!the!voices!of!Hollywood!heavyweights!such!as!Sean!Astin!(The!Lord!of!the!Rings)!and!Tim!Curry! (The!Rocky!Horror!Picture!Show),!Ribbit!centres!on!its!titular!frog!hero!who!doesn’t!quite!fit!in!with!other! frogs!because!he!is!a!dreamer.! !! To!escape!from!reality,!he!hangs!out!in!his!“clubhouse,”!a!downed,!dilapidated!plane!in!the!jungle,!and! reads!about!animals!who!have!no!trouble!finding!their!purpose!in!life!in!old!copies!of!the!National! Geographic.! ! Ribbit!is!the!first!feature!length!project!from!the!studio,!an!eleventh!subsidiary!of!successful!local! entertainment!business!company!KRU!Studios.! ! Currently,!KRU!has!five!3D!animated!films!and!three!animated!television!series!in!development.! Thus!far,!Ribbit!has!already!been!sold!to!over!80!countries!worldwide,!including!Britain,!Germany,! Australia,!Japan,!China!and!Brazil,!which!will!likely!see!releases!in!the!fall.!

SA$film$to$show$at$Niagara$Integrated$Film$ Festival$ Sapa$ http://now.co.za/post/sa)film)to)show)at)niagara)integrated)film)festival/!! Friday,!June!20,!2014!!!

Two!long)lost!films!written!by!novelist!Mordecai!Richler!and!starring!Peter!Sellers,!found!outside!a!film! company!in!a!trash!can,!have!been!restored!and!will!show!at!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film! Festival,!which!will!also!include!South!African!film!Four!Corners.!!!!!!!!! Bill!Marshall,!well!known! Toronto!International!Film! Festival!founder!who!is! programming!NIFF,!will! screen!the!historic! Sellers/Richler!films,!‘Death! Of!A!Salesman’!and!‘Insomnia! Is!Good!For!You’,!as!part!of! his!inaugural!film!lineup.! ! The!Festival's!contemporary! line!up!will!include!the! Canadian!premiere!of!the! South!African!coming!of!age! thriller!‘Four!Corners’!which!is! in!competition!as!an!Official!

Selection.! ! Four!Corners!has!also!been!selected!into!competition!for!the!Best!Film!Award!at!the!Giffoni!Film!Festival! in!Italy.!“Of!all!film!festivals!Giffoni's!is!the!most!necessary,”!commented!French!auteur!François!Truffaut,! acknowledging!the!festivals'!ranking!as!the!largest!Youth!festival!in!the!world.!The!festival!has!hosted!stars! such!as!Robert!De!Niro,!Oliver!Stone,!Meryl!Streep,!John!Travolta,!Wim!Wenders,!Krzystof!Kieslowsky,!and! Roman!Polanski!in!recent!years!and!focuses!on!the!world!of!cinema!from!a!youth!perspective!with!the! intention!of!discussing!and!revealing!important!themes!in!cinema!to!a!largely!youth!audience.! ! The!jurors,!all!under!25,!take!part!in!all!the!screenings!and!Q&As!of!the!films!in!competition!and!award! the!Best!Film!Gryphon!to!the!competition!winner.!The!films!are!screened!in!their!original!language!and! subtitled!in!Italian!and!English.!South!African!film!director!Ian!Gabriel!will!represent!the!film!at!the!festival! that!takes!place!on!the!Amalfi!coast!in!Italy!from!July!18th.! ! The!screening!forms!part!of!the!Four!Corners!Youth!Month!celebration,!with!the!film!being!made! available!on!VOD!through!DSTV's!Box!Office!throughout!June.!

HAPPENING

all the wrong people. He asked me what I was going to do about it.” He continues, “Well, a lot of people want to replace you and I think I’m going with Art Eggleton. We can get people to understand Art, and we did.” On the present campaign, “Rob Ford will either go to jail or get blown up. Olivia Chow will get all the Left, but it won’t be enough and John Tory will walk in and get the majority.” Would he work on the Tory campaign if asked? He takes a sip of coffee and peers over the cup. A slight nod to the affirmative. He understands marketing, communications and the role of

COMING ATTRACTION

the impresario. We discuss how an ashtray he brought back from the Milan Galleria Vittorio Emmanuelle inspired Eberhard Ziedler to design the Eaton Centre; how at 16, Bill became the youngest lieutenant in the Army Corp because college mate Ed Broadbent promised 35 cent beer at the Mess. He’s written books under a pseudonym and produced numerous documentaries and films. “We finance too many movies, make too many movies and don’t get the money we

BY JOY TANNER

put in, never mind making a profit. es, Bill Marshall co-founded

Awesome, of which he owns the rights

TIFF, produced one of the first

and intends to turn into a feature film.

Instead, we should reward quality.” He recently founded the Niagara

great Canadian films, Down The Road,

We talk about a myriad of subjects.

Integrated Film Festival. Bill utilized

and ran six mayoral campaigns

(He would have loved to rock out with

an Indiegogo campaign to overreach

(“I’ve got six Stanley Cup rings.”) He

The Eagles, but singing is not one of

his start-up goal of $25,000. He figures

mumbles, speaks quietly and has “his”

his talents).

$1 million for the first-year budget and

table at one of the loudest coffee joints

His laser blue eyes hone in sharply

hopes this festival will help create

to ever conduct an interview. A child

when we discuss politics. “I lived on

a world-class arts centre at Brock

strapped into a stroller punctuates our

the same street as David Crombie. He

University. Dubbed the World’s Juiciest

meeting with high-pitched screams.

showed me his campaign and I said

Film Festival, NIFF kicks off June 19 to

“Oh dear,” Bill comments. “I lived in a

that is the stupidest thing I’ve ever

22 in the Niagara region. You can see

better day when kids were smacked.

seen. It was rubbish.” He doesn’t mince

100 screenings at 15 venues. There

Now you’d get arrested.”

words. He took over and Crombie

is a short film programme and for

We talk about a myriad of subjects. (He would have loved to rock out with The Eagles, but singing is not one of his talents).

neophyte filmmakers, a competition using only mobile devices. And then there is the wine. And food. A perfect marriage with film. Check out niff.co. Maybe you’ll even catch site of Bill.

He swears, calls his dad a

VILLAGE LIVING

won with 37 percent of the votes. He’s

communist (a member of the Scottish

equally candid about John Sewell,

JOY TANNER has been a professional

Labour party in Glasgow, where young

whose campaign he successfully

actor for over twenty years. She is most

Bill lived) and says journalists are

ran in 1978. In the 1980 election

recognized from t.v.’s Life With Derek. She

“nitwits.” He bestows that moniker

he told Sewell, “You’re a dreadful

holds a double honours degree in writing

on me for not having read The Book Of

mayor because you’re sucking up to

and theatre from SUNY Potsdam.

WEST VILLAGE

st.$catharines! Niagara$Integrated$FIlm$Festival$ 06.18.2014! http://www.tourismstcatharines.ca/news/details/niagara<integrated<film<festival! ! !

Calling!all!foodies!and!movie!buffs!!Join!in!the!festivities!June!19<22!with!the!inaugural!Niagara! Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF).!Attend!film!screenings,!wine!and!culinary!pairings!and!more!across!the! Niagara!Region.! Throughout!the!weekend!there!are!events!and!films!for!every!taste.!Check!out!the!events!below!and! make!sure!to!visit!the!NIFF!website!for!all!of!the!details.!

Filmalicious$

#Filmalicious!is!an!experience!you!will!never!forget,!a!delectable!dinner!paired!with!a!movie!and!fantastic! Niagara!wine.!Plus!you!will!have!the!opportunity!to!meet!the!director!and!actors!after!the!screening.! Tickets!for!this!experience!are!$125<$175!per!person!or!$25!for!just!the!screening.!Features!to!be! screened!at!Filmalicious!include!Restrung,!Red!Obsession!(narrated!by!Russell!Crowe)!and!more.!

Niagara$Rises$

Sit!back!and!enjoy!films!by!incredible!Niagara!filmmakers!at!"Niagara!Rises."!Take!in!the!talent!that!is!in! the!Niagara!Region!with!screenings!at!venues!across!Niagara,!tickets!to!the!screenings!are!$15<25.!View! the!schedule!to!plan!out!where!and!when!you!will!catch!the!local!flicks!that!play!June!19<22.!

Film$Feast$

Feast!on!samplings!of!wine,!hors!d’oeuvres!and!movies!during!the!Film!Feast!!This!bus!tour!takes!you!to! Oast!House!Brewers,!Konzelmann!Estate!Winery!and!a!third!surprise!venue.!The!Film!Feast!takes!place! on!Saturday,!June!21!or!Sunday,!June!22!from!11am!to!3pm!and!tickets!are!$100.! Programmer!Danny!Lennon’s!curation!of!intriguing!short!films!selected!from!"Canada’s!Not!Short!on! Talent,"!an!annual!presentation!of!the!country’s!best!at!the!Cannes!Film!Festival!in!France.!The!films! were!chosen!to!represent!the!diversity!of!Canadian!talent,!with!directors!from!all!across!the!country,! both!acclaimed!and!emerging,!and!certainly!not!short!on!talent.! Catch!just!the!flicks!at!White!Oaks!Resort!and!Conference!Centre!on!Saturday,!June!21!at!3pm!for!$15.!

World's$Smallest$Film$Fest$

The!World’s!Smallest!Film!Festival!features!submitted!films!that!have!been!recorded!only!on!mobile! devices,!that's!right!only!smartphones!and!tablets!were!used!to!translate!the!director's!message!and!you! get!the!opportunity!to!vote!on!your!favourite!film.!The!theme!for!the!entries!was!"water",!take!a!look! and!help!a!lucky!director!win!$1000.! Bring!the!whole!family,!family!friendly!films!include:!Earth!to!Echo,!RIBBIT!3D,!Lad:!A!Yorkshire!Story!and! The!Nightingale.!Take!a!look!through!the!full!listing!of!films!for!details,!synopses!and!trailer.!!Over!35! films!will!be!featured!during!the!film!festival.! Spend!the!evening!in!St.!Catharines,!packages!are!available!for!accommodations!and!tickets!to!Russel! Crowe!events.!Please!visit!the!Concierge!Niagara!packages!page!for!special!accommodation!rates.! Tickets!can!be!purchased!individually!or!as!one!of!many!All!Access!Passes.!There!are!packages!for! seniors,!students!and!families,!visit!the!NIFF!website!to!view!them!all.!Check!out!the!feature!films!on!the! NIFF!Daily!Schedule.!To!purchase!tickets!please!visit!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!website!or!call! 1<800<656<0713.! ! ! !

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$ By!Charles!Trapunski!–!06.18.2014! http://scenecreek.com/festivals/niagara<integrated<film<festival/! ! !

The!I’s!have!it.!While!many!filmgoers!are! familiar!with!the!initials!that!make!up!TIFF,! (Toronto!International!Film!Festival),!the!I!of! NIFF–Integrated–is!integral!to!the!idea!of!the! inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival,! which!is!running!from!June!19th!to!the!22nd.! What!makes!the!integration!work!so!well!is! the!inclusion!of!Niagara<on<the<Lake!wineries,! (as!well!as!a!brewery),!that!makes!the! invitation!to!experience!NIFF!so!incandescent.!

! When!certain!media!members!were!invited!to!preview!the!festival,!it!seemed!at!first!to!be!insipid,!but!turned!out! to!be!inspired.!For!starters,!the!bus!to!Niagara!was!no!ordinary!ride,!but!an!illuminated!party!bus,!complete!with! stripper!pole,!(which,!sadly,!went!unused).!This!same!bus!will!be!used!on!the!Film!Feast!tour!in!NIFF,!which!will!be! departing!Saturday!and!Sunday!morning,!from!Niagara!College.!The!idea!of!this!tour!is!to!integrate!visits!to!two! different!wineries,!as!well!as!to!the!Oast!House!Brewery.!Oast!House!is!a!must<visit.!We!first!tasted!a!beer!created! in!part!by!Oshawa!band!Cuff!the!Duke,!called!Bound!to!your!own!Weisses,!(based!on!their!song!Bound!to!your!own! Vices),!paired!alongside!hors!d’oeuvres.!The!beer!was!a!little!spicy,!a!little!sweet!and!was!a!fun!treat!at!11!a.m.!The! experience!at!Oast!House!is!intoxicating,!as!the!brewery!is!housed!in!a!red!barn,!and!the!beer!is!brewed!onsite.!In! addition!to!a!rotating!Saison!beer,!the!featured!beer!is!called,!appropriately!enough,!Barnraiser.! The!second!and!third!stops!on!the!tour!were!wineries,!and!though!the!ones!that!we!visited!are!different!than!the! ones!featured!on!the!Film!Feast!tour,!they!were!memorable!for!the!chance!to!watch!the!Canada’s!Not!Short!on! Talent!film!program,!which!recently!returned!from!this!year’s!Festival!de!Cannes.!Included!in!the!program!on!the! tour!is!Adam!Deviller’s!short!film!Foam!Drive!Renegades,!which!was!absolutely!knockdown,!drag<em<out!hilarious.! Certainly,!the!wine!and!beer!did!not!that!cloud!judgment!on!this!delightfully!foul<mouthed!film.!It!centered!on!a! late!addition!to!the!crew!of!a!robbery,!and!really!has!to!be!seen!(and!not!talked!about),!to!be!fully!appreciated.! Other!stand<outs!from!Canada’s!Not!Short!on!Talent!were!Next!Floor,!a!grotesque!piece!directed!by!the!well<known! Quebecois!director!Denis!Villeneuve,!Subconscious!Password,!a!dreamy,!bendy!glimpse!into!the!process!of! remembering!someone’s!name!starring!Don!McKellar,!and!Noah,!a!film!that!takes!place!entirely!on!Facebook,! chronicling!a!change!in!relationship!status.!Noah!won!the!2013!Best!Canadian!Short!Film!Award!at!TIFF,!and!is! worth!making!the!voyage.! While!integration!is!all!well!and!good,!the!feature!films!have!been!carefully!curated,!and!offer!some!interesting! choices.!Some!choices!that!leap!out!are!the!Canadian!premiere!of!family<friendly!Earth!to!Echo,!the!Michael!C.!Hall< starring!Cold!in!July,!based!on!the!Joe!R.!Lansdale!book,!Frank,!a!rockin’!road!trip,!which!features!Michael! Fassbender!wearing!a!giant!head!throughout,!the!Ira!Sachs!directed!relationship!dramedy!Love!is!Strange,!The!Only! Real!Game,!a!true<to<life!Million!Dollar!Arm,!about!baseball!players!from!the!Indian!subcontinet,!the!Ontario!

premiere!of!Scandinavian!The!100<Year!Old!Man!Who!Climbed!out!the!Window!and!Disappeared,!based!on!the! Jonas!Jonasson!novel,!Jason!Priestley’s!Cas!&!Dylan,!and!Red!Obsession,!appropriately,!the!Russell!Crowe!narrated! documentary!about!Bordeaux!wine.! ! NIFF’s!opening!night!feature!is!Restrung,!directed!by!Niagara’s!own!Mike!Enns.!It!is!a!documentary!featuring! Randall!Wyn!Fullmer,!who!quit!his!job!at!Disney!to!create!bass!guitars.!Once!more!featuring!integration,!the! evening!offers!a!Filmalicious!time!at!the!Trius!winery!at!Hillebrand,!(where!we!watched!our!host!sabre!open!a! bottle!of!sparkling!wine).!The!program!offers!dinner!and!wine!pairings!prior!to!the!film,!followed!by!a!performance! by!a!Jazz!trio.!Another!movie!and!dinner!pairing!that!looks!to!be!a!fun!evening!is!I!Am!Not!a!Rockstar,!at!Peller! Estate!Winery,!which!features!the!director!Bobbi!Jo!Hart,!and!a!performance!by!the!piano!prodigy!of!the!movie,! Marika!Bournaki.!Talk!about!integration.!

! *I*!will!be!seeing!you!at!NIFF.! !

Exclusive$//$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$ 06.20.2014! http://www.chch.com/exclusive<niagara<integrated<film<festival/! ! !

! ! !

Film$festival$will$shine$light$on$Niagara,$region’s$ talented$people$ By!Scott!Rosts!–!06.19.2014! http://www.niagarathisweek.com/opinion<story/4587554<film<festival<will<shine<light<on< niagara<region<s<talented<people/! !

t’s!no!surprise!that!Niagara!is!renowned!for!its!food!and!wine!industry.! So!when!Bill!Marshall!decided!to!bring!a!film!festival!to!Niagara!Region,!he!built!upon!the! strengths!of!the!region!and!used!Niagara’s!epicurean!expertise!to!create!a!foundation! for!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF).!Food,!wine,!top<notch!films!—!a!recipe!for! success!that!should!be!enticing!to!locals!who!enjoy!that!type!of!thing!(and!let’s!be! honest,!who!doesn’t?)!or!to!attract!outsiders,!whether!from!New!York!State,!Toronto!or! beyond!to!the!region.! That!was!one!of!the!key!pieces!when!I!talked!to!Bill!back!in!December!when!word!first! started!to!spread!like!wildfire!that!a!festival!was!coming.!When!asked,!“why!Niagara?”,! he!said!he!wanted!to!capitalize!on!the!wine!and!culinary!scene!in!the!region!to!create! the!perfect!blend!of!hospitality!and!entertainment.!In!future!conversations,!he!said! Niagara!will!be!the!star!–!from!its!wine!and!culinary!bounty,!to!its!impressive!sights,!to! the!people!who!live!here.! If!you’ve!talked!to!Bill!over!the!last!month!as!I! have,!you’ll!know!that!the!last!part!of!the! previous!sentence!has!now!really!come!into! play.! “One!of!the!greatest!things!has!been!seeing! just!how!much!talent!there!is!in!the!region,”! Bill!told!me!during!a!phone!interview!last! night.! There!is!indeed!a!wealth!of!talent!in!our! region,!and!some!if!it!will!be!highlighted!as! early!as!Thursday!night!during!the!inaugural!NIFF.!The!documentary!Restrung,!by!Mike! Enns,!will!help!kick!off!the!festival,!and!one!of!the!early!sellouts!of!the!festival!has!been!

A!Kind!Of!Wonderful!Thing,!made!right!here!in!Niagara!by!Jason!Lupish!and!Open! Concept!Films.!There!are!also!numerous!others!that!will!be!showcases!throughout!the! four<day!run!of!the!festival.! ! Crucial!to!celebrating!Niagara!and!making!the!event!a!success,!however,!will!be!the!role! of!you!–!the!reader.!After!all,!this!is!called!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival,!and!Bill! and!his!team!want!residents!to!be!part!of!this.!While!the!goal!is!to!bring!audiences!from! outside!the!region,!Bill!stresses!the!importance!of!Niagara!residents.! ! “Let’s!think!local!and!act!locally,”!he!said!during!a!local!launch!celebration!last!month.! “We!need!you!all.”! That’s!going!to!be!crucial!in!helping!ensure!the!film!festival!continues.!Much!like!it!will! be!phased!approach!in!terms!of!attracting!A<list!celebrities,!there!will!need!to!be!a!real! swell!of!local!support!to!help!ensure!the!viability!of!the!festival!in!its!fledgling!stages.! ! There!are!many!film!festivals!around!—!Toronto!Star!movie!writer!Linda!Barnard!told!me! in!an!email!exchange!after!the!NIFF!launch!in!April!there!are!77!in!Toronto!alone!and! even!the!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!(TIFF)!and!Hot!Docs!have!to!battle!for!dibs! —!and!the!local!support!will!be!integral!in!ever!seeing!this!evolve!to!the!point!where! other!major!film!festivals!have.! The!team!behind!NIFF!has!worked!hard,!but!now!it’s!our!turn.!Head!online!to!! www.niagarafilmfest.com,!check!out!the!programming,!purchase!an!all<access!pass,! individual!ticket,!or!whatever,!and!support!it!in!some!way.!Whether!you!catch!an! individual!show!or!enjoy!food,!wine!and!films!as!part!of!Filmalicious,!there!are!many! ways!to!lend!support.!As!Roberta!Marie!Munroe,!NIFF!managing!director,!said!in!an! article!this!week,!there!really!is!something!for!everyone.!They!even!have!the!world! premiere!of!a!kids!movie,!Ribbit,!a!3D!feature!film!that!features!the!voices!of!comedian! Russell!Peters!and!Sean!Astin.!Astin,!who!is!known!for!his!film!roles!as!Samwise!Gamgee! in!the!Lord!of!the!Rings!trilogy,!Mikey!Walsh!in!The!Goonies,!and!the!title!character!of! Rudy,!will!actually!Skype!into!Landmark!Cinema!in!St.!Catharines!on!Saturday!afternoon! following!the!premiere!for!a!question<and<answer!session!alongside!director!Chuck! Powers!(who!will!be!there!in!person).! ! Get!involved!now,!and!be!part!of!the!initial!stages.!As!Bill!says,!the!festival!needs!to!start! somewhere,!and!ventures!like!these!need!to!gain!local!support!before!they!can!become! blockbuster!affairs!like!TIFF!and!Sundance.!!! Niagara’s!already!become!a!world<class!destination!for!food!and!wine,!so!let’s!help!make! it!a!place!where!we!can!celebrate!talented!filmmakers!from!the!region!and!beyond.!It! should!be!one!great!weekend!party!in!Niagara!—!one!that!hopefully!many!will!be!able!to! look!back!on!and!feel!proud!to!have!played!part!of.!

A$KIND$OF$WONDERFUL$THING$K$Review$By$Greg$Klymkiw$K$ Sweet,$Funny,$Quirky$&$Moving$Canadian$Family$Drama$that's$ playing$at$the$first$edition$of$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$ Festival$(NIFF$2014).$ By!Greg!Klymkiw!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!06.18.2014! http://klymkiwfilmcorner.blogspot.ca/2014/06/a<kind<of<wonderful<thing<review<by.html!

