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Fourth Annual New Hope Film Festival announces official selections

May 10, 2013 By

New Hope Film Festival has announced their official selections for the 2013 Fourth Annual Festival that will be held July 12th– 21st in New Hope and Doylestown.

The judges selected 111 films from 17 countries and Antarctica, and many are world and U.S. premieres.

Countries represented include USA, Canada, Turkey, Chile, Russian Federation, Jordon, India, Germany, Poland, France, People’s Republic of China, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Australia, Czech Republic, and Belgium.

NHFF will present this world class lineup of independent films: nine full-length feature films including two student features, 14 documentaries, four Mid-Atlantic Category films, 12 music videos, 12 screenplays, 24 short films, 36 student shorts, and the festival’s first webisode.

Filmmakers will be traveling from around the country and abroad to attend screenings and will participate in question and answer sessions following the films.

Films will be screened in three venues: New Hope Arts Center, Stephen J. Buck Memorial Theater and The County Theater. 

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The 2013 New Hope Pennsylvania Film Festival

January 21, 2013 By

The New Hope Film Festival continues to build and grow as it heads into its fourth annual event. July 12th-21st, 2013 are the official running dates.

Last year, the organization screened 83 films from 13 countries and hosted the U.S. premiere of “Brush” at The County Theater in Doylestown.

Also during last year’s season, Laurie Nadel of The Huffington Post touted New Hope Film Festival as the “emerging ‘Sundance East.’” Such accolades are indicative of the Festival’s growing international prestige and influence.

Tickets at the door will remain $12 for adult patrons and $10 for students and senior citizens, with a special matinee price of $6. Advance tickets will be available through Brown Paper Tickets for the third year running.

More information, including the Festival’s 2013 collection of world-class films, will be available at www.newhopefilmfestival.com in spring 2013.

New Hope Film Festival was founded by D. F. Whipple, an author, screenwriter, and long-time resident of the New Hope area. Whipple formed the New Hope Film Festival with a group of artists who shared his passion for discovering and nurturing independent filmmakers, especially those who’ve been overlooked by established festivals. This includes international films, which the Festival is eager to attract.

Every film submitted is watched with a keen eye for quality and artistic expression.

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2013 New Hope Film Festival announces call for entries

December 3, 2012 By

The New Hope Film Festival has announced a call for entries in Art House Feature, Music Video, Screenplay, Webisode, Short, Documentary, Mid-Atlantic and Student categories.

To submit your work for festival judges’ consideration, proceed to New Hope Film Festival’s website at www.newhopefilmfestival.com, click on “Submissions” and proceed to the festival’s profile page on Withoutabox.com.

There is still plenty of time to beat the regular December 28th, 2012 deadline. 

The Fourth Annual New Hope Film Festival will run July 12th-21st, 2013. Decisions will be emailed by April 15th, 2013.

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New Hope Film Festival hosts third annual award ceremony

August 6, 2012 By

by June Portnoy

The 2012 Third Annual New Hope Film Festival culminated during its invitation-only award ceremony on Sunday, July 15th at New Hope Arts Center. Practically every seat was filled with filmmakers, community members and various media reporters eager to discover which of the 81 films representing 13 countries would win an award.

Thom Mulligan, Executive Director of Submissions, began the ceremony.

“I’m an actor and a filmmaker, so I know how hard it is to make a movie…It takes an incredible amount of work, fortitude, determination and perseverance, and just by doing that, you’re already winners.  Everyone here is a winner.

“Dream your dream, work your dream and live your dream,” he added before introducing Chairman and Founder of the Film Festival, Doug Whipple.

“It makes us so proud to have the opportunity to present your films to the world,” said Doug.           

He spoke about the Danny Award, cast in solid bronze that was specially designed by a Bucks County artist for the winner of the day’s Best Juried Picture. 

“I want to emphasize that it doesn’t matter whether or not you get an award today,” Doug added.  “What matters is that after the festival is over, you continue to get out there, work hard and continue to believe in your dreams because you can get your film into distribution regardless of whether or not you win an award here.”

Doug introduced Mayor Larry Keller, also President of New Hope Arts.

Said Mayor Keller, “We’re so happy we can provide you with a venue where you can present your films.”

He also announced that New Hope Arts is hoping to renovate New Hope Arts Center by putting in thermal windows and central air conditioning, so that next year this location will provide an even better atmosphere to screen films.

Next, Thom returned to the stage to announce the Audience Choice Awards.

