Rochester, NY–April 22, 2013–The 11th season of the High Falls Film Festival was a huge success, concluding Sunday with widespread applause and packed houses.

The four-day event drew a higher than estimated attendance of more than 5000 film fans who attended 27 screenings and more than 50 films including shorts, four premieres and panel discussions. Many films sold out.

The Festival was reignited after taking a year off, returning to its original name and mission of providing a platform to celebrate the work of women in all aspects of filmmaking. The programming committee screened almost 400 films from a record number of submissions.

“The High Falls Film Festival is back!,” exclaimed Mary Howard, Executive Director. “We thank everyone who made our return so special and successful. Attendance exceeded our estimates. We received hundreds of congratulatory notes and praise from sponsors and attendees. The filmmakers were delighted to be here and were grateful for this opportunity to showcase their work. We’re very fortunate to have a community that has supported this beloved festival since 2001 and based on the success of this year’s event, I can say with confidence that we have re-established our foothold to continue as one of Rochester’s favorite festivals.”

Planning is already underway, and dates will be announced very soon for next year’s festival.

“It was a dream, but now it is a reality,” said Malcolm Spaull, Board Chair and Administrative Chair, School of Film and Animation at RIT. “The four days of wonderful, diverse independent films, shorts, visiting filmmakers, panels and parties drew large and very grateful audiences. It was a win-win-win all around. Festival goers remarked that we have successfully revived the festival’s mission and captured the celebratory spirit. Many were adamant that the community of Rochester deserves and must have this festival. The filmmakers were impressed with the organization, the diversity of the audiences and the attention and hospitality, which welcomed them. “

Thirteen filmmakers came from all across the country to attend and take questions from audience members and participate in panel discussions. Filmmakers in attendance remarked that they had never seen so many female filmmakers at a film festival. “When I arrived and looked at the schedule of so many top female filmmakers here, it bought a tear to my eyes,” said Drew Denny, Director of The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had With My Pants On. Judy Chaikin, Director of The Girls in the Band, voted best documentary by audiences, echoed the sentiment.

Festival photos can be seen on the High Falls Film Festival Facebook page.

Sponsors – High Falls Film Festival is sponsored by First Niagara, the Democrat & Chronicle, Harris Beach PLLC, 13WHAM TV & CW16, Monroe County, VisitRochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, Boylan Code, City of Rochester, The Community Foundation, EFP Rotenberg, Delta Stratagem, The Gouvernet Arts Fund at The Community Foundation, CMI Communications, International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, Lenel, Midtown Athletic Club, Jack and Barbara Kraushaar, Nocon & Associates, Rochester Finger Lakes Film & Video Office, Rochester General Health System, Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Strathallan, Elaine Spaull – City Councilwoman, US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Company, WXXI, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, Smugtown Beacon, Rochester Riverside Convention WXXI, Yelp and One Hip Chic.

About High Falls Film Festival
Founded in 2001, the High Falls Film Festival is one of the longest running women’s film festivals on the East Coast and one of the few film festivals worldwide that celebrates the work of women filmmakers. A non-profit organization, the High Falls Film Festival has screened hundreds of films since its inception, spotlighting the cinematic works of women and bringing the finest independent motion pictures and film artists to Rochester and Western New York audiences. The Festival includes features, documentaries, and shorts. The Festival has also offered programs in film education as well as student film making competitions.

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Rochester, NY—April 2, 2013— In just two weeks, the 11^th annual The High Falls Film Festival returns presenting 27 screenings from 13 countries including four premieres, panel discussions, parties, several free events and more than 50 award-winning independent features, documentaries and shorts.  It all starts April 18 to April 21.   

The High Falls Film Festival is one of the few film festivals worldwide that celebrates the work of women filmmakers. Films will be shown at The Little Theatre, the Cinema Theater and the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film.