The!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!launches!its!first!exciting!season!June!19<22,!2014!inclusive.!You're! probably!wondering!about!the!"integration"!aspect!of!this!cultural!event!and!I!can!assure!you!it!has! nothing!to!do!with!President!Lyndon!Johnson's!1964!Civil!Rights!Act.!No!Gene!Hackman!and!Willem! Dafoe!sporting!guns!and!fedoras!to!stop!Mississippi![from]!Burning,!no!To!Kill!a!Mockingbird!Atticus! Finch!(Gregory!Peck)!show!trials,!no!Virgil!Tibbs!(Sidney!Poitier)!coming!to!town!In!the!Heat!of!the!Night! to!solve!murder!with!a!racist!lawman!(Rod!Steiger),!no!Melvin!Van!Peebles!singing!that!Sweet! Sweetback's!Baadasssss!Song!and!most!certainly,!no!William!Shatner,!The!Intruder,!heading!to!Wine! Country!to!preach!against!desegregation.!No<siree,!Bobski!!We're!talking!all!about!the!integration!of!fine! cinema,!fine!dining!and!the!finest!wine!from!the!luscious!grapes!of!Southern!Ontario,!all!finely!mushed! together!by!the!skillful!prowess!of!only!the!finest!bare!feet!a<stomping!on!the!sweet!orbs!of!fruity! delights!in!those!healthy!receptacles!designed!to!yield!the!nectar!of!the!Gods.!This!is!going!to!be!one! unique!film!festival!and!I've!had!a!chance!to!preview!a!few!of!the!cinematic!morsels!on!view!this!coming! weekend.!The!Film!Corner!reviews!of!NIFF's!bevy!of!cinematographic!delights!right!here!and!now.! ! Quirky!Anna!(Erica!Sherwood)!shares!some!tender!moments!with!her!equally!quirky!little!brother!Josh! (Brad!Moore).Happily,!neither!of!them!deserves!to!be!punched!in!the!face.! ! A$Kind$of$Wonderful$Thing!(2013)! ! Dir.!Jason!Lupish,!Written!by!Erica!Sherwood!and!Jason!Lupish! Starring:!Erica!Sherwood,!Ralph!deGroot,!Kelly<Marie!Murtha,!Edward!Balli,!Bill!Sherwood,!Arlene! Copland,!Emma!Sherwood,!Brad!Moore,!Liam!Sherwood,!Tiffany!Browne,!Sydney!Thompson,!Nicole! Maris,!Darlene!Sherwood,!Beth!Moore,!Mitchell!Wood<Sarkisian,!Greg!Switzer,!Rob!Colonico,!Brian! Andres.! ! ! !

Review&By&Greg&Klymkiw! ! Preamble&3&On&Quirky&Comedies:!<!I! think!I!hate!the!idea!of!quirky! comedies!more!than!I!actually!hate! the! thing!itself.!I!suspect!this!has!to!do! with! seeing!so!many!bad!ones!that!I've! automatically!built!up!a!knee<jerk! resistance!to!them.!What!I!detest! most!is!when!the!pictures!go! completely!out!of!their!way!to!be! off! the!beaten!track,!so!much!so!that! you! can!actually!see!the!soiled! remnants!of!the!creator's!dirty! mitts!all!over!the!piece!itself.!What! you! actually!see!is!the!stitching!more! than!the!fabric,!and!often,!the! fabric!itself!tends!to!be!a!cheap!cut! of! cloth.!Worse!yet,!is!that!the!whole! notion!of!a!"quirky"!comedy!should! really!be!one!that's!rooted!in!both! the! originality!of!the!filmmaker(s)!and! sprout!from!seeds!of!reality!that!we!all!recognize.!When!the!"quirks"!we!experience!on<screen!are!like!a! mirror!reflection!of!either!our!own!experience!and/or!that!of!those!we!know,!then!what!we're! experiencing!is!something!very!special!indeed.!! ! We're!not,!for!example,!being!gagged!with!a!spoonful!of!rancid!cinematic!afterbirth!like!pictures!that! have!been!machine<tooled!to!be!quirky!like,!for!example,!the!despicably!overrated!"cute<retard"!Oscar! winner!Silver'Linings'Playbook.!What!signals!truly!great!eccentric!laugh<fests!are!those!like!such! bbonafide!classics!or!near<classics!as!Terry!Zwigoff's!Ghost'World,!Noah!Baumbach's!Greenberg,!Jim! Jarmusch's!Stranger'Than'Paradise,!Mike!Judge's!Office'Space!and/or!Napoleon'Dynamite!by!Jared!Hess.! Not!a!single!one!of!these!films!feels!"manufactured".!! ! Seeing!obvious!signs!of!any!artist's!abominably!soiled!fingers!is!the!worst!thing!in!any!movie,!but! especially!in!offbeat!comedies.!I'm!not!necessarily!talking!about!their!style,!or!voice,!because!if!that!were! the!case!I'd!detest!ALL!of!Woody!Allen's!movies,!many!of!which!could!well!slip!into!the!realm!of!"quirky".! Luckily,!he's!a!genuine!filmmaker!and!because!of!it,!I!clearly!like!and!most!often,!love!his!stuff.!When! Allen!or!any!other!filmmaker!is!working!at!the!peak!of!their!powers,!you!don't!see!what!they're!up!to!<! the!pictures!are!so!exquisitely!crafted!that!what!you're!getting!is!the!full!monty.!There!are!no!annoying! moments!where!you're!being!ripped!out!of!the!dramatic!trajectory!and!asking,!"Hey,!where's!the! salami?"! ! In!recent!years,!quirky!comedies!have!also!been!shit<stuffed!with!far!too!many!tell<tale!signs!of!their! desire!to!be!outside!of!the!purview!of!the!ordinary,!the!commonplace.!Wes!Anderson,!of!course,!used!to! be!one!of!the!most!horrendous!of!these!dabblers.!Rushmore,!for!example,!is!so!sickeningly!twee!and! quirkily!so,!that!all!you!really!want!to!do!is!slam!that!stupid!kid's!face,!teeth<first,!repeatedly!against!a! water!fountain's!metal!spigot,!then!stick!his!idiotic!red!beret!up!his!ass.!Of!course,!the!absolute!worst! offender!is!the!wretched!screenwriter!Diablo!Cody!whose!obvious,!cellar<dwellar!snappy!dialogue!is!little!

more!than!gussied<up!TV<sitcom!writing!which,!with!the!horrendous!Juno!seemed!perfectly!suited!to!the! marginally!talented!camera<jockey!Jason!Reitman,!who!thus!far! has!proven!that!all!he!can!do!is!make!feature!length!versions!of!TV! dramedies.! ! In!many!ways,!there's!not!a!damn!thing!wrong!with!the! commonplace.!There's!no!need!to!manufacture!"quirk",!because! the!ordinary!is!so!often!what!is!funny.!Truly!great!and/or!natural! filmmakers!are!able!to!mine!this!territory!for!all!its!quirky! worthiness.!There's!no!need!to!look!under!every!rock!for!the! offbeat!and!then,!if!it!isn't!there,!invent!it!for!the!simple!reason!of! making!sure!it!exists.! ! Canadian!filmmakers,!especially!in!English!Canada,!have!naturally! migrated!to!slightly!out!of!the!gourd!comedies.!Our!unique! perspective!as!a!nation!resisting!Manifest!Destiny!(while! schizophrenically!wanting!to!embrace!it),!in!addition!to!the!basic! reality!of!substantially!lower!budgets!to!play!with,!has!contributed! to!a!ludicrously!high!number!of!such!films!<!perhaps!generating! more!of!them!on!a!per<capita!basis!than!anywhere!else!in!the! world.!Like!our!American!indie!or!indie<styled!counterparts,!the! best!work!in!this!sub<genre!has!been!rooted!in!a!genuine!sense!of!skewed!reality!coupled!with!original! filmmaking!voices!like!that!of!John!Paizs!(Crime'Wave,!Top'of'the'Food'Chain),!Sarah!Polley!(Away'From' Her,!Take'This'Waltz),!Jacob!Tierney!(The'Trotsky),!Michael!Dowse!(FUBAR,!Goon)!and!most!recently,! Kathryn!Palmateer!and!Shawn!Whitney's!A'Brand'New'You.!Alas,!the!number!of!perfectly!wretched! quirky!Canadian!comedies!is!also,!on!a!per<capita!basis,!probably!higher!than!any!other!country.!Even! bothering!to!cite!them!here,!would!be!like!shooting!fish!in!a!barrel.! ! All!this,!however,!brings!us!to!the!order!of!the!day!<!a!first<rate!solo!sophomore!directorial!effort!and!yes,! a!quirky!comedy.!It's!not!only!a!terrific!movie,!but!it's!Canadian!! ! ! ! Anna!(Erica!Sherwood)!wants!to!kill!herself.!She's!single.!She!works!in!a!laundromat/coffee!shop.!Her! annoyingly!Status!Quo<loving!sister!Sarah!(Beth!Moore)!is!about!to!get!married!and!hates!her!for! presumably!being!responsible!for!their!Dad's!accidental!death!and!spilling!his!urn!of!ashes!before!they! could!be!scattered,!uh,!properly.! ! Oh!yeah,!Anna!is!going!to!die!anyway.! ! She's!been!diagnosed!with!what!is!most!probably!terminal!cancer.!Unfortunately,!Anna's!so!close!to! being!a!female!version!of!a!nebbish!that!she!can't!even!hang!herself!properly,!so!when!that!fails,!she! turns!to!drowning!her!ennui!with!liquor!and!diving!headlong!into!98<hour!work!weeks.! ! Seems!reasonable,!yes?! ! Her!little!brother!Josh!(Brad!Moore)!wouldn't!think!so.!He's!returned!home!to!attend!the!wedding!and! decides!to!crash!with!Anna.!After!all,!she!lives!alone!in!the!old!family!house!and!if!it!wasn't!such!a!mess,!

there'd!actually!be!plenty!of!room.!Josh!is!a!musician,!a!seemingly!happy<go<lucky!wandering! troubadour,!though!mostly,!no!doubt,!an!odd<jobber!to!support!his!music!career.!His!return!stimulates! the!warmth!and!good!humour!the!brother!and!sister!shared!as!kids!<!before,!of!course,!the!accident.! ! Always,!the!accident.!It!clearly!touched!the!whole!family's!life,!but!none!more!than!Anna.!It!consumes! many!of!her!waking!hours!when!she's!not!working!or!drinking!herself!into!a!stupor,!mixing!the!booze! with!her!drugstore<full!of!anti<depressants.!Worse!yet,!even!at!rest,!it!doesn't!escape!her.!Anna's!dreams! are!filled!with!memories!of!her!late!father!which,!rather!than!offering!solace,!only!serve!to!remind!her!of! his!death.!In!some!ways,!Anna's!life!is!not!so!much!a!living!nightmare,!but!one!of!those!horrendous,!icky! disturbing!dreams!we!sometimes!get!when!we!accidentally!fall!into!those!decidedly!unexpected!catnaps! on!hot,!humid!days.! ! We've!all!experienced!them.!I!have!a!recurring!one,!myself.!It!involves!a!slime<drenched!foetus<like! creature!being!stroked!gently!by!my!bedridden!Mother!who!inexplicably!has!knobby!stumps!for!arms.! When!the!foetus!slithers!away,!up!a!wall,!then!onto!a!ceiling,!it!drops,!splattering!onto!my!face!and! waking!me!up.! ! But,!I!digress.!You!get!the!idea,!I'm!sure.! ! To!complicate!matters!further,!Anna!notices!tha

t!a! super<handsome!hunk!(Edward!Balli)!has!moved!into!the!house!next!door.!She!obsesses!over!him!and!he! seems!to!like!her,!too.!He!likes!her!so!much,!he!admits!how!easy!and!delightful!it!would!be!to!kill!her.! This!seems!to!be!courtship<talk!of!the!strangest!kind,!but!as!the!story!is!set!in!the!bucolic!Southern! Ontario!city!of!St.!Catharines,!a!sort!of!wine<country!Canadian!version!of!David!Lynch's!Lumberton!in! Blue'Velvet,!anything!is!possible.!The!sleepiest!burghs!in!Canada!tend!to!be!roiling!with!all!manner!of! dark!undercurrents.!And!let's!not!forget!that!St.!Catharines,!Ontario!is!the!former!kingdom!of!the!happily! married!schoolgirl<killer<rapist!hubby!and!wifey,!Paul!Bernardo!and!Karla!Homolka.!Our!hunky!neighbour! could!well!have!a!few!quirks!he!needs!to!genuinely!iron!out.!Don't!we!all?! ! Speaking!of!quirks,!one!huge!spanner!in!the!works!with!respect!to!romance!for!Anna!<!well,!aside!from! her!terminal!cancer!<!is!that!lover<boy!has!a!pretty,!blonde!ex<girlfriend!(Tiffany!Browne)!who!is!not!only! stalking!him,!but!shooting!evil!eyes!into!our!heroine.!Oh,!and!our!stalker!chick!also!steals!gum.!This!is! inexcusable,!especially,!it!would!seem,!in!St.!Catharines.! !

And!please,!allow!me!to!reiterate.!This!movie!is,!after!all,!set!in!St.!Catharines,!Ontario.!As!weird!a!place! as!that!is!to!set!a!movie,!it!seems!to!be!just!what!the!movie!doctor!ordered,!because!it's!the!indigenous! qualities!of!that!world!that!contribute!greatly!to!the!film's!winning!originality.!The!writing!by!star! Sherwood!and!director!Lupish!is!some!of!the!best!I've!had!the!pleasure!to!experience!in!a!Canadian! comedy.!It's!up!there!with!the!best.!Though!the!dialogue!dangerously!borders!upon!the!almost!stock! indie<quirky<comedy!tone!of!deadpan!disaffection,!it!brilliantly!never!plunges!straight!into!that!chasm.! The!screenplay!is!deftly!balanced,!always!fun,!often!telling!and!extremely!affecting.!One!of!its!strengths! is!how!clever!it!is!without!being!self<consciously!clever.! ! (There's!one!strange!false!note!in!the!writing!that!I!just!didn't!get.!I've!watched!the!film!twice!now!and! still!can't!figure!out!why!Anna!is!beleaguered!with!medical!bills!when!she!lives!in!Canada,!a!country!with! universal!healthcare!for!all.!I!thought!that!maybe!she!was!traipsing!down!to!nearby!Buffalo,!New!York!to! circumvent!the!sometimes!tortoise<like!machinations!of!the!national!health!system!in!Canuckland,!but!I! don't!know!any!American!hospitals!that!bill!you!for!services!rendered.!It's!cash!or!credit!card!up<front!in! the!Land!of!Stars!and!Stripes.!At!least!that's!been!my!experience.!Yeah,!this!is!a!nitpick,!but!it!does!kind' of!stand!out!like!a!sore!thumb.)! ! Sore!thumb!or!not,!the!movie!grabs!you!by!the!funny!bone!and!the!heart!and!it!never!lets!go.!Lupish! directs!with!the!kind!of!sincerity!and!simplicity!that!allows!for!the!screenplay!to!soar!and!the! performances!he!elicits!from!the!cast!are!nothing!short!of!miraculous.!The!acting!is!naturalistic!and!fresh! <!from!its!charming!leads!right!on!down!to!bit!players!and!even!extras.!We!never!feel!like!we're!watching! "actors"!or!rather,!actors!who!ever!try!to!overplay!dialogue!that!could!well!veer!into!the!aforementioned! "quality"!of!machine<tooled!quirkiness.! ! In!spite!of!its!layers!of!darkness!and!even!heartbreak,!A'Kind'of'Wonderful'Thing!creates!a!natural!feeling! of!buoyancy!in!an!audience.!It!makes!you!feel!good,!even!when!you're!tweaked!and!singed!by!the!reality! and!even!sadness!of!Anna's!world!(and!by!extension,!the!world!of!all!the!characters).! ! Lupish!also!creates!magic!where!it!really!counts.!Letting!the!script!take!its!odd!southpaw!turns,!the! movie!builds!to!a!climax!that!comes!completely!out!of!nowhere,!but!even!that's!the!delicate!magic!of!his! work!as!a!director.!It!doesn't!really!come!from!nowhere!<!it's!an!inevitability!we!can't!escape!from,!but! one!in!which!we!participate!with!blindfolds.!The!film!astoundingly!engenders!a!sense!of!repression!<!not! only!within!the!characters!(one!which!they!all!must!narratively!overcome),!but!within!us,!the!audience.! We!repress!what's!staring!us!in!the!face!because!we!love!the!world!and!characters!of!this!film!too!much.! ! This!is!what!tears!at!your!heart.!The!film!cuts!deep.!I!even!urge!an!audience!to!load!up!on!kleenex!and/or! hankies!before!watching!the!movie.!Lupish!creates!an!ending!so!beautiful!and!haunting!that!you!might! well!be!needing!them.!A'Kind'of'Wonderful'Thing!serves!up!something!that's!finally!not!kind'of! wonderful,!nor!is!it!tear<jerking,!nor!is!it!sloppily!manipulative.!It's!wonderful,!alright!and!it's!so!damn! moving,!it'll!send!you!out!of!the!cinema!soaring!with!both!melancholy!and!contentment.! ! In!the!end,!you!can't!ask!too!much!more!from!a!picture.! ! ! ! ! ! !

Niagara$filmmaker$set$to$shine$at$NIFF$ By!Scott!Rosts!–!06.19.2014! http://www.thespec.com/whatson<story/4586924<niagara<filmmaker<set<to<shine<at<niff/!

Mike$Enns$celebrating$world$premiere$of$documentary$Restrung$ $ $ $ ST.!CATHARINES!—!There’s!a! striking!similarity!in!the!story!of! bass!guitar!maker!Randall!Wyn! Fullmer!and!Niagara!filmmaker! Mike!Enns.! ! It!wasn’t!until!Enns!started!his! documentary!two!years!ago!that! he!really!understood,!however,! just!how!much!of!an!inspiration! Fullmer!and!his!creative! philosophy!had!on!his!own!life.! ! Once!an!animator!and!executive!with!Disney,!Fullmer!left!behind!his!20<year!career!to!follow!his! passion,!turning!a!lifelong!hobby!and!full<out!obsession!for!making!guitars!into!his!new!creative! outlet.! “I!saw!a!direct!connection!and!a!strong!similarity!in!his!story!and!how!it!related!to!mine,”!said! Enns,!a!32<year<old!St.!Catharines!resident.!“He!found!a!new!way!to!be!an!artist!and!tap!into!his! creativity.!He!made!a!bold!and!brave!artistic!change!and!wanted!to!be!part!of!every!step!of!the! process.!He!said!he!wanted!to!be!a!real!artist!again.! ! “I!had!this!longing!myself!and!couldn’t!understand!what!it!was.!I!could!see!myself!in!his!story.”! ! Enns!was!so!inspired!he!set!out!to!make!a!documentary.!He!had!experience!in!media!and! technology!as!media!arts!director!at!Southridge!Community!Church!in!St.!Catharines,!but!he!

didn’t!have!filmmaking!experience.!In!fact,!when!he!met!Fullmer!he!was!simply!in!Anaheim!to! shoot!footage!of!the!Collegiate!robotics!team!in!a!championship.! ! “He!was!the!most!humble,!interesting,!gentle!person!I!had!ever!met,”!said!Enns!of!Fullmer.!“We! forged!a!great!friendship!and!a!mentoring!relationship.”! It!also!set!off!a!spark!in!Enns.!Inspired!by!Fullmer’s!approach!to!following!his!passion,!Enns! decided!to!make!a!full<length!documentary!on!Fullmer’s!life.!Fast!forward!two!years!and!he!is! set!to!debut!the!documentary,!Restrung,!at!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)! on!Thursday!night!at!Trius!Winery!in!Niagara<on<the<Lake.! “It’s!been!such!an!amazing!experience,”!said!Enns,!whose!spark!was!also!ignited!through!his! own!passion!for!music.!Just!a!few!weeks!from!now!the!bassist!will!be!releasing!an!album!with! his!Niagara<based!band!Generation!Train!July!17!as!part!of!a!Summertime!Blues!concert!at! Firemen’s!Park!in!Niagara!Falls.!“I!don’t!even!know!what!to!expect.!I’m!honoured!to!be!part!of!it! and!I’m!looking!forward!to!sharing!it!with!everyone.”! His!passion!for!the!documentary!meant!investing!countless!hours!and!dollars!into!putting!it! together.!While!balancing!his!day!job!and!family!life,!he!worked!hard!to!put!together!what!was! by!far!the!most!lengthy!piece!he’d!ever!produced!—!much!more!difficult!a!task!than!doing!some! of!the!shorts!and!wedding!shoots!he’d!done!over!the!years.! “I’m!at!a!point!where!I’m!just!going!on!the!words!from!Randy!and!following!my!heart,!my! passion!and!finding!my!own!process!of!creativity,”!said!Enns.! With!the!release!of!Restrung!planned!through!the!documentary’s!website,!www.restrung.tv,!on! July!1,!Enns!said!he!is!amazed!with!how!far!he!has!come!since!first!picking!up!the!camera!with! Fullmer.!He!said!there!is!a!sense!of!relief!with!the!world!premiere!at!NIFF!and!he!is!thankful!to! founder!Bill!Marshall!for!allowing!him!to!be!part!of!it.! “It!was!first!rate,”!Marshall!said!of!Restrung!and!his!decision!to!have!Enns!be!part!of!NIFF.!“The! quality!of!the!documentary!and!the!storytelling!was!fantastic.”! Now!Enns!wants!to!continue!to!follow!his!heart,!and!push!forward!to!do!more.!He!is!already! planning!a!trip!to!Germany!this!summer!for!his!next!project,!which!will!see!him!capture!his! cousin’s!efforts!of!retracing!her!mother’s!steps.! “The!question!for!me!is,!can!I!do!this!and!make!a!living,”!he!said.!“With!my!next!project!there’s! no!funding,!and!I!am!okay!with!it,!I!think!that’s!my!faith!and!passion!shining!through.”! In!addition!to!celebrating!his!directorial!feature!debut,!he!is!looking!forward!to!being!able!to!mix! with!the!professionals!who!come!to!NIFF,!and!seek!some!further!inspiration,!just!as!he!did!to! follow!his!heart!based!on!Fullmer’s!story.! “There’s!so!much!momentum.!I!would!love!to!keep!this!going,”!said!Enns.!“Much!like!music!is!a! big!part!of!my!life,!I!know!this!is!what!I’m!meant!to!do.”!