The Best Short Film was “Bump;” Best Documentary was “Dancing on a Volcano;” Best Mid-Atlantic Film was “Broken on All Sides;” Best Student Film was “For Goodness Shakes!;” and Best Feature Film was “Dalai Mongol.”

Although not all filmmakers could be there to accept their awards, Director Tyler Mertens accepted his award for, “For Goodness Shakes!”

“This is awesome, considering we shot this film in two days with zero budget,” he said, thanking the Film Festival directors.

Director Levi Chen accepted his award for “Dalai Mongol.” During the award ceremony, Levi, an award-winning musician from Los Angeles, performed some of his music featured in his film.

Following Levi’s performance, Thom presented the 2012 Juried Award Winners, including: “Squeaky Business” for Best Animated Short Film; “The Grove” for the GLTB (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) Spirit Award; “Strumpet” for Retro Sensation Award; “The Pact” for the Bufonesco (Best Comedy) Award; “Let Us Talk” for the Cultural Spirit (recognizes contributions to social/cultural issues) Award; “Running Through: The Jordan Culbreath Story” for the New Hope (the celebration of triumph over adversity) Award; “Hath No Man” for Best Student Film; Empire: “The Whitewater Story” for Artistic Spirit (artistic quality and bravery in the face of substantial obstacles) Award; “Steve Phoenix: The Untold Story” for the Indie Spirit (honoring remarkable talent on a shoestring budget) Award; “No Head” for Best Music Video Award; “Cluck” for Best Short Film; and “Only a Number” for Best Documentary.

Steven Besserman, director of “Only a Number,” accepting his award, said, “My mom, who was the complete inspiration of this film, passed away in January. She allowed me to bring her story to the world.”

“Only a Number” is the true story of Steven’s mother, a Holocaust survivor with dementia.

Said Bill Haley, director of “Steve Phoenix: The Untold Story,” “I want to thank the folks at the New Hope Film Festival for making us feel so welcome as participating filmmakers.”

Gabriella Loutfi accepted her award for Best Music Video.

“It’s a pleasure to create this new category. I was the only participant,” she laughed. “Hopefully this will encourage more filmmakers to make music videos.”

Director Daniel Doran accepted his award for “Empire: The Whitewater Story.”

And finally, it was time for the biggest award of the day, the Danny Award. Mayor Keller announced that the winner of this award for Best Picture was “Brush” by Australian Director Shiyan Zheng. Doug Whipple accepted this award on Shiyan’s behalf.

“Brush” is the story of a struggling young painter who decides to give up his art to pursue a normal, safe life with his fiancé. But selfish actions soon threaten their relationship in this sophisticated and deeply psychological love story.

The New Hope Film Festival is already accepting submissions for next year.

For more information visit www.newhopefilmfestival.com.

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Local filmmakers create ‘Halloweenville,’ a documentary about Halloween in Lambertville

July 3, 2012 By

by June Portnoy

For 11 months of the year, Lambertville is a mecca for artists, artisans, musicians, antique dealers and restaurateurs. But come October, like a werewolf during full moon, Lambertville transforms itself into a virtual haunted house of witches, ghouls, goblins and trolls.

So, why has Lambertville become to Halloween what Mardi Gras is to New Orleans? That’s the question that Lambertville residents Gary P. Cohen, Paul Kaye and Jann Knistern try to answer during their 63-minute documentary, “Halloweenville.”

Gary, producing director of Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park, helped childhood friend, and actor Paul, along with friend Jann, a graphic artist, co-direct this light-hearted investigation. About two years ago, Gary, who lived in Edison, New Jersey, was looking for a weekend home.

Coincidentally, there was a home available directly across the street from Paul, which today Gary calls home.

“It was around this time that Paul told me I had to experience Halloween in Lambertville to truly appreciate it, so in 2009 I took his advice,” explains Gary. “I saw for myself how this town truly embraces this holiday and I knew we had to make a film that captures this event as it occurs.”

Beginning October 2010, Gary, Paul and Jann began filming all the pre-Halloween events in Lambertville leading up to October 31st. About two weeks prior to Halloween, they filmed the town’s annual Pet Masquerade, where hundreds of pets can be seen strutting around in elaborate costumes.

They also filmed the town-wide costume competition.  “We’re not just talking costumes here,” says Gary. “We’re talking about people building full-sized floats.”