Festival Premieres

• The Way to Nowhere Island (World Premiere)
• Pretty Brutal (North American Premiere)
• Go Public Project – Shorts (U.S. Premiere
• Watchtower (New York State Premiere)

Final Films Announced

• Watchtower – Thursday April 18, 7PM, Little 5 Theatre – NYS Premiere
  Seher and Nihat are running away from the city, their families, and pasts. But even high in the beautiful Turkish mountains, as a waitress at a remote bus stop and as a lookout at a forest watchtower, it is not far enough. As their lives intersect, they are forced to confront their pasts. 
• Pretty Brutal – Friday April 19, 9:30 PM, Cinema Theater – North American Premiere
  Follows girl skaters into the full-contact world of New Zealand’s first Roller Derby league. Their challenge: run a democracy and train together as sisters then savage each other come match day. As tension mounts, will they preserve their newfound community or tear each other apart?
• First Comes Love – Saturday April 20, 4PM Little 5 Theatre
  In this frank and revealing first-person documentary, filmmaker Nina Davenport tackles the subject of her own biological clock – and her dilemma when she realizes she’s running out of time. Single but feeling the pull of motherhood, the determined New Yorker sets about getting pregnant on her own terms, and with more than a little help from her friends. 
• Molly Maxwell – Saturday April 20, 1PM, Dryden Theatre
  Bookish Molly has always followed the rules – her mother's, and her school’s. But she is lacking direction and drive. Her genius IQ has not allowed her to focus on a discipline or subject, a key part of her school’s curriculum. When a handsome new English teacher is hired, Molly convinces him to teach her photography.

Special Free Film Events

• April 14 – 1-4pm – Film for All – His Girl Friday (1940) Starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell
  • 2-3:30PM  - WXXI TV Broadcast
  • 1-4PM – Kate Gleason Aud., Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County. Live screening with post film panel discussion.
• Informal Coffee Chats with Directors - April 18, 19 & 20, 9:30 – 11:00am.. Rochester Plaza State Street Grill.  Free. Complimentary coffee and Danish.
• So You Want to Make a Movie Panel Discussion - Saturday, April 20, 9-10:15AM. Free. Moderator: Nora Brown, Finger Lakes Film Office. Panelists: Nick DiBella, Writer/Director; Mark Costello, Boylan Code, Entertainment Law; Ray Justice, Entrepreneur, Justice Enterprises; Taine Ann Riggio, Producer 
• The Future of Film: The Impact of Digital on the Film Industry Panel Discussion - Saturday, April 20th from 10:30am to noon, Free. Moderator:  Malcolm Spaull.  Panelists: Ricky Figueroa and Les Moore, RIT, Susan Rogers, WXXI/Little and others.  

Parties!

• Opening Night Party – Thursday, April 18, 9- 11:45PM, Inn on Broadway, cocktails & hors d'oeuvres, walk the red carpet, have your picture taken, mingle with filmmakers. Tickets, $25 at highfallsfilmfestival.com.  
• Party at the Strathallan – Friday, April 19, 9- 11:45PM, join filmmakers and film fans for this party on the rooftop at the newly renovated Strathallan. Free admission. Cash bar.
• Closing Night Party – Saturday, April 20, 9pm to 11:45pm, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, sweets & coffee, Potter Peristyle, George Eastman House. Mingle with the filmmakers and celebrate the conclusion of our 11th annual film festival. Tickets, $25 at highfallsfilmfestival.com.  

Film Tickets on sale now at http://highfallsfilmfestival.com/tickets

• Film Tickets - $12 per film, ($10 students and seniors 65+, ID required at door) plus service charges, $15 ($13 students and seniors 65+, ID required at door) for opening and closing night films plus service charges. Service charges per ticket are $.50 at Mobile Box Offices, and $1.75 online and for phone orders.  All sales final, no refunds or exchanges. For complete details see highfallsfilmfestival.com.
• Mobile box offices  - Get help choosing movies that match your interests and save $1.25 per ticket off convenience fee charges. See highfallsfilmfestival.com for locations.

Film & Event Schedule - See http://highfallsfilmfestival.com/films_and_schedule for film synopses, trailers, casts and female contributors. Please note: schedule subject to change.