! SA$movie$in$competition$at$International$Youth$ Cinema$Festival$ http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/97/115064.html! Friday,!June!20,!2014!!

Two!longGlost!films!written!by!novelist!Mordecai!Richler!starring!Peter!Sellers,!found!outside!a! film!company!in!a!trash!can!have!been!restored!and!will!show!at!the!inaugural!Niagara! Integrated!Film!Festival.!

! Bill!Marshall,!well!known!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!founder!who!is!programming!NIFF,! will!screen!the!historic!Sellers/Richler!films,!Death+Of+A+Salesman!and!Insomnia+Is+Good+For+You,! as!part!of!his!inaugural!film!lineup.!The!Festival's!contemporary!line!up!will!include!the!Canadian! premiere!of!the!South!African!coming!of!age!thriller!Four+Corners!which!is!in!competition!as!an! Official!Selection.! ! Four+Corners!has!also!been!selected!into!competition!for!the!Best!Film!Award!at!the!Giffoni!Film! Festival!in!Italy.!"Of!all!film!festivals!Giffoni's!is!the!most!necessary,"!commented!French!auteur! Franรงois!Truffaut,!acknowledging!the!festivals'!ranking!as!the!largest!Youth!festival!in!the!world.! The!festival!has!hosted!stars!such!as!Robert!De!Niro,!Oliver!Stone,!Meryl!Streep,!John!Travolta,! Wim!Wenders,!Krzystof!Kieslowsky!and!Roman!Polanski!in!recent!years!and!focuses!on!the! world!of!cinema!from!a!youth!perspective!with!the!intention!of!discussing!and!revealing! important!themes!in!cinema!to!a!largely!youth!audience.!! ! The!jurors,!all!under!25,!take!part!in!all!the!screenings!and!Q&As!of!the!films!in!competition!and! award!the!Best!Film!Gryphon!to!the!competition!winner.!The!films!are!screened!in!their!original! language!and!subtitled!in!Italian!and!English.!South!African!film!director!Ian!Gabriel!will! represent!the!film!at!the!festival!which!takes!place!on!the!Amalfi!coast!in!Italy!from!18!July.!! ! The!screening!forms!part!of!the!Four+Corners!Youth!Month!celebration,!with!the!film!being! made!available!on!VOD!through!DSTV's!Box!Office!throughout!June.!

NTW$does$NIFF:$Restrung$inspires$you$to$follow$ your$dreams$ By!Scott!Rosts!–!06.!20.!2014! http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson<story/4591642<ntw<does<niff<restrung<inspires<you< to<follow<your<dreams/! ! World$premiere$was$‘amazing’$experience$says$St.$Catharines$filmmaker$

NIAGARA<ON<THE<LAKE!—!Just! minutes!after!receiving!a! standing!ovation!for!the!world! premiere!of!his!documentary,! Mike!Enns!was!at!a!loss!for! words.! “It!feels!great!—!I!don’t!really! know!what!to!say,!it!was!just! amazing,”!Enns!said!Thursday! night!after!his!documentary! Restrung!was!screened!for!the! first!time!during!the!opening! night!of!the!Niagara!Integrated! Film!Festival!(NIFF)!at!Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand!in!Niagara<on<the<Lake.! The!St.!Catharines!resident!was!even!further!awestruck!by!the!words!of!NIFF!founder!Bill! Marshall!prior!to!the!screening.! “This!film!is!going!to!make!a!star.!That!star!is!Mike!Enns,”!said!Marshall,!who!knows!a! thing!or!two!about!the!film!industry.!After!all,!he!was!part!of!the!team!that!founded!the! renowned!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!back!in!1976.! Restrung!follows!the!career!–!and!life!–!journey!of!Randall!Wyn!Fullmer,!who!left!behind! a!successful!job!as!an!animator!with!Disney!to!follow!his!passion!for!making!bass!guitars.!

It!was!a!chance!to! harken!back!to!his! interests!as!a!kid,!and! a!chance!to!reinvent! himself!and!focus!on! creating!something!as! an!artist!through!a! different!forum.! Restrung!provides!a! glimpse!at!the! intriguing!path!Fullmer! took!and!truly!shines! the!light!on!what!is! possible!with!some! dedication,!and!a!willingness!to!never!give!up.!Whether!it’s!wondering!how!he’ll!pay!the! bills!to!stay!afloat!and!finish!the!orders!coming!in,!or!being!uprooted!from!his!home< based!workshop!by!the!police,!Fullmer!pushes!on!and!weaves!negatives!into!positives.! He!provides!a!realistic,!and!witty!take!on!his!journey.! Enns!has!said!the!story!inspired!him!to!look!at!his!own!journey!and!follow!his!passion,! filmmaking,!and!that!is!a!feeling!that!no!doubt!spreads!to!the!audience.!It’s!a!must<see! documentary!for!those!who!are!trying!to!follow!their!heart!when!it!comes!to!careers.! In!an!interview!after!the!premiere,!Fullmer!admitted!he!is!just!as!inspired!by!Enns!and! his!efforts.! “Mike!is!a!storyteller.!He!did!such!a!great!job!at!putting!it!together!and!showed!he!has!a! knack!for!this,”!Fullmer,!who!came!to!Niagara!for!the!premiere!from!his!home!in! California,!said.!“Anyone!else!doing!this!would!need!about!12!guys!to!do!what!Mike!did! himself.”! Fullmer!said!he!hopes!those!who!see!it!–!it!will!be!available!for!download!July!1!at! www.restrung.tv!–!takes!away!the!message!to!follow!their!dreams.! “I!hope!people!take!the!time!to!reflect!and!realize!that!following!your!dreams!is! something!that!is!possible,”!Fullmer!said.!“You!may!have!to!fight!for!it,!but!you!can!make! it!happen.”! NIFF'continues'through'to'Sunday'night'at'various'venues'in'St.'Catharines'and'NiagaraO onOtheOLake'and'there'are'still'tickets'available'for'the'various'films'and'experiences.'For' more'information'about'programming,'visit'www.niagarafilmfest.com.' '

' ' !

Events$on$My$Radar$ 06.20.2014! http://momwhoruns.com/events<on<my<radar/! ! Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!a!few!events!that!are!on!my!radar:!a)!The!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(Thursday!June! 19!to!Sunday!22,!2014).!This!is!a!great!chance!to!see!some!wonderful!films!AND!drink!wine!!Not! a!bad!combo!at!all.!Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!a!wide!range!of!films!(Canadian,!Animated,!Documentaries!and! more)!and!you!will!be!watching!these!movies!in!a!truly!unique!setting.!Please!visit!their!website! for!more!info!www.niagarafilmfest.com.!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival:$The$Infinite$Man$ Review$ By!Brandon!Isaacson!–!06.20.2014! http://nextprojection.com/2014/06/20/niagara<integrated<film<festival<infinite<man<review/! !

! The$Infinite$Man$(2014)$

Cast:!Josh!McConville,!Hannah!Marshall,!Alex!Dimitriades!Director:!Hugh! Sullivan!Country:!Australia!Genre:!Comedy! Editor’s&Notes:'The'following'review'is'part'of'our'coverage'of'the'Niagara'Integrated'Film'Festival.'For' more'information'niagarafilmfest.com'and'follow'NIFF'on'Twitter'at'@niagarafilm.'With!only!two!sets! and!three!characters,!writer/director!Hugh!Sullivan!does!everything!he!can!with!The'Infinite'Man'to!craft! a!complex!time!loop!and!fulfilling!romantic!story.!He’s!stupendously!successful!given!the!monetary! limitations,!as!this!is!not!only!funny!but!also!intellectually!and!emotionally!engaging,!Upon!first!viewing,! it!will!be!somewhat!difficult!to!keep!track!of!what’s!actually!happening.!However!not!enough!to! frustrating,!only!exciting!as!it!makes!The'Infinite'Man!ripe!for!repeat!viewings.!Often!the!hype!around!

time!travel!films!is!hyper<focused!on!the!science!and!if!it!holds!up.!The'Infinite'Man!uses!time!travel!to! explore!potentially!devastating!views!on!romantic!compatibility.The!film!begins!with!main!character! Dean!(Josh!McConville)!and!his!girlfriend!Lana!(Hannah!Marshall)!arriving!at!an!abandoned!hotel.!Dean!is! attempting!to!replicate!their!visit!last!year,!which!was!“perfect”.!He!even!has!a!blueprint!for!the!perfect! anniversary!weekend.!Clearly!the!attempt!is!doomed!to!fail,!as!even!the!hotel!they!stayed!in!is!now! closed!down.!He!loves!Lana!desperately,!perhaps!even!insanely,!so!achieving!perfection!is!of!the!utmost! importance.!However!their!incompatibilities!are!starkly!apparent!and!lead!to!Lana!angrily!leaving.!She! drives!away!with!her!ex<boyfriend!Terry!(Alex!Dimitriades),!a!former!Olympic!javelin!thrower,!seemingly! because!he!knows!how!to!live!in!the!moment!while!Dean!is!obsessed!with!his!extremely!specific!plans.! Dean!spends!the!next!year!inventing!a!time!machine!to!go!back!to!the!beginning!of!this!anniversary! weekend!so!that!he!can!finally!attain! perfection.! He!goes!back!again,!and!again,!and! again.!Each!time!he!reworks!the! situation,!trying!to!make!her!stay!with! and!love!him.!The!trick!however,!is! that!each!time,!older!Dean!and! current!Dean!simultaneously!exist.! And!then!old,!older,!and!current! Dean.!And!then!old,!older,!olderer! and!current!Dean.!It!continues.!The! original!and!alternate!versions!of! Dean,!Lana!and!Terry!wander!around! the!same!events!over!and!over!again,! within!the!web!of!rooms!in!this! abandoned!hotel.!The!film!contains! familiar!conflicts!like!misbegotten! jealousy,!a!boyfriend!who!can’t!live!in! the!moment,!and!the!science!of!time! travel.!McConville’s!strong!acting! brings!authenticity!to!this!inconceivable!affair,!and!remarkably,!Sullivan’s!strange!plot!unfolds!into!a! memorably!unique!film.! ! Often!time!travel!movies!allow!the!time!traveler!to!progress.!The!recently!lauded!Edge!of!Tomorrow!is!a! classic!example!of!this.!Lead!character!Cage!(Tom!Cruise)!re<lives!a!day!over!and!over!again,!improving!it! each!time.!He!manicures!his!daily!pursuit!of!a!particular!goal.!The!Infinite!Man!does!show!a!similar! progression!but,!unlike!Edge!of!Tomorrow,!there!is!never!clarity.!There!is!no!discernible!end!point.!After! all,!Dean!can’t!exactly!rewind.!It’s!less!neat.!In!fact!by!the!end,!one!may!wonder!if!things!can!ever!be! fixed.!Perhaps!at!some!point,!couples!are!merely!incompatible.!The!selves!that!who!were!once!so!in!love,! can!no!longer!be.!Yet!we!hang!onto!that!past!connection,!unable!to!mourn!its!death.! ! Many!will!be!enamored!with!the!intellectual!complexity!of!the!time!loop,!which!is!worth!detailed! exploration.!However,!the!real!power!of!The!Infinite!Man!is!in!its!existential!wonderings,!which!it!doesn’t! force!upon!the!viewer!with!dialogue.!One!must!simply!ponder!the!implications!of!Dean’s!pursuit.!It’s! successes,!failures!and!complications.!Some!will!see!classic!romance;!others!will!see!the!sorrowful! complications!of!incompatible!love.!Regardless,!The!Infinite!Man!is!a!loop!worth!jumping!into.!

TIFF$founder$pairing$wine$and$film$at$Niagara$ festival$ By!Laura!Zilke!–!06.20.2014! http://globalnews.ca/news/1407688/tiff<founder<pairing<wine<and<film<at<niagara<festival/! !

TORONTO!!–!The!man!who!founded!the!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!(TIFF)!is!now! trying!to!pair!films!with!fine!wine!at!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF).! ! Bill!Marshall!helped!build!TIFF!into!a!premier!event!for!filmmakers!and!actors!and!is!now! putting!his!stamp!on!a!brand!new!festival!in!Niagara!on!the!Lake.! ! “There!used!to!be!a!time!when!Niagara!wine!was!in!a!box,”!Marshall!said.!“They!hoisted! those!all!out,!they!brought!in!the!best!wine!makers.”! He!admits!this!inaugural!season!of!NIFF!is!not!a!star<studded!event!but!says!the!filmsare! of!the!highest!quality.! !

“We!only!wanted!the!best,”!he!said.! ! Films!are!screened!at!several!locations!in!Niagara,!including!six!wineries.!!Massive,! inflatable!projection!screens!blend!with!row!upon!row!of!grapevines!to!create!a! backdrop!unlike!any!commercial!theatre.! ! “It’s!the!elite!drive<in,”!Michelle!Brisebois,!the!estate!manager!of!Trius!Winery!said.!“You! can!sit!with!your!glass!of!wine!and!the!breeze!is!blowing,!the!vineyards!are!there!–!its! magical.”! ! Trius!debuted!one!of!Marshall’s!top!picks,!a!feature!documentary!Restrung.!Marshall! says!he!believes!the!film!marks!the!launch!of!a!successful!career!for!filmmaker,!Mike! Enns.! ! “You!can!say!you!heard!it!here!first,”!Marshall!said.! ! There!are!several!world!premieres!at!the!festival!including!Ribbit,!a!3D!animated!film.!! Ribbit!was!written!and!directed!by!voice!actor,!Chuck!Powers!and!stars!Canadian! comedian,!Russell!Peters,!as!well!as!American!actor!Sean!Astin.! ! “Few!people!know!this!–!I!actually!wrote!that!character!with!Russell!in!mind,”!Powers! said.!!“So!when!I’m!writing!the!lines,!I’m!imaging!Russell!saying!them.”! ! Peters!recorded!the!voice!at!a!studio!in!Los!Angeles!and,!according!to!Powers,!the!first! day!didn’t!go!so!wellbecause!Peters!was!battling!a!flu.! ! “He!came!back!–!and!it!was!amazing,”!Powers!said.!“It!was!like!a!dream!come!true.”! ! Having!world<class!films!among!the!artistic!minds!that!develop!award!winning!wines!is!a! dream!come!true!for!Brisebois.! ! “This!is!one!of!the!most!creative!places!on!earth,!so!to!have!such!a!creative!endeavour! as!NIFF!here,!is!a!perfect!fit,”!she!said.! ! NIFF!and!TIFF!founder,!Bill!Marshall!couldn’t!agree!more,!wine<makers!are!like!film< makers!he!said.! ! “I!think!they!are!artists,”!he!said.! ! The!festival!runs!from!June!19<22.!

! !

Fine$wine$and$a$good$Movie;$The$Niagara$ integrated$film$festival$premieres.$ By!Laura!Zilke!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!06.20.2014! https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/video/fine<wine<good<movie<niagara<222417490.html! !

DEAD$BEFORE$DAWN$3D$K$Review$By$Greg$Klymkiw$K$Dreadful$Canadian$HorrorK Comedy$Besmirches$Maple$Leaf.$This$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF$ 2014)$offering$is$best$reserved$for$undiscriminating$audiences.$ By!Greg!Klymkiw!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!06.20.2014! http://klymkiwfilmcorner.blogspot.ca/2014/06/dead<before<dawn<3d<review<by<greg.html! ! LOWEST!FILM!CORNER!RATING:!! ! Delivered!to!films!too!bad!to!garner!one<star!(*).! ! Said!films!would!normally!then!receive!the!"One!Pubic!Hair"!rating,!however,!not!to!besmirch! the!fine!pubic!hair!recipient!Sharknado!by!lumping!it!in!(so!to!speak)!with!genuine!turds,!I!was! forced!to!create!a!critical!rating!even!lower!for!Ridley!Scott's!abominable!The!Counsellor.! ! The!Rating!is,!quite!simply!and!evocatively:! ! "TURD!DISCOVERED!BEHIND! HARRY'S!CHAR!BROIL!AND!DINING!LOUNGE".! ! As!pictured!to!the!left,!this!an!actual!turd!found!by!myself!and!Project!Grizzly!filmmaker!Peter! Lynch!in!the!illustrious!Parkdale!parking!lot!behind!Harry's!wherein!the!two!of!us!had!just!dined! with!writer!Geoff!Pevere.! ! Recipients!of!this!hallowed!rating!since!Scott's!atrocity!have!been!the!wretched!2014!remake!of! Endless!Love,!the!putrid!Veronica!Mars!movie!and!the!horrendous!2014!Godzilla.! ! Now,!please!feel!free!to!add:! ! Dead!Before!Dawn!3D!to!the!aforementioned!list!of!recipients!of!this!most!appalling!critical! rating!which!will,!one!hopes,!seal!the!work's!fate!in!some!manner!of!infamy.! ! Dead!Before!Dawn!3D!(2013)!Dir.!April!Mullen! "TURD!DISCOVERED!BEHIND!HARRY'S!CHAR!BROIL!&!DINING!LOUNGE"! Starring:!Devon!Bostick,!Christopher!Lloyd! Review!By!Greg!Klymkiw!

Some!movies!are!so!pathetic!it!feels!like!shooting!dead!fish!in!a!barrel!to!bother!reviewing!them.! Normally,!Dead!Before!Dawn!3D!would!be!such!a!picture!as!it's!certainly!a!dead!enough!fish!and! the!barrel!it!floats!in!reeks!of!rotting!malodorous!offals,!but!its!filmmakers!have!ambitiously! tricked!the!normally!appealing!Devon!Bostick!into!taking!the!lead!role,!plopped!the!bankable! genre!icon!Christopher!Lloyd!into!a!decent<sized!cameo!and!bothered!to!shoot!the!film!in! stereoscopic!3<D.!Chances!are!good!that!plenty!of!folks!will!be!conned!into!laying!out!cold,!hard! cash!to!see!this!fetid!tin!o'!tuna.!This,!then,!requires!further!investigation.! ! The!horrendously!stupid!and!juvenile!screenplay!by!Tim!Doiron!makes!the!fatal!error!of!dialling! the!tone!of!humour!down!to!the!level!of!some!half<witted!inbred!or!worse,!most!suburban! tweener<teener!mall!rats!of,!shall!we!say!dubious!breeding!and/or!rearing!and!in!so!doing,! serves!up!some!of!the!dumbest!dialogue!and!hopelessly!unfunny!gags!imaginable.! ! The!plot,!such!as!it!is,!involves!teenager!Bostick!as!a!geeky!lad!living!amongst!the!leafy!greens!of! Niagara!wine!country!who!agrees!to!help!out!goofy!grandpa!Christopher!Lloyd!by!holding!down! the!fort!at!the!wild<eyed!old!coot's!occult!shop.!(Isn't!that!convenient?)!Upon!departing,!Lloyd,! on!his!way!to!pick!up!an!award!from!an!Occult!Society,!warns!Bostick!to!never!touch!a! mysterious!urn.! ! Well,!obviously!he!does.!! ! Bostick,!you!see,!is!hung!up!on! a!teen!babe!played!by!Martha! McIsaac!who!turns!out!to!be! an!occult!buff!(conveniently)! and!when!she!and!a!bunch!of! other!teens!enter!the!store,! the!urn!is!retrieved!for!the! babe's!edification!and!breaks.! Not!only!does!the!urn!break,! but!the!other!kids!begin!joking! about!its!occult!properties!and! inadvertently!conjure!up!one!mega<curse!wherein!townspeople!begin!turning!into!combo< zombies<demons.!As!hell!breaks!loose,!it's!up!to!Bostick!to!break!the!curse.! ! Director!April!Mullen!camera<jockeys!the!proceedings!with!near<borderline!competence,!but! the!movie!is!jam<packed!with!dreadful!digital!effects!and!sub<par!makeup!design!work!and!the! whole!mess!is!finally!so!low<budget!that!the!setting!itself!seems!ludicrously!under<populated.! Not!that!the!godawful!script!helps!matters,!but!Mullens's!directorial!"touch"!is!to!play! everything!for!overwrought!hilarity!and/or!horror!<!so!much!so,!that!the!movie!begins!to!plod! with!the!kind!of!dullness!one!gets!when!a!picture's!frantic!qualities!just!plain!wear!you!down.! ! Apparently,!Dead!Before!Dawn!is!the!first!stereoscopic!3<D!film!shot!in!its!entirety!by!a!female! director!and!also!purports!to!be!the!first<ever!stereoscopic!3<D!film!made!as!a!full<fledged!all<

Canadian!feature!in!Canuckland.!Both!attributes!mean!little!since!the!overall!compositions!of! the!shots!are!so!dull!that!the!depth!of!3<D!means!zilch!and!the!few!comin<at<ya'!f/X!stink!to!high! heaven.!Also,!Canada!has!actually!generated!a!genuinely!fine!all<Canuck!3<D!feature!film.!It! might!not!be!full<on!back<to<back!3<D,!but!it!was!actually!shot!ON!FILM!as!opposed!to!the!much! inferior!red<cam!digital.!Oh,!and!it!was!made!over!50<years<ago!in!Toronto.!Directed!by!Julian! Roffman!(I'll!grant!you,!he's!not!a!female),!his!1961!3=D!effort!The!Mask!is!a!genuinely!cool! movie!and!a!far!more!historic!contribution!to!both!the!history!of!genre!films!and,!of!course,! Canadian!film!history.! ! Dead!Before!Dawn!3<D!is!one!of!those!horrid!Canadian!films!that!wants!us!to!applaud!it!because! the!movie!was!simply!made!and!because!its!filmmaker!chose!to!attack!it!<!seemingly!<!to!get! into!the!record!books,!rather!than!to!generate!a!good!movie.!Granted!the!picture!was!cobbled! together!to!make!money,!but!that's!hardly!an!achievement!when!there!are!a!lot!of!dreadful! movies!that!make!far!more!money!than!this!will!ever!make!and!frankly,!aren't!quite!as!mind< numbingly!mediocre.! ! Worse!yet,!is!that!the!film!seems!genuinely!aimed!at!a!youth!audience,!but!it!dumbs!itself!down,! treating!them!like!morons.!My!own!13<year<old!daughter!Julia!caught!on!to!this!while!watching! it!with!me.!She!occasionally!reviews!films!at!the!Film!Corner!as!my!junior!cub!reporter!(you!can! read!some!of!Julia's!reviews!by!clicking!HERE),!but!after!seeing!Dead!Before!Dawn!3<D!she! yawned,!then!remarked,!"I'm!going!to!pass!on!writing!about!this,!Dad.!Life's!too!short."! ! Indeed!it!is.! !

