The 8th annual Rochester High Falls International Film Festival will take place May 13 - 18, 2009 at various venues around Rochester. Guests can enjoy five jam-packed days seeing new independent films, and meeting directors and filmmakers who are eager to share their work with Rochester audiences.

But film is just the beginning! RHFIFF also brings western New York audiences special access to the film world. In addition to features, documentaries, short films, animation, and children’s programming from around the world, attendees can also enjoy panel discussions with filmmakers, master classes, gala receptions with film industry guests, informal coffees with filmmakers, award ceremonies, and more. All-Access pass holders also have exclusive entry to private parties with celebrities and film stars.

All -Access Passes, the best way to fully enjoy Rochester’s “five day party,” cost $175 at the door, but from now through December 31st you can purchase a pass here at our special holiday rate of just $145. That’s a $30 savings! Click on “Tickets and Passes” to place your order for home delivery of your 2009 pass, and enjoy Rochester’s most exciting annual event.

FLOW: FOR LOVE OF WATER (official selection, RHFIFF 2008) will play at the Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman House on Saturday, November 22nd at 8 p.m. as part of its Human Spirit Series. In this 83 minute provocative documentary, director Irina Salina introduces viewers to the fact that people around the world are fighting for their basic human right to access free water. Locations include an African shantytown where citizens secretly reconnect their water pipes, and India, where a “water guru” who promotes community-based initiatives. A Canadian author also exposes the disturbing realities behind the global bottled water business. Focusing on issues of pollution and corporate responsibility, filmmaker Salina depicts the increasingly at odds relationship between humans and the quintessence of our existence.

Panelists taking part in a post-film discussion on Nov. 22 are Salva Dut, a native of Sudan, Africa, living in Rochester, who has dedicated his life to drilling wells and providing safe drinking water in his native land; M. Ann Howard, associate professor of Science, Technology & Society, Rochester Institute of Technology; and Wayne Howard, chairman of the Sierra Club Great Lakes Committee.

Human Spirit Series continues at the Dryden through November and December, with monthly screenings that celebrate the power of the Human Spirit. The films have been selected in the hopes that they will stimulate thought, discussion, passion, and action. Each selection explores the potential of adding meaning to one’s life through contributions, in all manner of ways, to the lives of others. The Oscar-winning drama, A Man for All Seasons (Saturday, December 13th at 8 p.m.) stars the late Paul Scofield as Sir Thomas More in a finely realized retelling of the clash between the spiritually unyielding More and the adulterous King Henry VIII in 16th century England.

Further information: http://dryden.eastmanhouse.org/films/flow-for-love-of-water/

ROCHESTER, NY, September 4, 2009: Officials at the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival announced today a “Call for Work” for its Main Program, as well as its Shorts and Children’s/Young Adult Program. This is the first time the Festival has opened up the Main Program for unsolicited submissions — this section had previously been “invitation-only,” said Artistic Director Catherine Wyler, since its inaugural year in 2001. “We are very excited about this new initiative,” Wyler commented, “and are looking forward to receiving a wide spectrum of entries that we might not otherwise have access to.” Festival Director and Co-Programmer Ruth Cowing, who will oversee the initiative, added that she suggested opening the program with “an eye towards discovering an ‘indie gem,’ or a groundbreaking new filmmaker who has yet to emerge on the festival circuit.”

The majority of the Main Program will still most likely be culled from the best films that Wyler and Cowing are able to see at such top festivals as Toronto and Sundance, said Wyler. The popular and long-standing “Local Link” sidebar, spotlighting films with local and regional ties, will also continue, said Cowing.

The Shorts and Children’s/YA programs have had an open call since the beginning of the Festival, added Cowing, with very successful results — final selections have gone on to much acclaim, awards, and Oscar nominations.

For deadlines, fees and selection criteria, see the RHFIFF submissions page.

Part of an ongoing series of updates from filmmakers and friends from around the world:

Gil Holland/Holland Films reports that Flow: For Love of Water (RHFIFF ‘08) is part of the IDA’s (International Documentary Association) prestigious DocuWeek in NYC/LA. The film releases nationwide on September 12. For more information, visit flowthefilm.com

Julie Whang/Women Make Movies writes that The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo (RHFIFF ‘08) led the way in June for the U.N. Security Council to unanimously vote in favor of a resolution classifying rape as a weapon of war. U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalizad was inspired to introduce the resolution after viewing The Greatest Silence. For more information, visit wmm.com

Director Matt Ehlers and Producer Jane Ford announce they are holding a series of screenings of their film Smoking Laws (RHFIFF ‘08) on September 7, 8, 9 & 10 at Abilene Bar & Lounge, 153 Liberty Pole Way, Rochester, NY. Visit smokinglawsmovie.com for advance tickets and to see the trailer

Director Alexis Krasilovsky writes that Women Behind the Camera (RHFIFF ‘08) won a Best Women in Cinema Award from the 2008 San Francisco Women’s Film Festival; SFWFF also presented her with a Tribute Award for “achievements in independent cinema.” Krasilovsky won the “Best of the Fest” Literary Award for her new DVD Some Women Writers Kill Themselves: Selected Videopoems and Poetry of Alexis Krasilovsky at the 2008 Austin Woman’s Film, Music & Video Festival, and this summer re-released several of her earlier 16mm/video documentaries on DVD, including End of the Art World starring Warhol and Rauschenberg (with a Director’s commentary and several other new chapters); Beale Street; Some Women Writers Kill Themselves and other titles. For more information, please visit alexiskrasilovsky.com

Do you have recent news about your title that appeared in (any year of) the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival? Please write ruthcowing@highfallsfilmfestival.com for inclusion in future e newsletters!