Thursday April 18
9:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Informal Coffee Chat w/directors, Rochester Plaza, FREE
6:30 p.m. – Girls in the Band, Little 1 (Q&A w/ director to follow)
7:00 p.m. – Watchtower, Little 5, (NYS Premiere)
9:00 – 11:45 p.m. – Opening Night Party, Inn on Broadway
9:15 p.m. – Facing Mirrors, Little 1
9:30 p.m. – Eight Shorts about life and love, Little 5
 
Friday April 19
9:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Informal Coffee Chat with directors at the Rochester Plaza State Street Grill, FREE
1:15 p.m. – California State of Mind: The Legacy of Pat Brown, Cinema
4:00 p.m. – Girls in the Band, Cinema (Q&A w/ filmmaker to follow)
6:30 p.m. – Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, Little 1, (Fashion Show to follow)
6:30 p.m. – The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had With My Pants On, Cinema (Q&A w/ filmmaker to follow)
6:45 p.m.  – Unfinished Spaces, Little 5
9:00 – Midnight – Party at the Strathallan, A Doubletree Hilton
9:15 p.m. – Casting By, Little 1
9:30 p.m.  – Turn Me On, Dammit, Little 5,
9:30 p.m.  – Pretty Brutal, Cinema (North American Premiere)

Saturday April 20
9 – 10:15 a.m. – So You Want To Make A Movie? Panel Discussion, Little 5 FREE
9:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Informal Coffee Chat w/ directors, Rochester Plaza, FREE
10:30 – Noon a.m. – Future of Film – The Impact of Digital Media Panel Discussion, Little 1, FREE,
11:00 a.m. – RIT Women of SOFA, Little 5,  (Meet & Greet, Little Cafe to follow)
12:30 p.m. – Go Public Project, 4 shorts & Panel Discussion w/Director, Little 1
1:00 p.m. – Molly Maxwell, Dryden
1:15 p.m. – The Way to Nowhere Island, Little 5 (World Premiere)
3:15 p.m. – Future Weather, Little 1
3:30 p.m. – Shorts Program 2: Dead Ends – 8 shorts on death and letting go, Little 5
3:30 p.m. – How We Got Away With It, Dryden
6:00 p.m. – TBA, Little 5
6:30 p.m. – Margarita, Little 1 (Q&A w filmmaker to follow)
6:30 p.m. – The Day I Saw Your Heart, Dryden
9:00 – Midnight, Wrap-up Party, Potter Peristyle, George Eastman House
9:00 p.m. – A Teacher, Dryden
9:15 p.m. – Harisma, Little 1
9:30 p.m. – A Lot Like You, Little 1 (Q&A w filmmaker to follow)

Sunday April 21
3:30 p.m. – Audience Choice, Best of the Fest Documentary, Little 1
6:00 p.m. – Audience Choice, Best of the Fest Narrative, Little 1

Films with Rochester Connections

• The Women of SoFA show, a 94-minute screening of 11 shorts, produced by young women filmmakers from all over the world currently studying at RIT.
• How We Got Away With It was shot in Rochester, was written by Greece NY native Jeff Barry, and the film’s lead producer, Erin Craig is a Webster native.

Latest news  - sign up for news alerts at highfallsfilmfestival.com and follow the festival on Twitter and Facebook.

More Information - Call the Festival office at 585-279-8312 or the Box Office at 585-820-0845 or email orders@HighFallsFilmFestival.com with any ticket questions.

Sponsors – High Falls Film Festival is sponsored by First Niagara, the Democrat & Chronicle, Harris Beach PLLC, 13WHAM TV & CW16, Monroe County, VisitRochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, Boylan Code, City of Rochester, The Community Foundation,  EFP Rotenberg, Delta Stratagem, The Gouvernet Arts Fund at The Community Foundation, CMI Communications, International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, Lenel, Midtown Athletic Club, Jack and Barbara Kraushaar, Nocon & Associates, Rochester Finger Lakes Film & Video Office, Rochester General Health System, Rochester Riverside Convention Center,  Strathallan, Elaine Spaull – City Councilwoman, US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Company, WXXI, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, Smugtown Beacon, Rochester Riverside Convention WXXI, Yelp and One Hip Chic.