TIFF$founder$pairing$wine$and$film$at$Niagara$ festival$ By!Laura!Zilke!–!06.20.2014! http://newsontario.ca/2014/06/20/tiff<founder<pairing<wine<and<film<at<niagara<festival/! ! TORONTO!–!The!man!who!founded!the!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!(TIFF)!is!now!trying!to! pair!films!with!fine!wine!at!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF).! ! Bill!Marshall!helped!build!TIFF!into!a!premier!event!for!filmmakers!and!actors!and!is!now!putting! his!stamp!on!a!…Read!the!news! ! Source:!Global!News!–!Toronto! ! ! ! !

FOUR$CORNERS$K$Review$By$Greg$Klymkiw$K$Shattering$South$ African$CrimeKDrama$@niagaraFilmFest2014$ By!Greg!Klymkiw!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!06.21.2014! http://klymkiwfilmcorner.blogspot.ca/2014/06/four<corners<review<by<greg<klymkiw.html! !

! ! Four$Corners$(2013)$***Â˝$ Dir.!Ian!Gabriel! Starring:!Brendon!Daniels,!Jezriel!Skei,!Abduragman!Adams,!Irshaad!Ally,!Lindiwe!Matshikiza,!! Review!By!Greg!Klymkiw! Though!over!twenty!years!has!passed!since!the!dismantlement!of!racial!segregation!in!South! Africa,!the!brutality!of!the!White!minority's!policy!of!Apartheid!continues!to!assert!its!damaging! effects!over!this!country!struggling!to!accept!that!the!shackles!are!gone!and!that!freedom!is,! sadly,!a!learned!experience.! ! The!repercussions!of!racism!as!official!governance!prior!to!the!election!of!Nelson!Mandela!as! President!in!1994,!forced!poverty!and!crime!to!reign!over!certain!segments!of!Black!African! society.!This!shameful!blight,!flagrantly!and!meretriciously!foisted!upon!the!nation's!majority! continues!even!today.!The!prisons!overflow!with!black!inmates!whilst!rival!gangs,!in!front!and! behind!the!walls!of!incarceration,!perpetuate!a!perverse!self<identify!through!criminal!activity,! much!of!it!against!each!other.! ! Ian!Gabriel's!finely!crafted!film!Four!Corners!focuses!on!a!handful!of!inter<connected!characters! as!we!follow!the!amalgamation!of!their!individual!stories!into!each!other.! ! Farakhan!(Brendon!Daniels)!is!a!General!of!a!vicious!gang.!Upon!his!release!from!prison,!he! seeks!to!cut!ties!with!the!criminal!organization,!extract!revenge!upon!the!rival!who!murdered! his!father,!reclaim!his!family!home!(now!smack!in!the!middle!of!the!rivals'!territory)!and! painstakingly!seek!out!the!son!he's!never!met.!Along!the!way!he!meets!Leila!!

(Lindiwe!Matshikiza),!a!London<educated! doctor!who!has!returned!to!her!Cape!Flats! home!to!settle!her!recently!deceased! father's!estate.!The!couple!are! immediately!attracted!to!each!other,!but! their!diametrically!opposed!worlds!have! the!potential!to!drive!a!wedge!between! them.! ! Tito!(Abduragman!Adams)!is!a!detective!obsessed!with!solving!the!case!of!numerous!missing! children!who!might!well!be!victims!of!a!serial!killer!as!opposed!to!gang!warfare.!He!also!takes!a! gently!patriarchal!interest!and!approach!to!keeping!a!watchful!eye!over!Ricardo!(Jezriel!Skei),!a! fatherless!teen!chess!master!who!is!constantly!faced!with!the!inevitability!of!joining!the!criminal! gang!presided!over!by!Gasant!(Irshaad!Ally),!a!handsome,!power<hungry!young!crime!baron! whose!mesmerist!qualities!are!exactly!what!the!doctor!ordered!to!attract!juveniles!to!the!cause! (whether!they're!"delinquent"!or!not).! ! It!won't!take!long!before!these!four!disparate!souls!intersect!and!though!there's!a!feeling!that! Four!Corners!(as!harsh!and!brutal!as!much!of!it!is)!compares!to!being!a!kinder,!gentler!and!more! straightforward!South!African!version!of!Amores!perros!by!Mexican!auteur!Alejandro!González! Iñárritu,!it!never!feels!like!homage,!nor!is!it!blatantly!derivative.!Given!the!poverty!and! corruption!within!both!countries,!it!seems!like!a!perfectly!acceptable!approach!to!telling!its! tale(s).! Four!Corners!also!manages!to!achieve!this!without!an!accent!on!aping!Iñárritu's!cerebral! qualities!and!especially!in!its!favour!is!the!film's!lack!of!didactic!qualities!many!other!filmmakers! on!their!sophomore!effort!might!be!prone!to.!Gabriel!is!a!fine!meat<and<potatoes!director!and! clearly!fulfills!the!promise!he!displayed!with!his!first!feature,!the!powerful!Forgiveness!from! 2004.!Here,!he!more!than!ably!renders!the!solid!screenplay!(from!his!story)!by!Terence! Hammond!&!Hofmeyr!Scholtz!which!never!blatantly!references!the!effects!of!Apartheid,!but! certainly!always!keeps!it!present!in!the!subtext.! ! If!anything!makes!the!film!stand!out!from!many!other!crime!pictures!of!a!multi<character! structure!is!that!at!its!core,!the!film!is!about!family!<!seeking!family!and!restoring!family.!This! notion,!so!ever<present,!touches!all!the!characters!and!again,!is!tied!to!the!slavery<like!policies! of!Apartheid!which!did!so!much!damage!in!separating!people!from!their!homes!and!those!they! loved.! ! There's!a!sense!of!melancholy!and!tragedy!running!through!this!beautifully!acted!film,!but!there! are!also!touches!of!an!eventual!new!world!for!all!the!characters!and!a!strong!sense!that!perhaps! their!children!and!their!children's!children!will!be!the!ultimate!beneficiaries!of!their!pain,! struggles!and!sacrifices!in!a!country!still!hurting!from!the!hideous!legislation!of!segregation!and! racism.! ! Four!Corners!is!playing!at!the!Niagara!Integrate!Film!Festival!(NIFF!2014).!For!tickets!visit!HERE.!

Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival:$Lad:$A$Yorkshire$ Story$Review$ By!Matthew!Blevins!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!06.22.2014!

http://nextprojection.com/2014/06/22/niagara<integrated<film<festival<lad<yorkshire<story<review/!

! ! Lad:!A!Yorkshire!Story!(2013)! ! Cast:!Nancy!Clarkson,!Oliver!Exley,!Alex!Froom!! Director:!Dan!Hartley! Country:!UK! Genre:!Drama! ! Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!Notes:!The!following!review!is!part!of!our!coverage!of!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film! Festival.!For!more!information!niagarafilmfest.com!and!follow!NIFF!on!Twitter!at!@niagarafilm.!! !

The!gentle!pastoral!landscapes!of!the! Yorkshire!Dales!roll!outward!to!the! infinite!horizon,!yellowish!green!wisps! painted!onto!craggy!stones!offering! sustenance!to!livestock!corralled!by! natural!stone!fences!that!weather!the! ages!in!stoic!silence.!Even!the! beautiful!secret!corners!of!the!world! are!subject!to!heartache!and!loss,!and! Lad:!A!Yorkshire!Story!follows!the! story!of!young!Tom!Proctor!as!he! contends!with!the!bountiful! tribulations!of!life!and!learns!that! even!the!pain!of!losing!a!father!will! pass!and!the!rolling!plains!made!gray! by!winter!and!heartache!will!once! again!flourish!with!life!and!hope.! ! These!lessons!would!be!hard!earned! for!this!angry!lad!from!Yorkshire!as!his!life!seemed!to!be!falling!apart!with!little!hope!looming!in! the!distant!gray!horizon.!The!loss!of!his!father!meant!the!loss!of!his!income!as!a!quarry!worker,! and!unforgiving!financial!institutions!were!poised!to!take!away!his!family’s!home!if!his!mother! could!not!find!the!strength!to!start!life!anew.!An!older!brother!whose!footsteps!once!offered! guidance!and!solace!to!the!fiery!hearted!Tom!would!soon!be!off!serving!in!the!military,!forging! his!own!path!to!adulthood!while!leaving!his!younger!brother!feeling!abandoned.!In!an!act!of! admirable!futility,!Tom!“borrows”!a!tractor!and!drives!it!to!town!to!leave!his!dissatisfaction!on! the!indifferent!face!of!the!bank!that!is!poised!to!repossess!his!home!in!a!slurry!of!animal!refuse.! ! The!punishment!for!Tom’s!act!of!ineffectual!youthful!retribution!would!place!him!under!the! supervision!of!a!Ranger!of!the!Dales,!and!through!the!placid!guidance!of!this!new!father!figure! he!would!learn!the!unassuming!charms!of!the!Yorkshire!countryside!and!the!temperance! needed!to!survive!in!an!indifferent!and!unfailingly!challenging!world.!Tom!would!learn!his!own! silent!strengths,!discover!hidden!talents,!and!earn!his!first!kiss!from!a!girl;!encouraged!by!his! new!father!figure!who!would!teach!him!that!pain!and!loss!are!unavoidable!but!how!we!face! them!defines!the!content!of!our!character.! ! Lad:!A!Yorkshire!Story!is!filled!with!the!same!unassuming!beauty!as!the!Dales!that!its!cameras! savor!in!misty!golden!sunrises,!showing!that!tragedy!and!loss!are!intrinsic!to!even!the!most! pastoral!landscapes,!but!as!long!as!the!will!to!persevere!remains!there!is!always!hope!for!a! better!tomorrow.!Life!moves!on!even!as!our!deepest!anxieties!come!to!fruition!and!the!cast!of! characters!that!color!our!lives!is!in!a!perpetual!state!of!quiet!flux,!and!our!darkest!days!will!one! day!be!the!foundation!for!our!hardest!earned!strengths!so!long!as!we!look!ever!onward!toward! the!silent!grace!of!the!next!inevitable!misty!sunrise.!

NTW$does$NIFF:$'Four$Corners'$an$untold$story$ By!Melinda!Cheevers!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!06.22.2014!

http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news<story/4593319<ntw<does<niff<four<corners<an<untold<story/!

! ! ! ! ST.!CATHARINES!<!It's!a!story!that! hasn't!been!told!before,!but!one! the!world!<!or!at!the!very!least! South!Africa!<!was!ready!to!hear.!! ! Four!Corners!made!its!Canadian! debut!on!Saturday!night!at! Landmark!Cinemas!in!St.! Catharines!as!part!of!the!inaugural! Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival! (NIFF).!Shot!over!the!course!of!five! weeks!on!location!in!South!Africa's! Cape!Flats!area,!Four!Corners!is!a!coming!of!age!crime!drama!with!a!focus!on!gang!life!from!an! unusual!perspective:!the!effect!it!can!have!on!families.!! ! Central!to!the!story!is!13<year<old!Ricardo!Galam,!who!has!a!fondness!(and!talent)!for!chess!and! is!being!raised!by!his!grandmother.!Living!in!the!flats!area,!Galam!is!smack!dab!in!the!middle!of! Cape!Town's!gangland,!with!two!adversarial!number!gangs!<!26s!and!28s!<!waging!a!war!on!one! another!that!has!been!going!on!for!the!last!100!years.!Living!in!a!neighbourhood!primarily! dominated!by!26s,!his!fascination!with!the!subculture!grows!as!a!local!leader!takes!an!interest!in! him!and!begins!grooming!him!for!the!gang.!! ! Meanwhile,!Farakhan,!a!prison!general!from!the!28s!is!released!from!prison!and!is!ready!to!start! life!anew,!putting!his!gang!days!behind!him.!Although,!he!soon!finds!out!that!getting!out!of!the! gang!isn't!as!easy!as!getting!in.! ! There!is!a!real!authentic!feel!to!the!story!which!can!be!attributed!to!its!filming!locations!<!right! in!the!gang<heavy!Cape!Flats!area!<!as!well!as!the!language!used!throughout!the!film.!The!story! is!told!using!a!blend!of!languages,!much!like!what!exists!in!those!communities:!the!secret! language!of!the!number!gangs,!as!well!as!Tsotsi!taal,!Afrikaans!and!English.!!

! Speaking!after!the!screening,!director!Ian!Gabriel!said!they!wanted!to!have!it!come!across!as! real!as!possible.!That's!why!they!went!into!the!dangerous!neighbourhoods!and!used!the!proper! dialects.! ! "People!were!excited!that!we!were!coming!to!film,"!he!said.!"This!is!a!story!that!has!never!been! told."!!! ! Gabriel!said!the!community!really!embraced!the!idea!and!acted!as!their!own!form!of!security! while!the!crew!headed!to!some!of!the!most!dangerous!areas!of!the!country!to!shoot!the!film.!At! one!point!one!of!the!gang!leaders!even!paid!the!production!crew!a!visit!on!set.!! ! "He!didn't!exactly!give!us!permission,"!Gabriel!recalled.!"But,!they!didn't!bother!us!either."!! ! The!only!fabricated!location!was!the!prison,!constructed!in!an!abandoned!warehouse;!the!scene! did!ring!with!authenticity!though,!as!former!prisoners!acted!as!extras!and!helped!to!emulate!the! prison!atmosphere.!! ! "At!that!point,!I!wasn't!telling!them!what!to!do,!they!were!telling!me,"!admitted!Gabriel.!!! ! The!intertwining!stories,!he!said,!helped!to!showcase!the!complexities!of!the!neighbourhoods! and!the!community!itself.!! ! "Cape!Flats!itself!has!always!been!considered!a!character,"!he!said.!"One!story!line!would!have! just!overwhelmed!that."!! ! A!great!script!and!story!only!go!so!far,!what!really!sells!the!film!and!helped!it!to!become!the! official!South!African!selection!for!the!Academy!Award's!last!year,!are!the!amazing! performances!delivered!by!a!South!African!cast.!Farakhan!is!played!by!Brendon!Daniels,!a! popular!stage!actor.!This!was!his!film!debut,!but!one!wouldn't!have!been!able!to!tell.!His! portrayal!of!the!reformed!gang!general!seemed!effortless!and!utterly!convincing.!! ! The!standout!though,!by!far,!is!13<year<old!Jezriel!Skei!who!takes!on!the!role!of!Ricardo.!Gabriel! said!they!searched!high!and!low!to!find!the!right!boy!for!the!role!<!searching!Sierra!and!chess! clubs,!putting!up!posters!at!malls!and!hosting!auditions!for!a!long!time.!! ! Enter!Skei!who!had!no!acting!experience.!He!ignored!the!script,!said!Gabriel,!but!managed!to! completely!captivate!them!and!won!over!the!role.!The!director!credits!the!young!actor's!great! listening!skills!and!his!desire!to!improve.!! ! "He!needed!very!little!coaching,"!he!said.!"What!we!got!was!what!he!gave!us."!! ! While!the!film!didn't!make!it!to!the!Oscar!ballot!for!the!86th!annual!Academy!Awards,!it!did! take!home!top!honours!this!weekend!earning!the!inaugural!best!feature!award!at!NIFF.!

NTW$does$NIFF:$Sellers$shorts$entertain$with$ simple$humour$ By!Scott!Rosts!–!06.22.2014! http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news<story/4593208<ntw<does<niff<sellers<shorts<entertain< with<simple<humour/! ! ! ‘Lost’$films$helped$comedic$gem$show$off$his$talents$during$early$career$ NIAGARA<ON<THE<LAKE!—!Long! before!he!became!well!known!as! the!bumbling!Inspector!Jacques! Clouseau,!Peter!Sellers!was!Hector! Dimwittie,!a!bumbling!salesman.! ! Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival! (NIFF)!audiences!had!the! opportunity!to!see!the!comedic! legend!Sellers,!who!died!in!1980,! in!three!shorts!on!Friday!night,! during!a!Hector!Dimwittie!Trilogy! at!Ravine!Vineyard!and!Estate! Winery.!Two!of!the!three!—!Dearth!Of!A!Salesman!and!Insomnia!Is!Good!For!You!—!had!actually! been!“lost”!films!that!were!salvaged!from!the!trash!in!the!late!1990s.!They!were!publicly!shown! for!the!first!time!in!more!than!50!years!at!the!Southend!Film!Festival!last!month,!before!making! their!way!to!Niagara,!where!they!were!shown!alongside!a!third!rarely!seen!short,!Cold!Comfort.! ! Robert!Farrow!rescued!the!reels!form!the!offices!of!Park!Lane!Films,!the!now<defunct! production!company!that!made!the!movies!before!offering!them!up!to!Southend!Film!Festival! director!Paul!Cotgrove.!Cotgrove!joined!NIFF,!along!with!Canadian!director!Ted!Kotcheff,!who! worked!in!the!‘50s!on!an!unrealized!project!with!Sellers.!The!pair!explained!they!were!likely! going!to!be!used!by!Sellers!as!show!reels!to!provide!a!glimpse!of!his!talents!to!film!producers.! ! “Peter’s!career!was!taking!off!the!same!time!he!was!making!them,”!Cotgrove!said!following!the! film,!noting!up!until!then!Sellers!predominantly!had!only!been!featured!in!minor!roles.!“They! were!just!written!as!short!films!for!the!cinema!with!no!plans!to!go!anywhere!with!them.”! !

“He!used!them!to!show!off!his!work!to!people!who!had! never!seen!him!act!or!hadn’t!seen!what!he!could!do,”!added! Kotcheff,!who!described!Sellers!“as!a!great!star!—!such!a! great!talent.”! There!was!a!lot!of!attention!when!the!films!had!a!world! premiere!at!Southend,!said!Cotgrove,!who!helped!digitally! restore!them.!In!fact,!they!held!two!showings!of!it.!He!said! Niagara!was!the!next!stop,!and!they!will!eventually!hit!film! festivals!across!the!globe.! ! “There!was!great!interest!among!film!festivals!worldwide!to! get! their!hands!on!this!treasure!trove!of!film!history,”!says!NIFF! founder!Bill!Marshall,!“so!a!real!coup!for!us!and!the! inaugural!edition!of!this!festival.”! ! The!black<and<white!Dimwittie!shorts,!about!30!minutes!each,!were!filmed!around!1957!and! feature!simple!humour!with!a!quirky!performance!by!Sellers.!In!Dearth!Of!A!Salesman,!he! attempts!to!become!a!successful!salesman!in!Britain,!overcoming!a!couple!of!scams!before! becoming!an!anti<salesman.!Insomnia!Is!Good!For!You,!showcases!Dimwittie!stressing!for!about! 48!hours!over!a!meeting!with!his!boss,!eventually!falling!flat!on!his!face!in!the!meeting.!Finally,! Cold!Comfort!is!about!Dimwittie!catching!a!cold,!and!ultimately!keeping!it!despite!trying! numerous!remedies.! ! While!they!weren’t!the!comedic!gold!of!a!Pink!Panther,!they!featured!simple!humour!that!you’d! expect!from!some!of!the!comedic!TV!shows!of!the!time!and!garnered!some!laughs!from!the! crowd!under!the!night!sky!at!Ravine.!The!three!were!intriguing!and!offered!something!much! different!to!audiences!and!each!really!allowed!Sellers!to!showcase!his!talents!by!giving!him! nearly!all!of!the!screen!time.! ! They!also!featured!another!special!connection!to!Canadian!audiences,!with!renowned!Canadian! literary!giant!Mordecai!Richler!co<writing!the!two!lost!films!with!Lewis!Greiffer.!Richler!was! thought!to!be!working!here!on!his!first!script.! ! Kotcheff,!who!hails!from!Toronto!made!a!name!for!himself!overseas!but!ultimately!came!back!in! the!1970s!and!worked!with!Richler!on!The!Apprenticeship!of!Duddy!Kravitz!and!Joshua!Then!and! Now.!He!continues!to!be!active!today!at!the!age!of!83,!including!producing!nearly!290!episodes! of!Law!and!Order:!Special!Victims!Unit!from!2000!to!2012.!While!he!started!his!career!with!the! CBC,!going!overseas!—!where!he!worked!with!Sellers!—!was!key!to!making!it!big,!he!said.! ! “Canada!had!no!industry!whatsoever,”!Kotcheff!said!of!the!‘50s,”!noting!the!U.K.!was!a!place!to! try!and!get!a!break.! ! Cotgrove!said!in!addition!to!sending!the!Sellers!shorts!to!film!festivals!across!the!globe,!the! eventual!goal!is!to!release!them!on!DVD.!