An example is a robot on stilts almost the size of a truck. And if you’re not one of the 250 people participating in the Lambertville Halloween Parade, you’re watching it. Even the majority of downtown restaurants get into the spirit of Halloween on Mischief Night as both hostesses and patrons dress in costumes.

“Halloweenville” also includes the preparation of three featured homes converted into haunted houses for Halloween Eve.

“These haunted homes are very authentic with actor participants, bodies in coffins, laboratories and live musicians,” says Gary.

Still another structured Halloween event in town is a pumpkin carving contest. About 40 people participate, and once again, you see very detail-oriented, intricately carved pumpkins, such as a complete Indian head carved from a pumpkin.

On Halloween, North Union Street from Bridge Street is closed down for two hours. Thousands of people walk along the street and are welcomed into homes for trick-or-treating. Every home is fully decorated for the occasion. 

During the film you see a home decorated by an art teacher who creates full size creatures, people and animals.

“There are over 30 of these creatures spread out along her and her neighbor’s front lawn,” says Gary, who likens it to seeing “The Lion King” up close. He adds, “The average person who lives on North Union Street spends somewhere between $300 to $600 on candy.”

Once again, the question comes back to why all this fuss about Halloween in Lambertville? During the film Lambertville residents are interviewed for their responses, yet everyone seems to have their own theories.

“Some say it’s because Lambertville is a very artistic town and this is the way these artists express themselves,” says Gary. “Other people think the town is haunted and that the spirits govern this event.”

There doesn’t seem to be any consensus among the residents of this town, so you’ll have to decide for yourself by viewing the film. It will be presented at this year’s New Hope Film Festival taking place July 6th through July 15th in New Hope and Doylestown.

“Halloweenville” will be presented on Saturday, July 14th during a Local Film Showcase at the Stephen J. Buck Memorial Theater, located at the New Hope-Solebury High School at 182 W. Bridge Street in New Hope, beginning at 6:15pm.

For more information about the Third Annual New Hope Film Festival, visit www.newhopefilmfestival.com. For more information about “Halloweenville,” visit http://www.gpcproductionsllc.com/HALLOWEENVILLE/Welcome.html.

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Tyler Mertens’ ‘For Goodness Shakes’ kicks off New Hope Film Festival

July 3, 2012 By

Tyler Mertens by June Portnoy

The national prohibition of alcohol in the US began in 1920, outlawing the production, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages. But what if Prohibition had included milkshakes as well as alcohol?

It was that idea that prompted New Hope resident, Tyler Mertens to co-write, produce, direct and edit “For Goodness Shakes,” a parody of Prohibition. This silent, six-minute film, shot exclusively in black and white, is set in the 1920s shortly after Prohibition began. 

“My hope is that after seeing this film, the audience will laugh at how ridiculous Prohibition was,” says Tyler, a West Chester University student who just completed his sophomore year. “Sometimes, the restrictions that the government puts on us are truly silly and can seem as frivolous as making milkshakes illegal.”

The two main characters in this film are Alissa Conway and Tricia Finn, fellow students of Tyler, who helped him write the script. All three students attend the Honors College at West Chester, an impressive distinction as only 40 students are accepted into the college each year.

In “For Goodness Shakes,” Alissa and Tricia dress as flappers who are frustrated because it is illegal for them to buy a milkshake.

Tyler shot the entire film on West Chester’s campus.

The thought of banning milkshakes originally came to him because you can only buy milkshakes on campus at one diner; yet this diner is always sold out, so nobody can buy one. He combined this situation with the banning of alcohol during Prohibition to create “For Goodness Shakes,” which kicks off the Third Annual New Hope Film Festival at the New Hope Arts Center, 2 Stockton Avenue in New Hope, on Friday, July 6th at 7:00pm.

Tyler has made over 30 films since ninth grade, but this is his first film accepted into a festival.

“I was ecstatic when I found out my film was accepted into this film festival, especially since it’s taking place in my hometown,” says Tyler. “I feel honored to be part of this festival.”

Tyler likes how the film festival brings out the New Hope community to screen films together.

With the exception of Tyler’s roommate, Brian Tracy, a music major at West Chester who created the film’s soundtrack, everyone else involved in the production of “For Goodness Shakes” is pursuing careers that have nothing to do with film.

“We’ve demonstrated that a group of people with different career goals can come together to create a film regardless of what we want to do with our lives,” says Tyler. “Nobody says you have to be a filmmaker to make a successful film.”

Tyler eventually hopes to teach in middle school. However, he plans to continue making films as a hobby because it has become a passion of his. He already has an idea for his next film.