About High Falls Film Festival
Founded in 2001, the High Falls Film Festival is one of the longest running women’s film festivals on the East Coast and one of the few film festivals worldwide that celebrates the work of women filmmakers. A non-profit organization, the High Falls Film Festival has screened hundreds of films since its inception, spotlighting the cinematic works of women and bringing the finest independent motion pictures and film artists to Rochester and Western New York audiences.  The Festival includes features, documentaries, and shorts.  The Festival has also offered programs in film education as well as student film making competitions.

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Rochester, NY—March 12, 2013—The High Falls Film Festival (HFFF) today announced the schedule of more than 50 films and special events for the 11^th annual festival. The Festival runs Thursday April 18 to Sunday April 21, concluding with two Best of the Fest films, voted on by audiences.

"We are very excited to kick off the 2013 film festival season in Rochester,” said Mary Howard, HFFF Executive Director. “This year's Festival will bring outstanding films by women and deliver a symphony of visual achievements that will touch hearts and minds. We received a record number of film submissions, and many award winning, so Rochester will see great films not shown through major box offices. We have fabulous venues, parties, a Film for All, panels and coffee chats with local and visiting directors that will interest everyone who loves film and the extraordinary stories behind filmmaking. Overall, we look forward to enticing new film fans and enriching the experience for seasoned fans.“

Tickets for films go on sale Friday March 15 at highfallsfilmfestival.com.

• Film Tickets – $12 per film, ($10 students and seniors 65+, ID required at door) plus service charges, $15 ($13 students and seniors 65+, ID required at door) for opening and closing night films plus service charges. Service charges per ticket are $.50 at Mobile Box Offices, and $1.75 online and for phone orders.
• Mobile box offices will be available on select days and times at Boulder Coffee, Dark Horse, Javas, Midtown Athletic Club, Spot Coffee and other locations. See highfallsfilmfestival.com for dates, time and locations.

• Film Fanatics Pass – access to all films for $120 plus service charge.
• All-Access Pass – $150 plus service charge until March 30, $170 plus service charge March 31 and afterward if available. Access to all films and the Opening and Closing Night Parties.

• Parties - Opening and Closing Night Party tickets are $25 plus $3.25 service charge
• Opening Night Party & Opening Film Combination Ticket – $35 ($30 students and seniors 65+, ID required at door) plus $3.25 service charge
• Closing Night Party & Closing Film Combination Ticket – $35 ($30 students and seniors 65+, ID required at door) plus $3.25 service charge

All sales final, no refunds or exchanges. For complete ticket details, see highfallsfilmfestival.com.

The highly anticipated Festival will present the finest in independent features, documentaries and shorts from 12 countries including Australia, Canada, China, Cuba, England, France, Greece, Iran, Israel, Norway, Tanzania, and the U.S. Venues include The Little Theatre, the Cinema Theater and the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film.

The Festival returns to its founding mission, celebrating the achievements of women in all aspects of filmmaking, and also honoring Rochester’s unique history and contributions in these landmark arenas.

“The festival has been able to return to its original mission because independent film, supported by the technical democratization, is stronger than ever and that has allowed more women filmmakers to practice their art and complete films that tell the stories they care about,” said Malcolm Spaull, High Falls Film Festival Board Chair and Administrative Chair, School of Film and Animation at RIT.  

“Film festivals are the only places to see films that haven’t first been vetted as to their ability to be commercially successful,” added Spaull. “Like any community that wants breadth in its exposure to art, Rochester has people who are very sophisticated in their appreciation of film expression and want the opportunity to see independent and important work.”

“Festivals are also the life blood of the independent filmmaker. Commercially available films would be all “cookie cutter” if we were solely dependent on the decisions of established industry producers.“

Kate Dobbertin Bernola, Director of Programming for HFFF said,  “I'm a chronic recommender.  Nothing gives me more joy than finding the perfect book, movie, or restaurant for a friend or complete stranger.  So when programming the festival, I knew exactly where I wanted to go with it  - something for everyone.  We have films for the seasoned festival vet and for the casual moviegoer.  We have art house dramas, light-hearted comedies, and vivid documentaries.  We have first-time filmmakers and women who've been doing this for years.  Above all, we are presenting amazing high-quality films that you won't find anywhere else in Rochester.”