NTW$does$NIFF:$Sellers$shorts$entertain$with$ simple$humour$ By!Scott!Rosts!–!06.22.2014! http://www.mykawartha.com/news<story/4593208<ntw<does<niff<sellers<shorts<entertain<with< simple<humour/! ! ! ‘Lost’$films$helped$comedic$gem$ show$off$his$talents$during$early$ career$ NIAGARA<ON<THE<LAKE!—!Long! before!he!became!well!known!as! the!bumbling!Inspector!Jacques! Clouseau,!Peter!Sellers!was!Hector! Dimwittie,!a!bumbling!salesman.! ! Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival! (NIFF)!audiences!had!the! opportunity!to!see!the!comedic! legend!Sellers,!who!died!in!1980,! in!three!shorts!on!Friday!night,!during!a!Hector!Dimwittie!Trilogy!at!Ravine!Vineyard!and!Estate! Winery.!Two!of!the!three!—!Dearth!Of!A!Salesman!and!Insomnia!Is!Good!For!You!—!had!actually! been!“lost”!films!that!were!salvaged!from!the!trash!in!the!late!1990s.!They!were!publicly!shown! for!the!first!time!in!more!than!50!years!at!the!Southend!Film!Festival!last!month,!before!making! their!way!to!Niagara,!where!they!were!shown!alongside!a!third!rarely!seen!short,!Cold!Comfort.! ! Robert!Farrow!rescued!the!reels!form!the!offices!of!Park!Lane!Films,!the!now<defunct! production!company!that!made!the!movies!before!offering!them!up!to!Southend!Film!Festival! director!Paul!Cotgrove.!Cotgrove!joined!NIFF,!along!with!Canadian!director!Ted!Kotcheff,!who! worked!in!the!‘50s!on!an!unrealized!project!with!Sellers.!The!pair!explained!they!were!likely! going!to!be!used!by!Sellers!as!show!reels!to!provide!a!glimpse!of!his!talents!to!film!producers.! ! “Peter’s!career!was!taking!off!the!same!time!he!was!making!them,”!Cotgrove!said!following!the! film,!noting!up!until!then!Sellers!predominantly!had!only!been!featured!in!minor!roles.!“They! were!just!written!as!short!films!for!the!cinema!with!no!plans!to!go!anywhere!with!them.”!

! !

Niagara$Film$Fest$wraps$up$big$first$year$ By!John!Law!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!06.23.2014! http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/2014/06/23/niagara< film<fest<wraps<up<big<first<year! ! ! !About!10,000!people!attended!the!first!Niagara! Integrated!Film!Festival,!making!its!return!next!year! virtually!certain.! Organizers!were!thrilled!with!the!four<day!event!which!wrapped!up!Sunday.!Audiences!came! from!Buffalo,!Toronto!and!as!far!away!as!Sudbury!for!the!latest!venture!by!Toronto! International!Film!Festival!co<founder!Bill!Marshall.! "I!can't!say!enough!about!the!people!who!took!this!idea!and!helped!turn!it!into!the!stunning! success!that!this!first!year!was,"!said!Marshall!in!a!statement!Monday.!With!more!than!5,000! film!festivals!across!the!world,!he!added,!"filmmakers!we!talked!to!told!us!we're!easily!already! in!the!top!50.! "Give!us!a!couple!of!years,!and!we'll!move!right!up!there."! NIFF!co<founder!Sari!Ruda!said!the!event's!gamble!to!go!regional,!utilizing!wineries!and!craft! brewers,!was!a!huge!hit.! "As!far!as!expectations!go,!we!surpassed!ourselves,"!she!said!when!reached!Monday.!"People! had!a!marvelous!time."! Screenings!were!held!in!a!handful!of!vineyards!and!local!cinemas,!with!many!sold!out.!Especially! popular!was!Film!Feast,!which!offered!bus!tours!to!two!wineries!and!a!micro<brewery,!and!the! Filmlicious!series!where!the!movie!was!preceded!by!dinner!and!wine!pairings.! Among!the!guests!was!director!Chuck!Powers,!whose!3D!animated!film!Ribbit!had!its!world! premiere.!He!held!a!Q&A!after!Saturday's!screening!at!Landmark!Cinemas,!with!star!Sean!Astin! joining!via!Skype.! "He!said!to!me,!'I!had!the!opportunity!to!launch!my!film!anywhere!in!the!world,!and!I!really! wanted!to!come!here!because!it!was!so!interesting!what!you!and!Bill!were!doing',"!said!Ruda.! "He!said,!'It!was!such!an!incredible!joy!to!be!here.'"!

Glorious!weather!for!all!four!days!helped,!as!did!the!online!buzz!created!by!many!local! filmmakers!who!had!their!work!screened,!some!for!the!first!time.! But!linking!up!with!Niagara's!wineries!was!key,!said!Ruda.!It!gave!NIFF!a!unique!component! which!set!it!apart!from!other!film!festivals.! "It's!difficult!when!you!start!something!new,"!she!said.!"The!way!we!put!it!together,!and!the! way!we!wanted!to!showcase!the!region…it's!something!a!lot!of!people!couldn't!get!their!head! around.! "So!for!that,!we've!shown!there!is!proof!of!concept.!People!embraced!it!and!enjoyed!it."! By!starting!small,!the!event!has!now!gained!a!foothold!and!confidence!among!sponsors.!It! should!make!for!a!bigger!festival!next!year.! "People!who!were!sitting!on!the!sidelines!are!now!saying!'We're!in.'"! john.law@sunmedia.ca! NIFF$Awards:! ! ! Best!Feature!–!Four!Corners,!director:!Ian!Gabriel! ! ! Best!Director!–!Dan!Hartley,!Lad:!A!Yorkshire!Story! ! ! Best!Documentary!–!Go!Far:!the!Christopher!Rush!Story,!director:!Zach!Arnold! ! ! Best!Actor!–!Geoffrey!Rush,!The!Best!Offer! ! ! Best!Actress!–!Hannah!Marshall,!The!Infinite!Man! ! ! Best!Family!Film!–!Ribbit,!director:!Chuck!Powers! ! ! Best!Script!–!100<Year!Old!Man!Who!Jumped!Out!the!Window!&!Disappeared! ! ! Best!Niagara!Rises!Feature!–!A!Kind!of!Wonderful!Thing,!director:!Jason!Lupish! ! ! RBC!Emerging!Artist!Award!($2,500)!–!Restrung,!director:!Mike!Enns! ! ! Best!Niagara!Rises!Short!–!Sidewalk!Surfing,!director:!Dillon!Erwin! ! ! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!($1,000)!–!Jean!Reno,!director:!Tom!Hunter! ! ! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!(Samsung!Tablet)!–!The!Drips,!director:!Darryl!Shaw! ! ! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!(Honourable!Mention)!–!The!Price!of!Black!Gold,! director:!Shaun!Fernando

Niagara$Film$Fest$wraps$up$big$first$year$ By!John!Law!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!06.23.2014! http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2014/06/23/niagara<film<fest<wraps<up<big<first<year! ! ! About!10,000!people!attended! the!first!Niagara!Integrated! Film!Festival,!making!its!return! next!year!virtually!certain.! Organizers!were!thrilled!with! the!four<day!event!which! wrapped!up!Sunday.! Audiences!came!from!Buffalo,! Toronto!and!as!far!away!as! Sudbury!for!the!latest!venture! by!Toronto!International!Film! Festival!co<founder!Bill! Marshall.! "I!can't!say!enough!about!the!people!who!took!this!idea!and!helped!turn!it!into!the!stunning! success!that!this!first!year!was,"!said!Marshall!in!a!statement!Monday.!With!more!than!5,000! film!festivals!across!the!world,!he!added,!"filmmakers!we!talked!to!told!us!we're!easily!already! in!the!top!50.! "Give!us!a!couple!of!years,!and!we'll!move!right!up!there."! NIFF!co<founder!Sari!Ruda!said!the!event's!gamble!to!go!regional,!utilizing!wineries!and!craft! brewers,!was!a!huge!hit.! "As!far!as!expectations!go,!we!surpassed!ourselves,"!she!said!when!reached!Monday.!"People! had!a!marvelous!time."! Screenings!were!held!in!a!handful!of!vineyards!and!local!cinemas,!with!many!sold!out.!Especially! popular!was!Film!Feast,!which!offered!bus!tours!to!two!wineries!and!a!micro<brewery,!and!the! Filmlicious!series!where!the!movie!was!preceded!by!dinner!and!wine!pairings.! Among!the!guests!was!director!Chuck!Powers,!whose!3D!animated!film!Ribbit!had!its!world! premiere.!He!held!a!Q&A!after!Saturday's!screening!at!Landmark!Cinemas,!with!star!Sean!Astin!

joining!via!Skype.! "He!said!to!me,!'I!had!the!opportunity!to!launch!my!film!anywhere!in!the!world,!and!I!really! wanted!to!come!here!because!it!was!so!interesting!what!you!and!Bill!were!doing',"!said!Ruda.! "He!said,!'It!was!such!an!incredible!joy!to!be!here.'"! Glorious!weather!for!all!four!days!helped,!as!did!the!online!buzz!created!by!many!local! filmmakers!who!had!their!work!screened,!some!for!the!first!time.! But!linking!up!with!Niagara's!wineries!was!key,!said!Ruda.!It!gave!NIFF!a!unique!component! which!set!it!apart!from!other!film!festivals.! "It's!difficult!when!you!start!something!new,"!she!said.!"The!way!we!put!it!together,!and!the! way!we!wanted!to!showcase!the!region…it's!something!a!lot!of!people!couldn't!get!their!head! around.! "So!for!that,!we've!shown!there!is!proof!of!concept.!People!embraced!it!and!enjoyed!it."! By!starting!small,!the!event!has!now!gained!a!foothold!and!confidence!among!sponsors.!It! should!make!for!a!bigger!festival!next!year.! "People!who!were!sitting!on!the!sidelines!are!now!saying!'We're!in.'"! john.law@sunmedia.ca! NIFF$Awards:! ! ! Best!Feature!–!Four!Corners,!director:!Ian!Gabriel! ! ! Best!Director!–!Dan!Hartley,!Lad:!A!Yorkshire!Story! ! ! Best!Documentary!–!Go!Far:!the!Christopher!Rush!Story,!director:!Zach!Arnold! ! ! Best!Actor!–!Geoffrey!Rush,!The!Best!Offer! ! ! Best!Actress!–!Hannah!Marshall,!The!Infinite!Man! ! ! Best!Family!Film!–!Ribbit,!director:!Chuck!Powers! ! ! Best!Script!–!100<Year!Old!Man!Who!Jumped!Out!the!Window!&!Disappeared! ! ! Best!Niagara!Rises!Feature!–!A!Kind!of!Wonderful!Thing,!director:!Jason!Lupish! ! ! RBC!Emerging!Artist!Award!($2,500)!–!Restrung,!director:!Mike!Enns! ! ! Best!Niagara!Rises!Short!–!Sidewalk!Surfing,!director:!Dillon!Erwin! ! ! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!($1,000)!–!Jean!Reno,!director:!Tom!Hunter! ! ! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!(Samsung!Tablet)!–!The!Drips,!director:!Darryl!Shaw! ! ! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!(Honourable!Mention)!–!The!Price!of!Black!Gold,! director:!Shaun!Fernando!! !

Niagara$Film$Fest$wraps$up$big$first$year$ By!John!Law!â&#x20AC;&#x201C;!06.23.2014! http://www.wellandtribune.ca/2014/06/23/niagara<film<fest<wraps<up<big<first<year! ! ! About!10,000!people!attended!the!first!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival,!making!its!return!next! year!virtually!certain.! Organizers!were!thrilled!with! the!four<day!event!which! wrapped!up!Sunday.! Audiences!came!from! Buffalo,!Toronto!and!as!far! away!as!Sudbury!for!the! latest!venture!by!Toronto! International!Film!Festival! co<founder!Bill!Marshall.! "I!can't!say!enough!about!the! people!who!took!this!idea! and!helped!turn!it!into!the!stunning!success!that!this!first!year!was,"!said!Marshall!in!a! statement!Monday.!With!more!than!5,000!film!festivals!across!the!world,!he!added,!"filmmakers! we!talked!to!told!us!we're!easily!already!in!the!top!50.! "Give!us!a!couple!of!years,!and!we'll!move!right!up!there."! NIFF!co<founder!Sari!Ruda!said!the!event's!gamble!to!go!regional,!utilizing!wineries!and!craft! brewers,!was!a!huge!hit.! "As!far!as!expectations!go,!we!surpassed!ourselves,"!she!said!when!reached!Monday.!"People! had!a!marvelous!time."! Screenings!were!held!in!a!handful!of!vineyards!and!local!cinemas,!with!many!sold!out.!Especially! popular!was!Film!Feast,!which!offered!bus!tours!to!two!wineries!and!a!micro<brewery,!and!the! Filmlicious!series!where!the!movie!was!preceded!by!dinner!and!wine!pairings.! Among!the!guests!was!director!Chuck!Powers,!whose!3D!animated!film!Ribbit!had!its!world! premiere.!He!held!a!Q&A!after!Saturday's!screening!at!Landmark!Cinemas,!with!star!Sean!Astin! joining!via!Skype.! "He!said!to!me,!'I!had!the!opportunity!to!launch!my!film!anywhere!in!the!world,!and!I!really!

wanted!to!come!here!because!it!was!so!interesting!what!you!and!Bill!were!doing',"!said!Ruda.! "He!said,!'It!was!such!an!incredible!joy!to!be!here.'"! Glorious!weather!for!all!four!days!helped,!as!did!the!online!buzz!created!by!many!local! filmmakers!who!had!their!work!screened,!some!for!the!first!time.! But!linking!up!with!Niagara's!wineries!was!key,!said!Ruda.!It!gave!NIFF!a!unique!component! which!set!it!apart!from!other!film!festivals.! "It's!difficult!when!you!start!something!new,"!she!said.!"The!way!we!put!it!together,!and!the! way!we!wanted!to!showcase!the!region…it's!something!a!lot!of!people!couldn't!get!their!head! around.! "So!for!that,!we've!shown!there!is!proof!of!concept.!People!embraced!it!and!enjoyed!it."! By!starting!small,!the!event!has!now!gained!a!foothold!and!confidence!among!sponsors.!It! should!make!for!a!bigger!festival!next!year.! "People!who!were!sitting!on!the!sidelines!are!now!saying!'We're!in.'"! john.law@sunmedia.ca! NIFF$Awards:! ! ! Best!Feature!–!Four!Corners,!director:!Ian!Gabriel! ! ! Best!Director!–!Dan!Hartley,!Lad:!A!Yorkshire!Story! ! ! Best!Documentary!–!Go!Far:!the!Christopher!Rush!Story,!director:!Zach!Arnold! ! ! Best!Actor!–!Geoffrey!Rush,!The!Best!Offer! ! ! Best!Actress!–!Hannah!Marshall,!The!Infinite!Man! ! ! Best!Family!Film!–!Ribbit,!director:!Chuck!Powers! ! ! Best!Script!–!100<Year!Old!Man!Who!Jumped!Out!the!Window!&!Disappeared! ! ! Best!Niagara!Rises!Feature!–!A!Kind!of!Wonderful!Thing,!director:!Jason!Lupish! ! ! RBC!Emerging!Artist!Award!($2,500)!–!Restrung,!director:!Mike!Enns! ! ! Best!Niagara!Rises!Short!–!Sidewalk!Surfing,!director:!Dillon!Erwin! ! ! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!($1,000)!–!Jean!Reno,!director:!Tom!Hunter! ! ! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!(Samsung!Tablet)!–!The!Drips,!director:!Darryl!Shaw! ! ! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!(Honourable!Mention)!–!The!Price!of!Black!Gold,! director:!Shaun!Fernando!! !

KRU’s$‘Ribbit’$wins$Best$Family$Film$at$Niagara$ movie$festival$ By!Sharifah!Arfah!–!06.23.2014! http://www.therakyatpost.com/lifestyle/2014/06/23/ribbit<wins<best<family<film<inaugural< movie<festival/! ! ! ! Local!3D!animation!film! Ribbit!has!been!awarded!the! Best!Family!Film!at!the! inaugural!Niagara!Integrated! Film!Festival!in!Ontario,! Canada.! “We!have!incredible!news!to! share!today!!It’s!our!privilege! to!announce!that!Ribbit!has! been!awarded!the!Best! Family!Film!at!the!very!first! Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF).”! “Thank!you!to!NIFF!for!having!us!and!a!huge!congratulation!to!the!Ribbit!team,”!said!a! statement!by!KRU!Studios!on!its!Facebook!page!today.! Ribbit!is!produced!by!Kartun!Studios,!a!subsidiary!of!KRU!Studios,!currently!helmed!by!its!chief! creative!officer!Chuck!Powers.! Chief!executive!officer!of!KRU!Studios!Norman!Abdul!Halim,!when!contacted,!said!that!he!was! happy!with!the!achievement!of!Ribbit!in!its!maiden!screening!at!an!international!film!festival.! “This!will!be!a!good!start!in!search!of!an!international!market!for!Ribbit!and!a!good!catalyst!for! our!three!feature<length!3D!animation!productions!in!the!pipeline,”!he!said.! Featuring!the!voices!of!notable!Hollywood!actors!such!as!Sean!Astin!(The!Lord!of!the!Rings)!and! Tim!Curry!(The!Rocky!Horror!Picture!Show),!Ribbit!centres!on!its!titular!dreamy!frog,!who!yearns! for!bigger!things!in!life.! Besides!nursing!his!need!for!escapism!by!hanging!out!in!an!old!plane!wreck!he!calls!the! “clubhouse”,!he!also!meet!various!interesting!characters!along!the!way.! Held!for!the!first!time!this!year,!NIFF!is!founded!by!its!executive!producer!Bill!Marshall,!who!is! also!the!co<founder!of!the!prestigious!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!(TIFF).! According!to!postings!on!NIFF’s!official!website!at!www.niagarafilmfest.com,!the!four<day!event! aims!to!highlight!both!the!beauty!of!the!Niagara!region!as!well!as!films!from!around!the!world.!

! !

NEWS:$‘Ribbit’$wins$Best$Family$Film$at$inaugural$ movie$festival$ By!Sharifah!Arfah!–!06.23.2014! http://www.news.nom.co/ribbit<wins<best<family<film<at<10120845<news/! ! !

Local!3D!animation!film!Ribbit!has!been!awarded!the!Best!Family!Film!at!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film! Festival!in!Ontario,!Canada.!“We!have!incredible!news!to!share!today!!It’s!our!privilege!to!announce!that!Ribbit!has! been!awarded!the!Best!Family!Film!at!the!very!first!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF).”!“Thank!you!to!NIFF!for! having!us![…]! Read!full!article!! ! TheRakyatPost.com!(Date:06/23/2014!03:02)!

Four$Corners$wins$Best$Film$at$Niagara$Integrated$ Film$Festival$ 06.23.2014! http://www.screenafrica.com/page/news/film/1643504<Four<Corners<wins<Best<Film<at< Niagara<Integrated<Film<Festival#.U6xcoF4trSN! !

On!22!June!South!African!film!Four'Corners!was!awarded!Best!Film!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!in! Canada.!! ! Director!Ian!Gabriel!was!applauded!by!the!NIFF!Award!committee!for!putting!unknown!stories!from!South!Africa's! Cape!Flats!on!the!world!stage.! Gabriel!thanked!the!committee! on!behalf!of!the!film’s!cast!for! their!friendship!and!support!of! independent!South!Africa!film! making,!saying!the!“NIFF!Best! Film!award!will!help!Four' Corners!reach!out!to!audiences! everywhere.”! ! Distributed!in!South!Africa!by! Indigenous!Film!Distribution,!Four'Corners!releases!across!Africa!via!DStv’s!Video!on!Demand!Box!Office!in!June.!

SA’s$Four$Corners$Scoops$Canadian$Film$Award$ By!Jamie<Leigh!Matroos!–!06.23.2014!

http://www.sabreakingnews.co.za/2014/06/23/sas<four<corners<scoops<canadian<film<award/! !

! South!African!film!“Four!Corners”!won!the!award!for!‘Best!Film’!in!the!feature!film!category!at! the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!on!Sunday.!The!film!stood!out!in!a!pool!of!30!others! when!it!was!screened!in!Canada!on!Saturday.! According!to!Mad! Moth! Communications,!the! NIFF!award!committe! commended!director! Ian!Gabriel!on! bringing!the!story!of! South!Africa’s!Cape! Flats!to!the!attention! of!the!world.! “NIFF!Best!Film!award! will!help!Four!Corners! reach!out!to! audiences!everywhere,”!said!Gabriel!on!accepting!his!award.! The!screening!was!held!as!part!of!Four!Corners’!celebration!of!Youth!Month.!The!film!will!be! released!across!Africa!on!DSTV’s!Box!Office!in!June.! !

FILM&CONTACT& &

SA$Film$Four$Corners$wins$Best$FIlm$award$at$ Canadian$Premiere$ 06.23.2014! http://www.filmcontact.com/africa/south<africa/sa<film<four<corners<wins<best<film<award< canadian<premiere! ! !

! ! ! South!African!director!Ian!Gabriel!was!awarded!top!honours!last!night!when!his!film!Four! Corners!was!named!'Best!Film'!in!the!feature!film!category!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film! Festival!(NIFF).!The!South!African!coming!of!age!thriller!had!it's!Canadian!Premiere!screening!on! Saturday!evening!where!it!competed!with!30!other!films!in!Canadian!and!World!Premieres!from! around!the!world.!The!Best!Actor!accolade!went!to!Geoffrey!Rush!for!his!performance!in!The! Best!Offer!directed!by!Academy!Award!winning!director!Giuseppe!Tornatore.!The!Best!Actress! Accolade!went!to!New!Zealand!actress!Hannah!Marshall!for!her!performance!in!The!Infinite! Man,!directed!by!Hugh!Sullivan.!Swedish!comedy!The!100!Year!Old!Man!who!Climbed!Out!the! Window!won!best!screenplay!for!the!adaptation!of!the!Jonas!Jonasson!novel.! ! The!NIFF!Award!committee!commended!Ian!Gabriel!on!bringing!the!story!of!an!'unknown!world'! in!South!Africa's!Cape!Flats!to!the!attention!of!the!world.!In!attendance!at!the!festival,!Ian! Gabriel!thanked!the!NIFF!committee!on!behalf!of!the!cast!of!Four!Corners!for!the!'committee's! friendship!and!support!of!Independent!film!making!from!South!Africa,!saying!that!the!'NIFF!Best! Film!award!will!help!Four!Corners!reach!out!to!audiences!everywhere.'! ! The!screening!was!held!as!part!of!Four!Corners'!celebration!of!Youth!Month,!which!includes!the! June!Video!on!Demand!release!across!Africa!of!Four!Corners!on!DSTV's!Box!Office.!