On June 1st, I Love NY launched their official short film competition. Now, it’s your turn to help select a winner.

Cast your vote through August 31st at www.nypost.com/spsections/iloveny, home of the I LOVE NY’s “Viewers’ Choice” Award. You’ll be treated to short films featuring everything from music to animation, each capturing a unique reason to Love NY. The candidates are comprised of the 15 Grand Prize Finalists’ films. In the end, the film with the most votes will be named “Viewers’ Choice” and receive a NY weekend getaway.

For a complete recap of contest finalists, as well as a breakdown by region, visit www.metacafe.com/iloveny

The 8^th annual Rochester High Falls International Film Festival will take place May 13 – 18, 2009 at various venues around Rochester. Guests can enjoy five jam-packed days seeing new independent films and meeting directors and filmmakers who are eager to share their work with Rochester audiences.

But film is just the beginning! RHFIFF also brings western New York audiences special access to the film world. In addition to features, documentaries, short films, animation, and children’s programming from around the world, attendees can also enjoy panel discussions with filmmakers, master classes, gala receptions with film industry guests, informal coffees with filmmakers, award ceremonies, and more. All-Access pass holders also have exclusive entry to private parties with celebrities and film stars.

All –Access Passes, the best way to fully enjoy Rochester’s “five day party,” cost $175 at the door, but EARLY BIRDS can get $40 off the regular price here at this web site for a limited time starting October 1^st! Click on “Tickets and Passes” to place your order for home delivery of your 2009 pass, and enjoy Rochester’s most exciting annual event.

Academy Award-Winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Emmy-Winner Tina Fey and Award-Winning Filmmaker Doug Liman to Judge; Winning Film to Air as Part of a Commercial During The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Broadcast

ROCHESTER, NY, May 29, 2008 – Filmmakers -professional, student, or amateur - will have the opportunity to tell the world why they love New York, with their work judged by a star-studded celebrity panel, as part of a new initiative launched today by Empire State Development (www.iloveny.com).

The inaugural “I LOVE NY” Short Film Competition, announced at the famed George Eastman House, invites filmmakers to produce their own 60-second short film illustrating why they love New York.

“There is boundless creativity within New York State,” says Dan Gundersen, Upstate Chairman of Economic Development. “We’re proud to be hosting a contest that showcases the innovation and imagination that New York State inspires.” A panel of entertainment industry celebrities with a strong New York connection will judge the submissions, including Academy Award-winner Philip Seymour Hoffman, Emmy-winner Tina Fey and MTV Movie Award- winning filmmaker Doug Liman. Fey, whose hit show “30 Rock” is both set and filmed in New York, taped an instruction video for the filmmakers about what she loves about New York.

Other judges making up the prestigious panel include Dr. Anthony Bannon, Director of George Eastman House; Dave Barger, CEO of jetBlue Airways; Michelle Byrd, Executive Director, Independent Feature Project (IFP); Milton Glaser, Creator, “I LOVE NY” logo and Founder, New York Magazine; V.A. Musetto, Film Critic, New York Post; Evan Shapiro, EVP/General Manager, Independent Film Channel (IFC); and Raj Roy, Chief Curator, MOMA Department of Film.

“We’re thrilled to have so many significant players in the film industry on board for this contest,” says Pat Kaufman, Executive Director of the New York State Governor’s Office for Motion Picture and Television Development (MPTD). “Their participation reinforces the extent of this opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and will aggregate entries from all walks of life.”

As part of the recent relaunch of the “I LOVE NY” campaign, residents and visitors alike are invited to document the myriad sites, sounds and destinations they love throughout the Empire State on film. The competition, which is being executed by Civic Entertainment Group, is seeking to raise awareness of the entire State as a world-class vacation destination.

The “I LOVE NY” Short Film Competition is open to participants over 14 years old. Submissions will be accepted between June 1 and July 15, 2008 and must be filmed in New York State. Sponsors include the Independent Film Channel (IFC), The Independent Feature Project (IFP), jetBlue Airways, The New York Post and Sony. In addition, film festivals across the state have partnered with the competition, including Hamptons Film Festival; Lake Placid Film Forum; New York Film Festival; Rochester High Falls International Film Festival; Syracuse International Film Festival; Tribeca Film Festival; and Woodstock Film Festival.