Special Events
In addition to films several special events are scheduled. See highfallsfilmfestival.com for complete details.

• High Falls Film Festival Film For All – April 14, His Girl Friday starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell (see schedule below for full details)
• Coffee Chats – April 18,19, 20, Rochester Plaza State Street Grill. An opportunity for film lovers to meet and talk to the directors. FREE
• Opening Night Party – April 18, 9:00-11:45 p.m., Inn on Broadway, Cocktails & hors d'oeuvres. Walk the red carpet and have your picture taken.  Tickets, $25 in advance or at the door if not sold out.
• Post Film Fashion Show following the film Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, Friday, April 19, 7:45-8:15 p.m., Little 1, entry with film ticket.
• Party at The Strathallan, A Doubletree Hilton, hosted by EFP Rotenberg – Friday April 19, 8 p.m. – midnight, mingle with film fans and directors, Fashion Week models, themed drinks, cash bar, no ticket or reservations required.
• So You Want To Make A Movie? Panel Discussion – Saturday, April 20, 9-10:15 a.m., Little 5, What does it really take to get your movie made? Panelists: – Nick DeBella, Writer/Director; Mark Costello, Boylan Code, Entertainment Law; Ray Justice, Entrepreneur, Justice Enterprises; Taine Ann Riggio, Producer. FREE
• The Impact of Digital Media Panel Discussion – Saturday, April 20, 9:30-10:45 a.m., Little 1, FREE
• The Go Public Project Panel Discussion – Saturday, April 20, 12:30-2:30 p.m., Little 1, discussion about the state of school systems in America with various filmmakers and local school officials. Ticket required.
• Wrap-up Party – April 20, 9-11:45 p.m. George Eastman House, Potter Peristyle, cocktails & hors d'oeuvres. Tickets $25 in advance or at the door if not sold out.

Film & Event Schedule -  See highfallsfilmfestival.com for film synopses, trailers, casts and female contributors. Please note: schedule subject to change.

Sunday April 14

High Falls Film Festival: Film For All – His Girl Friday starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell
Presented by High Falls Film Festival (HFFF), WXXI Public Broadcasting Council & Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County

• 2–3:30 p.m. – Watch the film on WXXI TV
• 1–4:00 p.m. – See a FREE Live Screening with post film panel discussion with HFFF Team, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, Kate Gleason Auditorium.  Seating is limited to 120.
• After the film, the public is invited to comments on the film online at highfallsfilmfestival.com.

Rosalind Russell’s role in this film was originally played by a man in the play, The Front Page, on which the film was based.  Russell hired her own writer to improve her character’s image in the film.

Thursday April 18

9:30 – 11:00 a.m. - Informal Coffee Chat with directors at the Rochester Plaza State Street Grill, FREE
6:30 p.m. – Girls in the Band, Little 1 (Q&A to follow with director Judy Chaikin)
7:00 p.m. – TBD, Little 5
9:00 – 11:45 p.m. – Opening Night Party, Inn on Broadway, cocktails & hors d'oeuvres, walk the red carpet and have your picture taken. Tickets $25 in advance or at the door if not sold out.
9:15 p.m. – TBD, Little 1
9:30 p.m. – Shorts, Life and Love, Little 5,

Friday April 19

9:30 – 11:00 a.m. - Informal Coffee Chat with directors at the Rochester Plaza State Street Grill, FREE
1:30 p.m. – California State of Mind: The Legacy of Pat Brown, Cinema
4:00 p.m. – Girls in the Band, Cinema (Q&A w filmmaker to follow)
6:30 p.m. – Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel, Little 1, (Fashion Show to follow)
6:30 p.m. – The Most Fun I’ve Ever Had With My Pants On, Cinema (Q&A w filmmaker to follow)
6:45 p.m.  – Unfinished Spaces, Little 5
9:00 – Midnight – Party at the Strathallan, A Doubletree Hilton
9:15 p.m. – Casting By, Little 1
9:30 p.m. – TBA, Little 5
9:30 p.m.  – Turn Me On, Dammit, Cinema