TWO!DOCS!GO!VINTAGE!AT!NIFF! By!Steve!Gow!–!06.23.2014! http://www.strictlydocs.com/tag/zach<arnold/! !

! ! The$first$ever$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Fest$has$wrapped…and$if$the$inaugural$year$is$any$ indication,$this$will$be$one$festival$to$keep$your$eyes$on.! ! Boasting!some!excellent!documentaries!that!were!featured!here!on!Strictly!Docs!last!week,!NIFF! also!featured!a!variety!of!fiction!features!and!great!programs!that!integrate!fine!dining!and! screenings!hosted!by!some!of!the! region’s!best!vineyards.!Also,!not!to! be!outdone!was!an!excellent! industry!day!where!a!highlight!was! veteran!director!Bobby!Roth!(Lost,! Prison!Break)!who!delivered!a! fascinating!master!class!featuring! plenty!of!filmmaking!stories!from! the!front!lines.! ! The!awards!were!handed!out!Sunday!with!some!of!NIFF’s!docs!getting!the! greatest!notice.!Most!notably,!the!Best!Documentary!prize!went!to!Go!Far:! The!Christopher!Rush!Story!by!director!Zack!Arnold.!A!longtime!friend!of!the! one<time!paraplegic!national!poster!child!for!muscular!dystrophy,!Arnold’s! award!will!surely!be!gratifying!after!struggling!to!tell!his!late!friend’s!life!story! for!over!7!years.!

! It!forces!people!to!look!at!themselves!in!a!way! that!(he)!looked!at!the!world!and!say!maybe!my! life!isn’t!as!hard!as!I!think!it!is,”!Arnold!told!Strictly! Docs!during!the!festival!about!why!the!film! garners!such!positive!responses.!“(Rush)!was! always!an!advocate!for!the!disabled!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! but!he!wasn’t!the!type!of!guy!who’d!give!speeches!saying!we!need!ramps!or!we!need!this!kind! of!thing.!It!was!more!(saying)!try!not!to!focus!on!what!you!can’t!do!and!focus!on!what!you!can! do.”! ! Meanwhile,!the!RBC!Emerging!Artist!Award!went!to!the!music!doc!Restrung!by!filmmaker!Mike! Enns.!The!fest’s!opening!night!film!follows!the!story!of!a!respected!Disney!executive!who!leaves! the!security!of!a!high<paying!gig!with!the!“mouse!house”!to!attempt!to!hand<make!and!sell!bass! guitars.!The!award!earns!Enns!a!$2500!cash!prize.! !

SA’s$Four$Corners$Scoops$Canadian$Film$Award$$ By$Jamie<Leigh!Matroos$–$06.24.2014! https://news.yahoo.com/sa<four<corners<scoops<canadian<film<award<140018882.html!! $ South!African!film!“Four!Corners”!won!the!award!for!‘Best!Film’!in!the!feature!film!category!at! the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!on!Sunday.!The!film!stood!out!in!a!pool!of!30!others! when!it!was!screened!in!Canada!on!Saturday.! ! According!to!Mad!Moth!Communications,!the!NIFF!award!committe!commended!director!Ian! Gabriel!on!bringing!the!story!of!South!Africa’s!Cape!Flats!to!the!attention!of!the!world.! ! “NIFF!Best!Film!award!will!help!Four!Corners!reach!out!to!audiences!everywhere,”!said!Gabriel! on!accepting!his!award.! ! The!screening!was!held!as!part!of!Four!Corners’!celebration!of!Youth!Month.!The!film!will!be! released!across!Africa!on!DSTV’s!Box!Office!in!June.!

Student$film$wins$NIFF$award$ 06.23.2014! http://insidenc.niagaracollege.ca/content/Home/Info/tabid/2416/EntryId/2822/Student<film< wins<NIFF<award.aspx! ! !

Pictured!above!are!Dillon!Erwin!(director),! Madison!Garratt!(co<producer),!Jordan! Ogryzlo!(co<producer)!and!Valerie!Ceko! (editor)!of!Sidewalk!Surfing.! ! A!Niagara!College!student<created!film!has! reeled!in!an!award!at!the!inaugural!Niagara! Integrated!Film!Festival.! ! The!Niagara!Rises!Best!Short!Film!Award!was! granted!to!Sidewalk!Surfing,!which!was!a! school!project!for!three!third<year!students! Dillon!Erwin,!Madison!Garratt!and!Jordan!Ogryzlo.!The!trio,!who!are!now!graduates!of!the!College’s! Broadcasting:!Radio,!Television!and!Film!Program,!travelled!to!California!to!shoot!the!short!documentary! earlier!this!year.! ! It!was!selected!to!be!part!of!the!Niagara!Rises!program!at!NIFF,!highlighting!industry!talent!emerging! from!the!Niagara!region!and!was!screened!on!June!22.! ! “Receiving!this!award!is!overwhelming!!So!much!hard!work!was!put!into!this!project!and!I!couldn't!be! any!more!proud!to!say!I!was!a!part!of!the!project,”!said!20<year<old!St.!Catharines!resident!Madison! Garratt!who!produced!the!film.!“It!was!an!amazing!experience!to!get!to!screen!the!film!at!the!inaugural! Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival,!and!hopefully!we!can!get!our!next!project!into!the!festival!next!year!and! have!a!similar!success!story!to!tell.”! ! “Sidewalk!Surfing!is!a!wonderful!film!providing!insight!into!the!sport!of!long<boarding,!and!the! cinematography!really!captured!the!thrill!of!the!sport,”!said!Jessica!Jennings!programming!manager!at! NIFF!who!presented!the!award.! ! "As!a!teacher!it's!highly!rewarding!to!see!our!students'!talent!and!hard!work!being!recognized!alongside! top<notch!work!from!the!Niagara!region!and!around!the!world,”!said!BRTF!professor!Andrew!Stevenson,! who!was!the!executive!producer!of!the!film.!“The!festival!has!provided!a!really!exciting!opportunity!for! the!Film!program!at!Niagara!to!showcase!our!work!to!local!audiences!as!well!as!film!industry! professionals."!

Four$Corners$Wins$Best$Feature$at$Inaugural$NIFF$ 06.23.2014! http://www.northernstars.ca/News/01406230747_niagaraff.html#.U6x3M14trSM! ! ! (June!23,!2014!<!Niagara,!Ontario)!The!first! annual!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!has! come!and!gone!and!the!verdict!is...!it!was!a! resounding!success.!Which!should!come!as! no!surprise!to!anyone!who!knows!anything! about!its!founder!and!Executive!Director,! Bill!Marshall.!A!number!of!screenings!at! White!Oaks!Ampitheatre!and!Landmark! Cinema!were!sold!out,!most!of!the! Filmalicious!programs!were!sold!out!and! the!Film!Feast!programs!were!met!with!high!acclaim.!Bobby!Roth!(Prison!Break,!Lost,!Revenge,! Criminal!Minds)!taught!the!first!NIFF!Master!Class!to!a!full!room!of!engaged!participants.! “I!can’t!say!enough!about!the!people!who!took!this!idea!and!helped!turn!it!into!the!stunning! success!that!this!first!year!was,”!says!NIFF!Founder!and!Executive!Director!Bill!Marshall,!pictured! below.!“We!all!know!there!are!more!than!5,000!film!festivals!in!the!world,!and!all!the! filmmakers!we!talked!to!told!us!we’re!easily!already!in!the!top!50.!Give!us!a!couple!of!years,!and! we’ll!move!right!up!there.”! Overall!ticket!sales!were!beyond!anyone's! original!box!office!predictions!better!than! expected!with!lots!of!same!day!sales.! Being!the!festival's!first!year,!it!has!been! wonderful!to!see!such!enthusiasm!from! film<goers!<!locals!and!out<of<towners! alike.!Audiences!came!from!as!far!as! Sudbury,!Buffalo!and!Toronto.!It!can!only! go!up!from!here!next!year!and!the!coming! years!to!follow! ! “This!Festival!wouldn’t!have!reached!the!magnitude!it!did!without!the!outstanding! professionalism!of!our!winery!partners,!Dorian!Anderson!and!Associates,!and!the!support!and! enthusiasm!from!the!filmmakers!who!attended!our!Festival!from!around!the!world,”!said! Managing!Director!Roberta!Marie!Munroe,!“and!of!course,!our!small!yet!extraordinary!staff!and!

over!100!amazing!volunteers,!who!worked! tirelessly,!to!bring!this!beautiful!region!a! spectacular!event.”!! ! NIFF!2014!Festival!attendees!were!praising!the! programs!and!the!overall!stellar!line<up!of!films.! Guests!are!eagerly!asking!if!bookings!are!being! accepted!now!for!next!year.!The!Niagara!region!has! been!so!warm!and!welcoming!to!our!festival.!The! winery!and!vineyard!hosts!and!tour!guides!have! been!beyond!knowledgeable,!friendly,!and! attentive.!“We!are!so!grateful!to!all!our!sponsors! and!partners,”!said!NIFF!Founder!and!President!Sari! Ruda,!“who!took!a!leap!of!faith!to!get!behind!us! and!allow!us!to!bring!this!Festival!to!Niagara.”!! Following!is!the!list!of!the!very!first!NIFF!awards:!! ! Best!Feature!<!“Four!Corners”!–!Director!Ian! Gabriel.!Four!Corners!is!a!2013!South!African! coming!of!age!crime!drama!film!about!family!lost! and!family!regained.!It!was!selected!as!the!official! South!African!Submission!for!the!Best!Foreign! Language!Film!at!the!86th!Academy!Awards!but!it! was!not!nominated.! Best!Director!–!Dan!Hartley!<!“Lad:!A!Yorkshire! Story”!(first!feature!film)!! Best!Documentary!–!“Go!Far:!The!Christopher!Rush!Story”!–!Director!Zach!Arnold!! Best!Male!Actor!–!Geoffrey!Rush!“The!Best!Offer”!! Best!Female!Actress!–!Hannah!Marshall!“The!Infinite!Man”!! Best!Family!Film!–!“Ribbit”!<!Director!Chuck!Powers!! Best!Script!–!“100<year!Old!Man!Who!Jumped!Out!the!Window!&!Disappeared”!! Best!Niagara!Rises!Feature!–!“A!Kind!of!Wonderful!Thing”!–!Director!Jason!Lupish!! RBC!Emerging!Artist!Award!($2,500)!–!“Restrung”!<!Director!Mike!Enns!! Best!Niagara!Rises!Short!–!“Sidewalk!Surfing”!–!Director!Dillon!Erwin!! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!($1,000)–!“Jean!Reno”!–!director!Tom!Hunter!! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!(Samsung!Tablet)!–!“The!Drips”!<!director!Darryl!Shaw!! World!Smallest!Film!Festival!(honourable!mention)!–!“The!Price!of!Black!Gold”!–!Shaun! Fernando! ! ! ! !

NWT$does$NIFF:$Inaugural$festival$a$success$ By!Scott!Rosts!–!06.23.2014! http://www.niagarathisweek.com/whatson<story/4594713<nwt<does<niff<inaugural<festival<a< success/! !

Organizers$say$film$festival$surpassed$expectations!

! NIAGARA!—!Organizers!of!the!Niagara!Integrated! Film!Festival!(NIFF)!have!declared!the!inaugural!year! a!success.! ! The!team!that!put!together!the!event!June!19<22!said! the!festival!surpassed!all!expectations!in!its!first!year.! A!number!of!screenings!at!White!Oaks!Amphitheatre! and!Landmark!Cinema!were!sold!out,!most!of!the! Filmalicious!programs!were!sold!out!and!the!Film! Feast!programs!were!met!with!high!acclaim.!Another! highlight!featured!Bobby!Roth!(Prison!Break,!Lost,!Revenge,!Criminal!Minds)!instructing!the!first< ever!NIFF!Master!Class!to!a!full!room!of!engaged!participants.!! “I!can’t!say!enough!about!the!people!who!took!this!idea!and!helped!turn!it!into!the!stunning! success!that!this!first!year!was,”!says!NIFF!founder!and!executive!director!Bill!Marshall.!“We!all! know!there!are!more!than!5,000!film!festivals!in!the!world,!and!all!the!filmmakers!we!talked!to! told!us!we’re!easily!already!in!the!top!50.!Give!us!a!couple!of!years,!and!we’ll!move!right!up! there.”! Overall!ticket!sales!were!beyond!anyone's!original!box!office!predictions,!with!better!than! expected!same<day!sales.!Audiences!came!from!as!far!as!Sudbury,!Buffalo!and!Toronto.!It!can! only!go!up!from!here!next!year!and!the!coming!years!to!follow.!! “This!Festival!wouldn’t!have!reached!the!magnitude!it!did!without!the!outstanding! professionalism!of!our!winery!partners,!Dorian!Anderson!and!Associates,!and!the!support!and! enthusiasm!from!the!filmmakers!who!attended!our!festival!from!around!the!world,”!says! managing!director!Roberta!Marie!Munroe.!“And!of!course,!our!small!yet!extraordinary!staff!and! over!100!amazing!volunteers,!who!worked!tirelessly,!to!bring!this!beautiful!region!a!spectacular! event.”! Organizers!said!NIFF!2014!festival!attendees!are!already!asking!about!next!year.!! ! “We!are!so!grateful!to!all!our!sponsors!and!partners!who!took!a!leap!of!faith!to!get!behind!us! and!allow!us!to!bring!this!Festival!to!Niagara,”!said!NIFF!founder!and!president!Sari!Ruda.!

Malaysia-‐produced ‘Ribbit’ Tops Niagara Fest Thomas J. McLean http://www.animationmagazine.net/events/malaysia-‐produced-‐ribbit-‐tops-‐niagara-‐fest/ Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Ribbit, a 3D animation comedy/adventure story about a frog with an identity crisis won the Best Family Film Award at its world premiere at Canada’s Niagara Integrated Film Festival in Canada. Directed and written by Chuck Powers, Ribbit features the voices of Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), Tim Curry (The Hunt for Red October), Russell Peters (comedienne extraordinaire) and Cherami Leigh (Fast Food Nation), and was recorded in Los Angeles.

The development and post-‐production works was entirely completed in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, while the animation production took place in Cyberjaya and Mumbai, India. The bulk of the rendering work was done in Hong Kong. The film will be released in a number of major territories including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, South America and the Middle East, commencing in the fourth quarter of 2014. Malaysia will release the original English version and an adaptation on Sept. 4.

Malaysia's ‘Ribbit’ Wins Best Family Film Award at NIFF 2014 Jennifer Wolfe http://www.awn.com/news/malaysias-‐ribbit-‐wins-‐best-‐family-‐film-‐award-‐niff-‐2014 Tuesday June 24, 2014

3D animated comedy about a frog with an identity crisis wins award for Best Family Film at its world premiere at the Niagara Integrated Film Festival 2014.

Malaysia -‐-‐ Ribbit, a 3D animation comedy/adventure story about a frog with an identity crisis won the Best Family Film Award at its world premiere at the Niagara Integrated Film Festival (NIFF) 2014 in Canada on Saturday, June 21 2014. Directed and written by Chuck Powers, Ribbitfeatures well known voice talents such as Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), Tim Curry (The Hunt for Red October), Russell Peters (comedienne extraordinaire) and Cherami Leigh (Fast Food Nation), and was recorded in Los Angeles, California. The development and post-‐production works was entirely

completed in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, while the animation production took place in Cyberjaya, Malaysia and Mumbai, India. The bulk of the rendering work was done in Hong Kong, China, making Ribbit a truly global project, which is fitting for a story set against the backdrop of the Amazon rainforest. The film will be released in a number of major territories including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, South America and the Middle East, commencing Q4 2014. Malaysia will release the original English version and an adaptation on September 4, 2014. Ribbit’s adaptation into Bahasa Malaysia was directed by a well known local film director, Mamat Khalid, and features the voices of renowned Malaysian artists Johan RajaLawak, Elfira Loy, Awie, Datuk Aznil Hj Nawawi and Izzue Islam. The key driver, strategist and believer of this project, Norman A. Halim, the Executive Producer, who is also the Executive President and Group CEO of the KRU Group of Companies states, “We are honored and excited that we have garnered such a recognition in our first foray into the animation arena. We have been in the entertainment business since 1992, however we realize that the best way for us to go global is via animated feature films and television shows. We have gathered the best talents in the region for Ribbit.” Ribbit tells the tale of a frog named Ribbit with an identity crisis. Unlike other frogs, Ribbit hates hopping and has a strong aversion to water. Feeling a misfit, he is full of questions about his life...and so together with his best friend, a flying squirrel, he embarks on a soul-‐searching journey in search of the truth and his rightful place in this world. Confusion reigns when Ribbit is accidentally hypnotised by a conman or rather, a “conbat,” making Ribbit believe that he is a human prince trapped in a frog’s body. With the mission to kiss a human princess, Ribbit will soon discover that being a frog is not bad after all…and the love of his life has always been right before his very eyes. Catch the film on the big screen on September 4, 2014… and it will also be available in 3D stereoscopic format.

SA$wins$award$at$Canadian$premiere$$ 06.24.2014! http://now.co.za/post/sa<wins<award<at<canadian<premiere/! !

The!South! African! coming!of!age! thriller!had!its! Canadian! Premiere! screening!on! Saturday,!21! June!where!it! competed! with!30!other! films!in! Canadian!and! World! Premieres! from!around! the!world.! The!Best!Actor!accolade!went!to!Geoffrey!Rush!for!his!performance!in!The!Best!Offer!directed! by!Academy!Award!winning!director!Giuseppe!Tornatore.!The!Best!Actress!Accolade!went!to! New!Zealand!actress!Hannah!Marshall!for!her!performance!in!The!Infinite!Man,!directed!by! Hugh!Sullivan.!Swedish!comedy!The!100!Year!Old!Man!who!Climbed!Out!the!Window!won!best! screenplay!for!the!adaptation!of!the!Jonas!Jonasson!novel.! The!NIFF!Award!committee!commended!Ian!Gabriel!on!bringing!the!story!of!an!'unknown!world'! in!South!Africa's!Cape!Flats!to!the!attention!of!the!world.!In!attendance!at!the!festival,!Ian! Gabriel!thanked!the!NIFF!committee!on!behalf!of!the!cast!of!Four!Corners!for!the!'committee's! friendship!and!support!of!Independent!film!making!from!South!Africa,!saying!that!the!'NIFF!Best! Film!award!will!help!Four!Corners!reach!out!to!audiences!everywhere.'! The!screening!was!held!as!part!of!Four!Corners'!celebration!of!Youth!Month,!which!includes!the! June!Video!on!Demand!release!across!Africa!of!Four!Corners!on!DSTV's!Box!Office.

SA#film#Four#Corners#wins#'Best#Film'#award#at#Canadian# premiere$ 06.24.2014! http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/97/115218.html! ! South!African!director!Ian!Gabriel!was!awarded!top!honours!last!night!when!his!film,!Four' Corners,!was!named!'Best!Film'!in!the!feature!film!category!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film! Festival!(NIFF).! !

! ! The!South!African!coming<of<age!thriller!had!its!Canadian!premiere!screening!on!Saturday! evening!where!it!competed!with!30!other!films!in!Canadian!and!world!premieres!from!around! the!world.!The!Best!Actor!accolade!went!to!Geoffrey!Rush!for!his!performance!in!The!Best!Offer! directed!by!Academy!Award<winning!director,!Giuseppe!Tornatore.!The!Best!! Actress!Accolade!went!to!New!Zealand!actress,!Hannah!Marshall,!for!her!performance!in!The! Infinite!Man,!directed!by!Hugh!Sullivan.!Swedish!comedy,!The!100<Year<Old!Man!who!Climbed! Out!the!Window,!won!best!screenplay!for!the!adaptation!of!the!Jonas!Jonasson!novel.!! ! The!NIFF!Award!committee!commended!Ian!Gabriel!on!bringing!the!story!of!an!"unknown! world"!in!South!Africa's!Cape!Flats!to!the!attention!of!the!world.!In!attendance!at!the!festival,! Ian!Gabriel!thanked!the!NIFF!committee!on!behalf!of!the!cast!of!Four!Corners!for!the! "committee's!friendship!and!support!of!independent!film<making!from!South!Africa",!saying! that!the!"NIFF!Best!Film!award!will!help!Four!Corners!reach!out!to!audiences!everywhere".!! ! The!screening!was!held!as!part!of!Four!Corners'!celebration!of!Youth!Month,!which!includes!the! June!video!on!demand!release!across!Africa!of!Four!Corners!on!DStv's!Box!Office.!!

Four%Corners%wins%Best%Film%at%Niagara%Integrated%Film% Festival$ 06.24.2014! http://thevent.tv/four<corners<wins<best<film<at<niagara<integrated<film<festival/! !

