SAN PEDRO, CA – A juried presentation of diverse and outstanding films from Vietnam to Cuba, will be shown as part of the three-day San Pedro International Film Festival starting Friday, October 9, 2015 running until Sunday, October 11, 2015. Headquartered at the Historic Warner Grand Theatre in Downtown San Pedro, SPIFFEST celebrates the history of film in the community as well as the spirit of independent artists and filmmakers. With over 500 submissions in the short film, documentary, music videos, screenplays, and full-length feature categories received for the Fourth Annual San Pedro International Film Festival (SPIFFEST), the 2015 official lineup is now available.
The festival begins Friday, October 9th at 5:00 p.m. with a welcome kickoff and red carpet at the Historic Warner Grand Theatre welcoming guests and press followed by the opening night feature, The Usual Suspects 20th Anniversary screening and a Q&A with Director by Bryan Singer.
Followed by a full-line up on Saturday and Sunday showcasing five short film blocks, including a Bukowski short film block and the 2016 Lunafest Program, music videos, and documentaries, festival goers can also enjoy panel discussion on 3D and Innovation with John Bruno and Vince Pace, attend Q&A with filmmakers, and gain access to VIP events following feature film screenings.
Written and directed by Ante Novakovic (director of In Bruges), feature film Leaves of the Tree focuses on a once powerful lawyer sidelined by a life threatening disease to a remote corner of Sicily. Struggling to discover the medicinal uses of the tree, the film combines faith, doubt, and belief when people come into contact with its restorative properties. Starring Eric Roberts as the dying man, Leaves of the Tree, focuses on the sometimes blurred line between humanity and divinity.
With a session titled “Innovation in Filmmaking, 3D, Technology, and the Future of the Planet,” SPIFFest will be hosting filmmakers John Bruno (The Abyss), Jonathan Kitzen, and others for a 3D and Virtual Reality experience in a panel discussion. Focusing on the proliferation of digital platforms, tech solutions, and computer-based discoveries in the fields of special effects and filming, attendees will learn about 3D to green screens from iMax to CGI.
In addition to the feature film lineup, SPIFFest has partnered with LUNAFEST®: Short Films By, For, About Women® as part of the 15th Annual National Touring Film Festival. Dedicated to promoting awareness about women’s issues, highlighting women filmmakers, and bringing women together in their communities, these short films will be presented at The Grand Annex on Saturday, October 10, 2015. Screening nine short films by women filmmakers, the shorts range from animation to drama and cover health, body image and cultural diversity.
Closing events on Sunday, October 11, 2015 include a special screening of A Ballerina’s Tale which tells the rise of San Pedro’s very own Misty Copeland. Featuring exclusive and unseen footage of the famous African-American ballerina, the film explores themes of race and body image in ballet. The screening is followed by a VIP Party in downtown San Pedro. Limited tickets are available to this event.
Ziggy Mrkich, Director of the San Pedro International Film Festival, said, “SPIFFEST is thrilled to return to a city with such a rich film history. With over 500 films and tv shows shot in the city of San Pedro, SPIFFEST is a continuation of our efforts to connect film-loving audiences with the next generation of independent filmmakers. With the unique lineup this year, we are able to showcase up-and-coming international filmmakers and appreciate these outstanding independent artists.”
Festival passes are available for $60.00 which includes access to all film screenings and panels and limited VIP Festival Passes are available which grant access to VIP events, all film screenings and panels starting at $95.00
Advance tickets are available for purchase here at www.spiffest.org. To see the complete schedule of events and program, please visit www.spiffest.org/films/