“Starting right here at The Eastman House, the birthplace of the motion picture, this contest captures the creative spirit that defines New York State,” says Thomas Ranese, Chief Marketing Officer of Empire State Development. “With so many incredible travel destinations to choose from, there are endless options to film and we can’t wait to see the creative ways people find to share why they love New York.”

“I’m thankful that Empire State Development decided to announce the ‘I LOVE NY’ Short Film Contest in the city where the motion picture film started,” says Mayor of Rochester, Robert Duffy. “I want to encourage everybody from Rochester to participate in the film competition and tell the world what they love about our part of the state.”

The Grand Prize Winner’s film will appear as part of a commercial during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast, as well as on jetBlue Airways seatback televisions and the Independent Film Channel (IFC). Several New York State film festivals will also show the winning film. Prizes including Sony professional HD video equipment, a scholarship to a filmmaking workshop, a mentorship with a major filmmaker and New York film festival getaways will be awarded in nine categories including best young filmmaker (18 and younger), best student filmmaker and best regional film.

About New York State

New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions span landmarks such as Niagara Falls, the Empire State Building and Allegany State Park to treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown and the Museum of Glass in Corning. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information, visit www.iloveny.com. Media can find press releases and more at thebeat.iloveny.com.

The 7th Annual Rochester High Falls International Film Festival ran from April 30 - May 5, 2008 at various venues around Rochester, and enjoyed record attendance as well as an impressive cadre of film industry attendees. Film stars Rita Moreno and Bill Pullman were in attendance, as well as actors Vivian Wu (Beauty Remains, The Last Emperor) and Sara Simmonds (In Search of a Midnight Kiss), and exciting filmmakers like Estela Bravo, who was awarded the Festival’s Elizabeth Cady Stanton “Thorn in the Side” award for her body of work — thirty years of incisive and moving documentaries from many corners of Latin America. Moreno was in town to receive the Festivals’ Susan B. Anthony “Failure Is Impossible” Award.

“We’re delighted to have hosted such remarkable guests,” said Catherine Wyler, the Festival’s artistic director, “and to have introduced so many talented filmmakers to them, to each other and to our enthusiastic public.”

On Friday, May 2, actor Bill Pullman introduced Phoebe in Wonderland, a film in which he stars alongside Felicity Huffman and Elle Fanning. On Saturday, May 3, Rita Moreno was presented with RHFIFF’s Susan B. Anthony “Failure is Impossible” Award by Pullman, followed by the gala screening of Fermat’s Room at the Little Theatre. Moreno also appeared on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Little, where she was interviewed by film critic Jack Garner.

Rita Moreno has entertained audiences for over 60 years, and is the first performer to win an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy. Bill Pullman made his film debut in 1986 with Ruthless People. Notable appearances followed in such films as The Accidental Tourist, A League of Their Own and Malice.

Screenings for this year’s Film Festival were expanded to various venues around Rochester. In addition to the Little Theatre and The Dryden Theatre at the George Eastman House, films were shown at The Memorial Art Gallery and the Cinema Theatre.

“We were so happy to see our audience turn out in record numbers and enjoy the new screening sites,” said executive director, Rosie Taravella, who counted some 9,500 attendees, an increase of 15% over the last festival. “Adding three additional venues this year not only signifies the growth of the festival, but also helps to show off other great Rochester neighborhoods at a time of year when people are able to walk around and enjoy them.”

The festival featured 43 full-length features films and documentaries from 23 countries, and over 60 short films. Sold-out selections included Conversations with My Gardener, a French narrative directed by Jean Becker; Phoebe in Wonderland; Mongol, a sweeping take on the violent rise of Genghis Kahn; and Smoking Laws, a world premiere comedy by local filmmaker Matt Ehlers and Rochester producer Jane Ford. Audience picks for best feature and best documentary included Phoebe in Wonderland and Autism The Musical, respectively.

“Such a great feather for ‘Phoebe’ that it won the audience award,” Bill Pullman said. “It’s the cherry on top of the great sweet sundae of a festival.”

The Festival is also proud of its community collaborations this year, including the co-presentation of shorts programming with Movies on a Shoestring, and the co-presentation of the Young Filmmaker’s Competition with the Rochester Urban Youth Film Festival and the co-presentation of the month-long Children’s Film Festival with the Children’s Institute and several other educational and cultural institutions.

“We are quite thrilled that so many community partners are interested in working with our Festival, ” said Festival Director and Co-Programmer Ruth Cowing. “When we all pool our different resources at the same table it is enriching not only for our individual organizations but for Rochester and our region as well.”

The Festival’s mission is to feature exceptional movies for all audiences, and exceptional work of women in all areas of film, video and new media, highlighting Rochester’s standing as the home of motion picture film (George Eastman) and the women’s rights movement (Susan B. Anthony). This year the RHFIFF will present some 90 features, documentaries, shorts, children’s and young adult programs, student filmmaking competitions, panel discussions, master classes, and informal “Coffee With” events featuring visiting filmmakers and stars short films, independent films and children’s programs.