! ! South!African!director!Ian!Gabriel!was!awarded!top!honours!last!night!when!his!film!Four! Corners!was!named!Best!Film!in!the!feature!film!category!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival! (NIFF).!The!South!African!coming!of!age!thriller!had!its!Canadian!Premiere!screening!on!Saturday! evening!where!it!competed!with!30!other!films!in!Canadian!and!World!Premieres!from!around! the!world.! The!Best!Actor!accolade!went!to!Geoffrey!Rush!for!his!performance!in!The!Best!Offer!directed! by!Academy!Award!winning!director!Giuseppe!Tornatore.!The!Best!Actress!Accolade!went!to! New!Zealand!actress!Hannah!Marshall!for!her!performance!in!The!Infinite!Man,!directed!by! Hugh!Sullivan.!Swedish!comedy!The!100!Year!Old!Man!who!Climbed!Out!the!Window!won!best! screenplay!for!the!adaptation!of!the!Jonas!Jonasson!novel.! The!NIFF!Award!committee!commended!Ian!Gabriel!on!bringing!the!story!of!an!unknown!world! in!South!Africas!Cape!Flats!to!the!attention!of!the!world.!In!attendance!at!the!festival,!Ian! Gabriel!thanked!the!NIFF!committee!on!behalf!of!the!cast!of!Four!Corners!for!the!committees! friendship!and!support!of!Independent!film!making!from!South!Africa,!saying!that!the!NIFF!Best! Film!award!will!help!Four!Corners!reach!out!to!audiences!everywhere.! The!screening!was!held!as!part!of!Four!Corners!celebration!of!Youth!Month,!which!includes!the! June!Video!on!Demand!release!across!Africa!of!Four!Corners!on!DSTVs!Box!Office!

'Four&Corners'&wins&Best&Film$ 06.25.2014! http://entertainment.iafrica.com/movies/945700.html! !

! ! ! South!African!director!Ian!Gabriel!was!awarded!top!honours!on!Sunday,!June!22!when!his!film!Four!Corners! was!named!Best!Film!in!the!feature!film!category!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF).!The!South! African!coming!of!age!thriller!had!its!Canadian!Premiere!screening!on!Saturday!evening!where!it!competed! with!30!other!films!from!Canada!and!around!the!world.! ! The!Best!Actor!accolade!went!to!Geoffrey!Rush!for!his!performance!in!The!Best!Offer!directed!by!Academy! Award!winning!director!Giuseppe!Tornatore.!The!Best!Actress!Accolade!went!to!New!Zealand!actress!Hannah! Marshall!for!her!performance!in!The!Infinite!Man,!directed!by!Hugh!Sullivan.!Swedish!comedy!The!100!Year! Old!Man!who!Climbed!Out!the!Window!won!best!screenplay!for!the!adaptation!of!the!Jonas!Jonasson!novel.! ! The!NIFF!Award!committee!commended!Gabriel!on!bringing!the!story!of!an!'unknown!world'!in!South!Africa's! Cape!Flats!to!the!attention!of!the!world.!Accepting!the!award,!Ian!Gabriel!thanked!the!NIFF!committee!on! behalf!of!the!cast!of!Four!Corners!for!the!'committee's!friendship!and!support!of!Independent!filmmaking! from!South!Africa,!saying!that!the!'NIFF!Best!Film!award!will!help!Four!Corners!reach!out!to!audiences! everywhere.'! ! The!screening!was!held!as!part!of!Four!Corners'!celebration!of!Youth!Month,!which!includes!the!June!Video!on! Demand!release!across!Africa!of!Four!Corners!on!DSTV's!Box!Office.! ! Four!Corners!was!distributed!in!South!Africa!by!Indigenous!Film!Distribution.!

Malaysian$Animation$‘Ribbit’$Wins$International$ ‘Best$Family$Film’$Awards!$ 06.25.2014! http://www.venusbuzz.com/archives/70150/malaysian<animation<ribbit<wins<international< best<family<film<awards/! !

! It!is!truly!a!great!day!for!the!Malaysian!animation!scene.!

Local!3D!animation!film,!‘Ribbit,’!has!just!won!the!Best$Family$Film$Award$at$the$Niagara$ Integrated$Film$Festival$in$Ontario,$Canada!!Commencing!for!the!very!first!time!this!year,!the! four<day!Award!Ceremony!aims!to!highlight!both!the!beauty!of!the!Niagara!region!as!well!as! films!from!around!the!world.! Ribbit!is!produced!by!Kartun!Studios,!which!is!a!subsidiary!of!KRU!Studios.!The!film’s! development!and!post<<production!works!were!entirely!completed!in!Cyberjaya,!Malaysia!by! Kartun!Studios,!while!the!animation!production!took!place!in!Cyberjaya,!Malaysia!and!Mumbai,! India.!

! ! Written!and!directed!by!Chuck!Powers,!Ribbit!tells!the!tale!of!a!frog!with!an!identity!crisis.! Yearning!for!more!in!life,!the!frog!and!his!companions!go!on!a!soul<searching!adventure.!The! plot!thickens!when!Ribbit!believe!that!he!is!somehow!a!human!prince!trapped!in!a!frog’s!body.! ! The!feel<good!animation!features!popular!voice!talents!such!as!Sean!Astin!(‘Lord!of!the!Rings’),! Tim!Curry!(‘The!Hunt!for!Red!October’),!Cherami!Leigh!(‘Fast!Food!Nation’)!and!comedian! Russell!Peters.! To!personally!watch!the!film!that!put!Malaysia!on!the!map!of!global!animation,!the!original! English!version!and!an!adaptation!of!Ribbit!is!set!to!air!on!September!4,!2014.! Once!again,!a!huge!congrats!to!the!hoppy!Ribbit!and!the!production!team! ‘toadly’!happy!and!proud!of!you!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

!We’re!

Ribbit,$MalaysianKmade$3D$animation$wins$ international$award$ 06.25.2014! http://english.astroawani.com/news/show/ribbit<malaysian<made<3d<animation<wins< international<award<38334! ! Cyberjaya:!A! Malaysian! product!has! made!its!mark! in!the! international! scene,!once! again.! ! “Ribbit”!–!a!3D! animation! comedy/advent ure!story!won! the!“Best!Family! Film”!Award!at! its!world! premiere!at!the! Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!2014!in!Canada!on!Saturday.! ! The!film!was!directed!and!written!by!Chuck!Powers,!and!featured!well<known!voice!talents!such! as!Sean!Astin!(‘Lord!of!the!Rings’),!Tim!Curry!(‘The!Hunt!for!Red!October’),!Russell!Peters!(stand< up!comedian),!and!Cherami!Leigh!(‘Fast!Food!Nation’).! ! It!was!recorded!in!Los!Angeles,!California!while!the!development!and!the!post<production!work! was!entirely!completed!in!Cyberjaya,!Malaysia.!The!animation!production!meanwhile!took!place! both!in!Cyberjaya,!Malaysia!and!Mumbai,!India.!In!addition!to!that,!the!rendering!was!done!in! Hong!Kong,!China,!making!“Ribbit”!a!truly!global!project.! ! !

Executive!Producer!of!“Ribbit”! who!is!also!the!Executive! President!and!Group!CEO!of!the! KRU!Group!of!Companies! Norman!A.!Halim!said!“We!are! honoured!and!excited!that!we! have!garnered!such!recognition! in!our!first!foray!into!the! animation!arena.!We!have! gathered!the!best!talents!in!the! region!for!“Ribbit”.! ! Set!against!the!backdrop!of!the!Amazon!rainforest,!“Ribbit”!will!be!released!in!a!number! of!major!territories!including!the!United!States,!the!United!Kingdom,!Germany,!Australia,! Japan,!China,!South!Korea,!South!America!and!the!Middle!East!beginning!of!the!fourth! quarter!of!this!year.! ! The!film’s!adaptation!into!Bahasa!Malaysia!was!directed!by!well<known!local!film! director,!Mamat!Khalid!which!featured!the!voices!of!renowned!Malaysian!artistes! namely!Johan!Raja!Lawak,!Elfira!Loy,!Awie,!Datuk!Aznil!Hj.!Nawawi!and!Izzue!Islam.! ! ! ! The!award<winning!animation!tells!a!story!about!a!frog!named!“Ribbit”!which!is!undergoing!an! identity!crisis!and!is!different!from!other!frogs;!Ribbit!hates!hopping!and!has!a!strong!aversion! to!water.!He!feels!like!a!misfit!and!has!a!lot!of!questions!about!life.!Together!with!his!best! friend,!a!flying!squirrel,!he! embarks!on!a!soul<searching! journey!in!search!of!the!truth!and! his!rightful!place!in!this!world.! ! Trouble!begins!when!Ribbit!is! accidentally!hypnotised!by!a! conman!or!rather,!a!“conbat”,! making!Ribbit!believe!that!he!is!a! human!prince!trapped!in!a!frog’s! body.!With!a!mission!to!kiss!a! human!princess,!Ribbit!will!soon! discover!that!being!a!frog!is!not!bad!after!all!–!and!more!importantly,!that!the!love!of!his!life!has! always!been!right!before!his!very!eyes.! ! Don’t!forget!to!catch!the!film!in!cinemas!beginning!September!4,!2014!!

! !

SHOWBIZ:$Here$comes$Ribbit,$the$frog!

06.25.2014! http://www.nst.com.my/node/6236! ! ! ! RIBBIT,!a!local!animation,!was!recently!selected!to!be! screened!at!the!inaugural!launch!of!the!Niagara! Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF)!in!Canada.! A!Kartun!Studio!production,!the!animation!division!of! KRU!International,!Ribbit!is!written!and!directed!by! Chuck!Powers,!its!chief!creative!officer.! It!features!the!voices!of!Hollywood!actors!Sean!Astin,! Russell!Peters!and!Tim!Curry!and!was!shown!for!the! first!time!to!a!live!audience!in!3D!format!at!NIFF.! “We!want!to!show!that!a!Malaysian!company!can!produce!shows!that!can!play!in!international! markets!and!do!well.!We!want!a!production!with!universal!appeal.!That’s!the!key!for!us,”!says! Powers!in!a!Press!release.! Ribbit!will!take!Malaysian!animation!to!the!next!level!with!a!world<class!animation!featuring! some!of!Hollywood’s!big!names.! It!is!about!a!frog!and!his!heartwarming!journey!of!self<discovery.!The!story!is!complemented! with!visually!stunning!graphics!and!action<packed!scenes!that!will!appeal!to!kids!and!adults! alike.! Kartun!Studios!already!has!five!3D!animation!films!and!three!animation!TV!series!in! development.! Ribbit!marks!Kartun!Studio’s!first!step!into!the!animated!feature!film!industry!and!has!already! garnered!sales!to!over!80!countries!worldwide!including!the!UK,!Germany,!Australia,!Japan,! China!and!Brazil.!The!movie!is!slated!to!be!released!later!this!year.!! ! ! !

Malaysian 3D animation "Ribbit" wins award in Canada Josephine Tay http://www.onscreenasia.com/article/malaysian-‐3d-‐animation-‐ribbit-‐wins-‐award-‐in-‐ canada/15055 Thursday, June 26, 2014

"Ribbit" won the “Best Family Film” Award at its world premiere at the Niagara Integrated Film Festival (NIFF) 2014. Cyberjaya, Malaysia – Ribbit, a 3D animation comedy/adventure story about a frog with an identity crisis won the “Best Family Film” Award at its world premiere at the Niagara Integrated Film Festival (NIFF) 2014 in Canada on Saturday, June 21 2014. Directed and written by Chuck Powers, Ribbitfeatures well-‐-‐known voice talents such as Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), Tim Curry (The Hunt for Red October), Russell Peters (comedienne extraordinaire) and Cherami Leigh (Fast Food Nation), and was recorded in Los Angeles, California. The development and post-‐-‐ production works was entirely completed in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, while the animation production took place in Cyberjaya, Malaysia and Mumbai, India. The bulk of the rendering work was done in Hong Kong, China, making Ribbit a truly global project, which is fitting for a story set against the backdrop of the Amazon rainforest. The film will be released in a number of major territories including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, South America and the Middle East, commencing Q4 2014. Malaysia will release the original English version and an adaptation on September 4, 2014.Ribbit's adaptation into Bahasa Malaysia was directed by a well-‐-‐known local film director, Mamat Khalid, and features the voices of renowned Malaysian artistes Johan Raja Lawak, Elfira Loy, Awie, Datuk Aznil Hj Nawawi and Izzue Islam.

“We are honoured and excited that we have garnered such a recognition in our first foray into the animation arena. We have been in the entertainment business since 1992, however we realize that the best way for us to go global is via animated feature films and television shows. We have gathered the best talents in the region for “Ribbit,” states Executive Producer Norman A. Halim, who is the key driver, strategist and believer of this project. He is also the Executive President and Group CEO of the KRU Group of Companies. Ribbit tells the tale of a frog named “Ribbit” with an identity crisis. Unlike other frogs, Ribbit hates hopping and has a strong aversion to water. Feeling a misfit, he is full of questions about his life. Together with his best friend, a flying squirrel, he embarks on a soul-‐searching journey in search of the truth and his rightful place in this world. Confusion reigns when Ribbit is accidently hypnotised by a conman or rather, a “conbat”, making Ribbit believe that he is a human prince trapped in a frog's body. With the mission to kiss a human princess, Ribbit will soon discover that being a frog is not bad after all, and that the love of his life has always been right before his very eyes. The film will also be available in 3D stereoscopic format.

SA film's best feature at Canadian fest Francesca Villette

http://www.iol.co.za/tonight/movies/sa-‐film-‐s-‐best-‐feature-‐at-‐canadian-‐fest-‐1.1709621#.U7Qwao1dWjI Thursday, June 26, 2014

SOUTH African crime drama Four Corners blew its competition out of the water to be named best film at the Niagara Integrated Film Festival (NIFF) in Canada this week.

The coming-‐of-‐age thriller won in the feature film category, beating 30 films from around the world. The festival recognises excellence in film-‐making around the world. Its award committee commended director Ian Gabriel for bringing an “unknown world” in South Africa’s Cape Flats to the attention of the world. Gabriel thanked the NIFF committee for its support for independent film-‐making from South Africa and said the award would help Four Corners reach out to audiences everywhere. “There was an enormous amount of interest in the film both because of its multi-‐ story structure and the way the Cape Flats itself is presented as a ‘character’ in the film. Each time a South African film wins an international award it means a lot for its film industry,” said Gabriel.

“In the past, people were not inclined to watch local films. That’s changing rapidly because we’re getting recognition abroad and South Africans are always more inclined to support South African talent ironically once it’s had international support.” Gabriel said June’s being Youth Month made the award even more significant. The movie follows the coming of age of 13-‐year-‐old Ricardo Galam, a chess champion growing up in an area where a gang turf war is rife. The movie will be released on DStv’s Box Office at the end of the month.

Keyframe animating the downtown core Scott Rosts http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news-‐story/4603019-‐keyframe-‐animating-‐the-‐downtown-‐core/ Thursday, June 26, 2014

ST. CATHARINES — It still says Stella’s on the exterior, but the inside has changed dramatically. Keyframe Digital Productions showed off its space in a portion of the former Stella’s property downtown last Wednesday night, during an interactive digital media mashup. The firm, located at 96 King St. in St. Catharines, relocated to the space after extensive renovations and highlighted their new office space during the event, which also featured presentations by the Niagara Integrated Film Festival, Innovate Niagara and Generator at One.

“We’re excited to be part of the community,” Darren Cranford, a co-‐founder of the company, said amid a large group of entrepreneurs, students, researchers and other professionals from the interactive digital media field on June 18. “We’re really happy with how things came together here.” The award-‐winning firm, founded in 1997, is a full-‐service digital art, animation and visual effects studio which originally made its mark on the console and PC gaming scene. Since then it has been recognized for their work in the area of animation and visual and digital effects for TV and movies, including X-‐Men, Zombieland and more. Originally working out of Niagara-‐on-‐the-‐Lake, Keyframe purchased Stella’s last summer and renovated the building before moving in earlier this year. Their presence downtown is another coup for the burgeoning digital media industry in the city. St. Catharines has been recognized as a key player in the province in the interactive digital media world, including a KPMG Competitive Alternatives study that ranked Niagara fourt-‐best in the country for digital services and first for video-‐game production. “It’s great to have them downtown in the hub we’ve seen created,” said Innovate Niagara CEO Jeff Chesebrough. “We’ve worked with them on various things and there is a great alliance between what they do with what others are doing.” There are synergies that can be forged with the numerous companies downtown, said Chesebrough. Cranford is already involved on the advisory panel at The Generator at One. “Something is happening here. They see the benefits of this location, and it only serves to bolster things even more for everyone in the industry downtown,” he said. “This community is really vibrant, we’ve come a long way over the years.”

KRU Group hopes to score big with animation studio Angelin Yeoh http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Entertainment/Movies/News/2014/06/26/KRU-‐Group-‐hopes-‐to-‐score-‐big-‐ with-‐animation-‐studio/ Thursday, June 26, 2014

Locally-‐made animated features have a chance to excel on the global stage. As Disney’s Frozen continues to make a killing at the global box office, KRU Group is hoping that its very own animation studio will lead them in the same lucrative direction. Last week, The KRU Group launched its animation arm, Kartun Studios, in Cyberjaya, Selangor. The studio specialises in creating and co-‐producing original features in 3D and 2D formats. The KRU Group CEO and executive president Norman Abdul Halim believes locally-‐ produced animated content has the chance to excel on the global stage. “Take for example, Ribbit, our first 3D animated feature film. It has been sold to more than 80 countries,” said Norman. Ribbit tells the tale of a frog and his journey to self-‐discovery in the Amazon rainforest. Ribbit also had its first world premiere at The Niagara Integrated Film Festival in Canada last Saturday. It won the Best Family Film award. The film featuring the voices of Sean Astin, Tim Curry and Russell Peters is expected to open in Malaysia on Sept 4. Apart from Ribbit, Kartun Studios also has three animated films and more than 200 series in the works for the next five years. Also in the pipeline is Geckoman, an animated series based on the film Cicak-‐man.

Niagara$Region$Father’s$Day$Events$ http://niagarafamilies.com/niagaraGregionGfathersGdayGevents/!! Thursday,!June!12,!2014!

! ! Still!wondering!how!to!celebrate!with!the!special!dads!in!your!life?!Today!we’ve!got!the! scoop!on!the!best!of!Niagara!Region!Father’s!Day!Events,!and!some!great!local!ideas!for! unique!Father’s!Day!gifts.! ! Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival! Yesterday!I!was!surprised!with!an!invitation!to!join!a!Toronto!friend!(who!writes!a!great! food!blog!here)!on!a!preview!of!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival.!This!is!the!first!year! for!this!exciting!festival,!founded!by!Toronto!International!Film!Festival!CoGFounder!Bill! Marshall.!NIFF!runs!June!19!–!22nd!and!pairs!great!local!hosts!with!delicious!food!and! drink!and!fascinating!new!films.!I!got!to!visit!three!of!the!festival!locations!on!our!tour;! Oast!House!Brewers,!and!Trius!and!Southbrook!Wineries.!I’ll!write!in!more!detail!about! the!preview!in!tomorrow’s!post,!but!meanwhile!I!want!to!share!an!awesome!treat!with! you!!The!Festival!is!offering!a!20%!discount!code!to!Niagara!Family!readers.!What!a! fantastic!gift!idea!for!Father’s!Day!!Visit!the!NIFF!site!here!and!use!the!promo!code! FAMILY!when!purchasing!tickets.!

Trilogy”!Written!by!Mordecai!Richler!1.!Dearth!Of!A!Salesman!2.!Insomnia!Is!Good!For! You!3.!Cold!Comfort! Ravine!Vineyard!Estate!Winery! Friday,!June!20,!7:00!PM!A!Night!in!Old!Mexico!Landmark!Cinema!1! Friday,!June!20,!9:00!PM!Dead!Before!Dawn!NIAGARA!RISES!Includes:!Q&A!with!Director! April!Mullen! White!Oaks!Resort!and!Spa!Idea!Loft! Friday,!June!20,!9:00!PM!Third!Person!Landmark!Cinema!10! Friday,!June!20:!9:30PM!Red!Obsession!FILMALICIOUS!SCREENING!ONLY! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! Friday,!June!20,!9:30PM!I!am!NOT!a!Rock!Star!FILMALICIOUS!SCREENING!AND! CONCERT!Includes:!Screening!and!Piano!Concert!by!Marika!Bournaki! Peller!Winery! Friday,!June!20:!9:30PM!Peter!Sellers!Hector!Dimwittie!Trilogy!FILMALICIOUS! SCREENING!ONLY!Peter!Sellers!“Hector!Dimwittie!Trilogy”!Written!by!Mordecai! Richler!1.!Dearth!Of!A!Salesman!2.!Insomnia!Is!Good!For!You!3.!Cold!Comfort!! Ravine!Vineyard!Estate!Winery! Friday,!June!20!at!9:30!PM!Frank!Landmark!Cinema!10! SATURDAY!JUNE!21! Saturday,!June!21,!1:00!PM!Canada’s!Not!Short!on!Talent!#1! White!Oaks!Resort!and!Spa!Idea!Loft! Saturday,!June!21,!3:30!PM!Ribbit!WORLD!PREMIERE!!Includes:!Q&A!with!Director! Chuck!Powers!Landmark!Cinema!1! Saturday,!June!21,!3:00!PM!Go!Far:!The!Christopher!Rush!Story!Includes:!Q&A!with! Director!Zack!Arnold! White!Oaks!Resort!and!Spa!Idea!Loft! Saturday,!June!21,!4:00!PM!The!Only!Real!Game!Landmark!Cinema!10! Saturday,!June!21,!5:00!PM!Canada’s!Not!Short!on!Talent!#2! White!Oaks!Resort!and!Spa!Idea!Loft! Saturday,!June!21,!6:00!PM!Lad!–!A!Yorkshire!Story!Includes:!Q&A!with! Director!Landmark!Cinema!10! Saturday,!June!21,!6:30!PM!The!Infinite!Man!FILMALICIOUS!EVENING!Includes:!Q&A! with!Star!Hannah!Marshall! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! Saturday,!June!21,!6:30!PM!Peter!Sellers!Hector!Dimwittie!Trilogy!FILMALICIOUS! EVENING!Includes!3Gcourse!Dinner!with!Wine!Pairings!Peter!Sellers!“Hector!Dimwittie! Trilogy”!Written!by!Mordecai!Richler!1.!Dearth!Of!A!Salesman!2.!Insomnia!Is!Good!For! You!3.!Cold!Comfort! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! Saturday,!June!21,!6:30PM!Mary!Pickford!Program!FILMALICIOUS!EVENING!Includes:!3G course!Dinner!with!Wine!Pairings,!Screenings,!Presentation!by!Christel!Schmidt,!Author,! ‘Mary!Pickford:!Queen!of!The!Movies’!Southbrook!Vineyards!