Saturday April 20

9 – 10:15 a.m. – So You Want To Make A Movie? Panel Discussion, Little 5 FREE
9:30 – 11:00 a.m. – Informal Coffee Chat with directors at the Rochester Plaza State Street Grill, FREE
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. – Future of Film – The Impact of Digital Media Panel Discussion, Little 1, FREE
11:00 a.m. – RIT Women of SOFA, Little 5,  (Meet & Greet, Little Cafe to follow)
12:30 p.m. – The Go Public Project, 4 shorts and Panel Discussion with Director, Little 1
1:00 p.m. – The Day I Saw Your Heart, Dryden
1:15 p.m. – The Way to Nowhere Island, Little 5
3:15 p.m. – Future Weather, Little 1
3:30 p.m. – Shorts Program 2: Dead Ends, Little 5
3:30 p.m. – How We Got Away With It, Dryden
6:00 p.m. – TBA, Little 5
6:30 p.m. – Margarita, Little 1 (Q&A w filmmaker to follow)
6:30 p.m. – Facing Mirrors, Dryden
9:00 p.m. – A Teacher, Dryden
9:15 p.m. – Harisma, Little 1
9:30 p.m. – A Lot Like You, Little 1 (Q&A w filmmaker to follow)
9:00 – Midnight, Wrap-up Party, George Eastman House. Tickets $25 in advance or at the door if not sold out

Sunday April 21
3:30 p.m. – Best of the Fest Documentary, Little 1
6:00 p.m. – Best of the Fest Narrative, Little 1

Films with Rochester Connections

• The Women of SoFA show, a 94 minute screening of 11 shorts, produced by young women filmmakers from all over the world currently studying at Rochester Institute of Technology.
• How We Got Away With It was shot in Rochester, was written by Greece NY native Jeff Barry, and the film’s lead producer, Erin Craig is a Webster native.

Official Poster AnnouncedThe 2013 Festival official poster is designed by Adam Maida, a Rochester-based graphic designer and printmaker. ”I believe in using design as a tool to create an accessible language that embodies the subject matter into a simple visual metaphor,“ said Maida. “The High Falls Film Festival poster represents not only the rich history of women in film but also the strength of knowledge, inspiration and creativity that they possess.” The silk-screened limited edition posters all signed by the artist will be for sale at the Festival for $20.

Volunteer – Applications still being accepted for volunteer jobs during the festival. Apply online at http://highfallsfilmfestival.com/volunteerform.

Get the latest news  - sign up for news alerts at highfallsfilmfestival.com and follow the festival on Twitter and Facebook.

More Information – Call the Festival office at 585-279-8312 or the Box Office at 585-820-0845 or email orders@HighFallsFilmFestival.com with any ticket questions.

Sponsors
High Falls Film Festival is sponsored by First Niagara, the Democrat & Chronicle, Harris Beach PLLC, 13WHAM TV & CW16, Monroe County, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, Boylan Code, City of Rochester, The Community Foundation, Delta Stratagem, The Gouvernet Arts Fund at The Community Foundation, International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, Lenel, Midtown Athletic Club, Jack and Barbara Kraushaar, Nannette Nocon, Rochester General Health System, Elaine Spaull – City Councilwoman, US Sweepstakes & Fulfillment Company, WXXI, Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, Smugtown Beacon, Rochester Riverside Convention Center, Yelp, CMI, EFP Rotenberg, and One Hip Chic.

About High Falls Film Festival
Founded in 2001, the High Falls Film Festival is one of the few film festivals worldwide that celebrates the work of women filmmakers, and is one of the longest running women’s film festivals on the East Coast. A non-profit organization, the High Falls Film Festival has screened hundreds of films since its inception, spotlighting the cinematic works of women and bringing the finest independent motion pictures and film artists to Rochester and Western New York audiences.  The Festival includes features, documentaries, and shorts.  The Festival has also offered programs in film education as well as student film making competitions.

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