Saturday,!June!21,!9:30!PM!The!Infinite!Man!FILMALICIOUS!SCREENING!ONLY!Includes:! Q&A!with!Star!Hannah!Marshall! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! Saturday,!June!21,!9:30!PM!Peter!Sellers!“Hector!Dimwittie!Trilogy”!FILMALICIOUS! SCREENING!ONLY! Trius!Winery!at!Hillebrand! Saturday,!June!21,!9:00!PM!Hellion!Landmark!Cinema!10! Saturday,!June!21,!7:00!PM!Love!is!Strange!SPOTLIGHT!SERIES!Includes:!Skype!Q&A! Session!with!Director!Ira!Sachs!Landmark!Cinema!2! Saturday,!June!21,!11:45!PM!War!of!the!Worlds:!GOLIATH!Landmark!Cinema!2!:! SUNDAY!JUNE!22! Sunday,!June!22,!2:00!PM!Postman!Pat!Landmark!Cinema!1! Sunday,!June!22,!3:00PM!Niagara!Rises!Shorts!ProgramWhite!Oaks!Resort!and!Spa! Amphitheatre! Sunday,!June!22,!5:30!PM!The!100GYearGOld!Man!Who!Climbed!Out!The!Window!and! Disappeared!Landmark!Cinema!1! Sunday,!June!22,!6:30!PM!God!Help!The!Girl!Landmark!Cinema!10! Sunday,!June!22,!6:30PM!More!than!Honey!FILMALICIOUS!EVENING!Includes:!3GCourse! Dinner!with!Wine!Pairings,!Screenings!Southbrook!Vineyards! Sunday,!June!22,!6:30PM!Double!Feature:!FILMALICIOUS!EVENING!Includes:!3GCourse! Dinner!with!Wine!Pairings,!Screenings!Vinelife:!The!Story!of!a!Vintage!(Documentary!–! 50!mins)!2nd!Feature!TBA! Ravine!Vineyard!and!Estate!Winery! Sunday,!June!22,!7:30!PM!Cas!&!Dylan! White!Oaks!Resort!and!Spa!Idea!Loft! Sunday,!June!22,!9:00!PM!Four!Corners!SPOTLIGHT!SERIES!Includes:!Q&A!with!Director! Ian!Gabriel!Landmark!Cinema!1! Sunday,!June!22,!9:30PM!More!than!Honey!SCREENING!ONLY!Southbrook!Vineyards! Sunday,!June!22,!9:30PM!Double!Feature!FILMALICIOUS!SCREENING!ONLY!Vinelife:!The! Story!of!a!Vintage!(Documentary!–!50!mins)!StrANGEL! Ravine!Vineyard!and!Estate!Winery!

$ Actress$Hannah$Marshall$wins$Best$Actress$ Award$at$NIFF$for$'The$Infinite$Man'$ http://www.filmink.com.au/notices/9310/! Wednedsay,!June!25,!3014!! !

Australian!actress!Hannah!Marshall!(Packed!to!the!Rafters)!has!won!the!Best!Actress!Award!at! the!Inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!for!her!role!in!the!time!travel!comedy!feature!film! The!Infinite!Man.!The!film!also!screens!tomorrow!at!the!Edinburgh!International!Film!Festival! and!will!have!its!Australian!Premiere!at!the!2014!Melbourne!International!Film!Festival!before! releasing!in!Australian!cinemas!in!September.!!! NIFF,!founded!by!Bill!Marshall!(Founder!and!Chair!Emeritus!of!the!Toronto!International!Film! Festival!G!TIFF),!pairs!premiere!festival!films!with!the!premiere!hospitality!of!the!Niagara!Wine! Region.!The!festival!screening,!a!special!event!with!a!paired!threeGcourse!dinner!and!featuring! local!wines,!was!the!Canadian!Premiere!of!the!film!and!Hannah!was!in!attendance!to!accept!the! award.!In!a!coup!for!Australia,!the!Best!Actor!award!was!won!by!Geoffrey!Rush!for!his!role!in! The!Best!Offer.! This!is!the!fourth!major!North!American!screen!of!the!film,!following!the!recent!New!York! premiere!screening!at!Brooklyn’s!rooftop!cinema,!a!screening!at!the!Newport!Beach!Film! Festival!and!the!World!Premiere!at!South!by!Southwest!earlier!this!year,!which!generated!much! critical!acclaim,!and!saw!the!film!make!the!time.com!list!of!‘ten!films!that!made!SXSW! spectacular!this!year’,!alongside!Wes!Anderson’s!Grand!Budapest!Hotel,!and!Jon!Favreau’s! Chef.!!! Hannah!Marshall!is!best!known!for!her!role!as!Loretta!Schembri!in!Packed!to!the!Rafters,!for! which!she!received!a!Logie!nomination!for!Most!Popular!New!Female!Talent!(2011).!!! Starring!Josh!McConville!(The!Turning),!Hannah!Marshall!and!Alex!Dimitriades,!The!Infinite!Man! is!a!time!travel!comedyGromance!about!Dean!(Josh!McConville),!a!man!whose!attempts!to! construct!the!perfect!romantic!weekend!backfire!when!he!traps!his!lover!Lana!(Hannah! Marshall)!in!an!infinite!loop.!!! The!Infinite!Man!is!the!feature!film!debut!for!writer/director!Hugh!Sullivan!and!is!produced!by! Kate!Croser!(Danger!5,!My!Tehran!for!Sale)!and!Sandy!Cameron,!executive!produced!by! Jonathan!Page!and!Cameron!Rogers.!DOP!is!Marden!Dean!(Fell).!!! The!Infinite!Man!was!produced!by!Hedone!Productions!in!association!with!Bonsai!Films,!with! investment!from!the!South!Australia!Film!Corporation!(SAFC)!through!their!FilmLab!funding!

initiative,!and!development!assistance!from!Screen!Australia.!!! FilmLab!is!a!$4.2million!development!initiative!of!the!South!Australian!Film!Corporation!(SAFC),! funded!by!the!South!Australian!government.!Designed!to!develop!filmmakers!who!have!a!track! record!in!short!form!to!take!the!next!step!into!long!form!film!production,!the!initiative!was!also! built!to!find!unique!new!voices!in!Australian!cinema.!!! The!Infinite!Man!will!be!released!in!Australian!cinemas!in!September!2014!by!Infinite!Releasing! with!international!sales!handled!by!Shoreline!Entertainment.!!

$ Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival<$A$Resounding$ First$year$Success$with$Box$Office$Beyond$ Expectations$ http://www.festivalslive.com/niagaraGintegratedGfilmGfestivalGaGresoundingGfirstGyearGsuccessGwithGboxG officeGbeyondGexpectations/!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!! !

Surpassing!all!expectations,!the!inaugural!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!has!been!a! resounding!success!in!its!inaugural!year.! !

A!number!of!screenings!at!White!Oaks!Ampitheatre!and!Landmark!Cinema!were!sold!out,!most! of!the!Filmalicious!programs!were!sold!out!and!the!Film!Feast!programs!were!met!with!high! acclaim.!Bobby!Roth!(Prison+Break,!Lost,!Revenge,!Criminal+Minds)!taught!the!first!NIFF!Master! Class!to!a!full!room!of!engaged!participants.! ! “I!can’t!say!enough!about!the!people!who!took!this!idea!and!helped!turn!it!into!the!stunning! success!that!this!first!year!was,”!says!NIFF!Founder!and!Executive!Director!Bill!Marshall.!“We!all! know!there!are!more!than!5,000!film!festivals!in!the!world,!and!all!the!filmmakers!we!talked!to! told!us!we’re!easily!already!in!the!top!50.!Give!us!a!couple!of!years,!and!we’ll!move!right!up! there.”! ! Overall!ticket!sales!were!beyond!anyone’s!original!box!office!predictions,!better!than!expected! with!lots!of!same!day!sales.!Being!the!festival’s!first!year,!it!has!been!wonderful!to!see!such! enthusiasm!from!filmGgoers!–!locals!and!outGofGtowners!alike.!Audiences!came!from!as!far!as! Sudbury,!Buffalo!and!Toronto.!It!can!only!go!up!from!here!next!year!and!the!coming!years!to! follow.! ! “This!Festival!wouldn’t!have!reached!the!magnitude!it!did!without!the!outstanding! professionalism!of!our!winery!partners,!Dorian!Anderson!and!Associates,!and!the!support!and!

enthusiasm!from!the!filmmakers!who!attended!our!Festival!from!around!the!world,”!says! Managing!Director!Roberta!Marie!Munroe,!“and!of!course,!our!small!yet!extraordinary!staff!and! over!100!amazing!volunteers,!who!worked!tirelessly,!to!bring!this!beautiful!region!a!spectacular! event.”! ! NIFF!2014!Festival!attendees!were!praising!the!programs!and!the!overall!stellar!lineGup!of!films.! Guests!are!eagerly!asking!if!bookings!are!being!accepted!now!for!next!year.!The!Niagara!region! has!been!so!warm!and!welcoming!to!our!festival.!The!winery!and!vineyard!hosts!and!tour!guides! have!been!beyond!knowledgeable,!friendly,!and!attentive.! ! “We!are!so!grateful!to!all!our!sponsors!and!partners,”!says!NIFF!Founder!and!President!Sari! Ruda,!“who!took!a!leap!of!faith!to!get!behind!us!and!allow!us!to!bring!this!Festival!to!Niagara.”! And!now!we!are!pleased!to!present!the!very!first!NIFF!awards:! Best$Feature!G!“Four!Corners”!–!Director!Ian!Gabriel! Best$Director!–!Dan!Hartley!!–!“Lad:!A!Yorkshire!Story”!(first!feature!film)! Best$Documentary!–!“Go!Far:!The!Christopher!Rush!Story”!–!Director!Zach!Arnold! Best$Male$Actor!–!Geoffrey!Rush!“The!Best!Offer”! Best$Female$Actress!–!Hannah!Marshall!“The!Infinite!Man”! Best$Family$Film$–!“Ribbit”!–!Director!Chuck!Powers! Best$Script!–!“100Gyear!Old!Man!Who!Jumped!Out!the!Window!&!Disappeared”! Best$Niagara$Rises$Feature!–!“A!Kind!of!Wonderful!Thing”!–!Director!Jason!Lupish! RBC$Emerging$Artist$Award$($2,500)!–!“Restrung”!–!Director!Mike!Enns! Best$Niagara$Rises$Short!–!“Sidewalk!Surfing”!–!Director!Dillon!Erwin! World$Smallest$Film$Festival$($1,000)–!“Jean!Reno”!–!Director!Tom!Hunter! World$Smallest$Film$Festival$(Samsung$Tablet)!–!“The!Drips”!–!!Director!Darryl!Shaw! World$Smallest$Film$Festival$(honourable$mention)!–!“The!Price!of!Black!Gold”!–!Director! !

Cas$&$Dylan$(2014)$

Kamran!Ahmed! http://nextprojection.com/2014/06/26/niagaraGintergratedGfilmGfestivalGcasGdylanGreview/#prettyPhoto!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!

Cast:!Tatiana!Maslany,!Richard!Dreyfuss,!Jayne!Eastwood!Director:!Jason! Preistley!Country:!Canada!Genre:!Drama!|!Comedy! $ Editor’s)Notes:+The+ following+review+is+ part+of+our+coverage+ of+the+Niagara+ Integrated+Film+ Festival.+For+more+ information+niagarafi lmfest.com+and+ follow+NIFF+on+ Twitter+ at+@niagarafilm.$ $ Like!so!many!indie! Canadian!road!movies!before!it,!Cas+&+Dylan!(2014)!uses!brevity!and!lightGheartedness!to! illuminate!a!deeply!bonding!journey.!Much!of!the!film!lacks!weight,!as!serious!themes!and! conditions!are!glossed!over!in!favour!of!a!more!affable!and!comedic!course!of!action.!For!the! first!hour!or!so,!this!tone!makes!little!sense!given!the!dramatic!elements!that!have!mostly!been! absconded,!but!when!the!time!comes!that!the!characters!feel!an!intimate!bond.!After!which! they!are!able!to!dig!beneath!the!surface!of!their!previously!superficial!interactions.!A!great!deal! of!latent!energy,!drama,!and!meaning!comes!flooding!through!the!gates.!Ultimately,!the!lightG heartedness!of!the!film’s!narrative!returns!much!depth!in!its!denouement.!The!final!moments!of! melancholy!are!thereby!peppered!with!the!memories!of!great!contentment!and!ease.! ! Showing)further)signs)of)amateur)filmmaking,)Cas)&)Dylan)is)unfortunately)replete)with) continuity)errors+ + Cas+&+Dylan!tells!of!an!odd!journey.!A!young,!beautiful!wannabe!writer!and!a!cynical,!lonely!old! doctor!somehow!end!up!on!a!trip!west,!from!Winnipeg!to!Vancouver!Island.!The!contrast!alone! between!old!man!and!young!woman!is!enough!to!confound!the!audience,!and!the!tenuous! connection!which!causes!them!to!meet!and!later!travel!together!is!even!more!confounding.!At! first,!it!is!a!little!frustrating!and!unbelievable,!but!ultimately!the!believability!of!the!characters’! interactions!is!enough!to!ease!these!complaints.!The!film!conveys!how!a!strange!journey!across!

Canada!can!forge!a!bond!between!even!the!most!opposite!of!individuals.!It’s!not!simply!about! the!travelling,!of!course,!but!how!the!characters!meet!each!other!during!some!kind!of!path!in! their!life!only!to!cause!a!detour.!For!Cas!(Richard!Dreyfuss),!a!path!towards!certain!death!is! interrupted!by!a!young!girl’s!free!spiritedness.!For!Dylan!(Tatiany!Maslany),!a!path!towards! nothingness!and!nowhere!is!interrupted!by!an!old!man’s!wisdom.!The!two!of!their!lives!become! joined!and!inextricably!linked!together,!for!the!moment!and!for!the!rest!of!time.$ Beginning!in!media’s!res,!it!is!immediately!apparent!that!the!film!is!a!road!movie.!From! Winnipeg!to!Vancouver,!shots!of!the!road!and!the!scenery!fill!the!screen!while!bluegrass!music! hums!a!tune!of!travel.!Knowing!full!well!these!two!characters!will!be!travelling!together!the!next! day,!the!viewer!is!shown!how!they!come!together.!This!part!of!the!narrative!is!quite!trivial,!quite! contrived,!and!continues!for!much!of!the!first!twoGthirds!of!the!film.!An!unexpected!meeting! and!a!bizarre!accident!which!adds!very!little!value!to!the!film!besides!moving!the!plot!forward!is! used!as!background!for!setting!up!the!road!trip.!Cas’!urgency!to!head!West!and!Dylan’s!overG exerted!enthusiasm!to!join!him!is!nonsensical.!By!the!end,!one!can!disregard!these!features,!as! the!character’s!motivations!change!throughout!the!film,!but!it!nevertheless!shows!signs!of!lazy! scriptwriting.! ! Admittedly,)the)film)uses)dry,)deadpan)comedy)rather)than)laugh@out@loud)hilarity,)but)for)a) comedy,)Cas)&)Dylan)is)certainly)lacking! ! Besides!the!sometimes!lazy!scriptwriting,!much!of!the!humour!is!not!actually!funny.!Admittedly,! the!film!uses!dry,!deadpan!comedy!rather!than!laughGoutGloud!hilarity,!but!for!a!comedy,!Cas+&+ Dylan!is!certainly!lacking.!While!the!actors!are!relatively!comfortable!in!their!roles,!neither! Maslany!nor!Dreyfuss!have!the!charisma!or!presence!to!create!onscreen!comedy.!There!is!little! physical!comedy,!even!less!in!the!technical!filmmaking,!and!the!written!jokes!are!average!at! best.!Though!there!are!a!few!good!oneGliners,!the!comedic!aspect!of!this!film!is!truly!its!lightG hearted!tone!rather!than!its!command!of!the!genre.Showing!further!signs!of!amateur! filmmaking,!Cas+&+Dylan!is!unfortunately!replete!with!continuity!errors,!the!kind!which!are!not! only!apparent!but!cause!a!disruption!in!the!film’s!rhythm.!On!multiple!occasions,!I!noted!the! kind!of!continuity!errors!one!expects!from!either!a!parody!or!an!extremely!lowGbudget!straightG toGdvdGmovie.!When!Dylan!eats!pasta,!her!hand!is!constantly!showing!up!in!impossible!places! given!the!amount!of!time!between!cuts;!a!coffee!cup!disappears!and!reappears!in!her!hands;! and!a!man!with!a!tremor!places!down!a!glass!multiple!times!in!what!is!supposed!to!be!one! instance.!The!editing!at!times!is!simply!jarring,!overdone,!and!full!of!errors.! ! Despite!the!fact!that!it!is!a!relatively!sloppy!independent!film,!Cas+&+Dylan!has!much!to!be! admired.!For!one,!the!earnestness!of!its!themes!and!its!sincerity!of!spirit!is!not!to!be!overlooked.!! ! While!the!film!is!not!aesthetically!affluent!nor!narratively!taut,!the!heartfelt! symbolism!of!its!final!moments!in!addition!to!its!emotional!resonance!are! enough!to!make!Cas+&+Dylan!a!very!watchable!and!even!likeable!film,! despite!its!many!flaws.!

Four$Corners$named$Best$Film$in$Canada$ http://www.sundayworld.co.za/lifestyle/2014/06/26/fourGcornersGnamedGbestGfilmGinGcanada!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

South$African$coming$of$age$thriller$has$been$named$Best$Film$in$the$ feature$film$category$at$the$Niagara$Integrated$Film$Festival$(NIFF).$

! Director!Ian!Gabriel!and!cast!were!awarded!top!honours!after!being!screened!in!Canada.! ! The!screening!was!held!as!part!of!Four!Corners'!celebration!of!Youth!Month.! ! The!film!was!competing!with!30!other!films!from!Canada!and!around!the!world.! ! The!NIFF!Award!committee!commended!Gabriel!on!bringing!the!story!of!an!'unknown! world'!in!South!Africa's!Cape!Flats!to!the!attention!of!the!world.! ! Accepting!the!award,!Ian!Gabriel!thanked!the!NIFF!committee!on!behalf!of!the!cast!of! Four!Corners!for!the!'committee's!friendship!and!support!of!Independent!filmmaking! from!South!Africa,!saying!that!the!'NIFF!Best!Film!award!will!help!Four!Corners!reach!out! to!audiences!everywhere.'!

$ Top$honours$for$SA$film!

Gia!Kaplan! http://ewn.co.za/2014/06/26/TopGhonoursGforGSAGfilm!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

! ! JOHANNESBURG!–!South!African!film!Four+Corners!has!been!named!Best!Film!in!the!feature!film! category!at!the!Niagara!Integrated!Film!Festival!(NIFF).!!!The!South!African!coming!of!age!thriller! had!its!Canadian!Premiere!screening!on!Saturday!night!where!it!competed!with!30!other!films! from!Canada!and!around!the!world.! The!film!is!a!multiGthread,!comingGofGage!crime!drama!set!in!the!Cape!Flats!with!four!different! family!stories!converging!together!around!the!tale!of!a!13GyearGboy!named!Ricardo.! The!NIFF!Award!committee!commended!director!Ian!Gabriel!on!bringing!the!story!of!an! 'unknown!world'!in!South!Africa's!Cape!Flats!to!the!attention!of!the!world.!!!Accepting!the! award,!Gabriel!thanked!the!NIFF!committee!on!behalf!of!the!cast!for!the!committee’s!friendship! and!support!of!independent!filmmaking!from!South!Africa,!saying!that!the!“NIFF!Best!Film!award! will!help!Four!Corners!reach!out!to!audiences!everywhere.”! The!movie!was!also!South!Africa's!official!entry!in!the!2014!Academy!Awards!Best!Foreign! Language!Film!category!and!received!positive!reviews!following!its!screenings!in!Los!Angeles.! The!film,!which!was!shot!in!various!locations!in!and!around!the!Cape,!was!also!nominated!for!an! International!Press!Academy!2014!Satellite!Award!for!Best!International!Film.! Gabriel!is!currently!working!on!a!project!set!in!South!Africa!in!1966!and!a!true!story!set!in!South! Africa!in!1914.!

21$Questions$with$Reece$Fisher! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1AXQtXSNRE!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

21$Questions$with$Trius$Winery!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtKtIH4cfHk!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!

21$Questions$with$Marika$Bournaki! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOLy3djmFLc!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

21$Questions$with$Paul$Cotgrove! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgI8mRXEaJQ!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

21$Questions$with$Bobbi$Jo$Hart$ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWRHy_IlRgs!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

21$Questions$with$Chuck$Powers! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWnDfZMDQCU!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

21$Questions$with$Bill$and$Sari! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojARUy5QsrQ!!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

21$Questions$with$Jason$Parson! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWnDfZMDQCU!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

21$Questions$with$Paul$Harber! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLai6CoNYLg!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

21$Questions$with$Dan$Hartley! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1yQkwEs5fs!! Thursday,!June!26,!2014!!

$ 21$Questions$with$April$Mullen! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03CQu5xgOMc!! Friday,!June!27,!2014!! !

21$Questions$with$Roberta$Marie$Munroe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqGFyE7d0Lg!! Friday,!June!27,!2014!!

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! a!picture!is!worth!a!thousand!words! ! click!on!the!link!to!view!all!pictures!collected!from!NIFF

http://bit.ly/1nIJQFj!

! ! ! !

! but!a!tweet!is!worth!a!130!characters! click!on!the!link!to!view!the!Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s!social!media!feed:!

https://storify.com/gatpr/niff/!

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