His current film will be judged in the student category of the New Hope Film Festival.  Come out to the Film Festival and be one of the first people to see “For Goodness Shakes.” 

If you’d like to view some of Tyler’s other films, visit youtube.com/owlyfilms.

“For Goodness Shakes” will appear on this site after its premier at the New Hope Film Festival.

PHOTO CAP: Tyler Mertens

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New Hope Film Festival attracts worldwide attention

July 3, 2012 By
DOUG WHIPPLE

 

by June Portnoy

Three years ago, Doug Whipple, an author, screenwriter and long-time resident of New Hope, founded the New Hope Film Festival. Thanks to all his hard work and dedication, this festival has become a national and international success.

During this year’s Third Annual New Hope Film Festival, being held July 6th through July 15th, 10% of the films being screened are from the tri-state area, and the rest are from other states and countries.  

“We have films representing 13 countries,” says Doug.

Out of the approximate 220 submissions this year, 81 were selected by Doug and Thom Mulligan, Doug’s friend and Executive Director of Submissions.

“I review every film that comes in because as founder of this festival, I am ultimately responsible for the quality of films we show,” says Doug.

When reviewing each entry, Doug and Thom use a Southern California model, asking themselves whether a Southern California audience would enjoy them.

“We have high international standards,” adds Doug, “and have had some filmmakers tell us that the films in our festival would fit in perfectly at such highly-respected festivals as the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals.

During a previous New Hope Film Festival, a German Film Commission member discovered a German film right here in New Hope, and that film ultimately was nominated in Germany for best debut film.

The idea for the New Hope Film Festival was ignited during a conversation Doug had with Thom, an independent film producer and performance artist with long-standing ties to the New Hope area. Thom had created a feature film that had been turned down by 17 festivals, which then got accepted into four others and ultimately won best film in all four of those festivals.

“We realized there was an imbalance in the festival world, and that deserving films weren’t getting a chance to be discovered and recognized,” says Doug. “So many filmmakers want go get into the big film festivals, but there seemed a need for a film festival to come along and accept good quality films regardless of whether filmmakers had the right connections or had big name actors starring in them.

“We take films with zero budgets to million dollar budgets, and it’s not against our rules to take films with big names, but we don’t require it either.

“We have confidence in the films we select without looking at other festivals to help us decide which to choose.”

This year’s Film Festival offers a wide variety of films, including eight art house features, 15 documentaries, 30 shorts and 29 student films. The minimum film length is one minute and the maximum length is three hours. On average short films are 15 minutes and feature films are 1½ hours.

Films are screened in categories. For example, all student films are screened together.

This year, the Doylestown County Theater has become an official venue. Therefore, films will be screened there, in addition to the New Hope Arts Center, Stephen J. Buck Memorial Theater and New Hope-Solebury High School.

The Festival has also added three new awards this year, including the Retro Sensations, GLTB (Gay/Lesbian/Transgender/Bisexual) and Bufonesco (Best Comedy) Awards.

Thanks to this film festival, people from all over the world are discovering New Hope. One filmmaker is traveling all the way from Australia this year to attend. 

“New Hope is becoming a destination area known for this film festival,” says Doug. “We estimate that last year’s festival brought $100,000 to this community. Most B&Bs in this area are already full the week of this year’s festival.

“This festival brings high quality art not available anywhere else to Bucks County.”

“In the three years since we started this festival, we have come so much farther than we ever expected, and we plan to continue to grow and thrive.”

In the immediate future, the festival will offer three new admissions, including music videos, screenplays and web series.  The festival will begin taking submissions for these and all other categories beginning in August.

Doug encourages everyone in the area to come to the Festival’s Opening Night at the New Hope Arts Center, 2 Stockton Avenue, where the festival’s directors will be on hand to recommend films you will enjoy.

For additional information about this year’s festival, visit www.newhopefilmfestival.com for a free 2012 official guide.

PHOTO CAP: Doug Whipple, founder of the New Hope Film Festival

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Local Filmmakers Create Halloweenville: A Documentary About Halloween in Lambertville

May 29, 2012 By

By June Portnoy

For eleven months of the year, Lambertville is a mecca for artists, artisans, musicians, antique dealers and restaurateurs. But come October, like a werewolf on a full moon, Lambertville transforms itself into a virtual haunted house of witches, ghouls, goblins and trolls.

So, why has Lambertville become to Halloween what Mardi Gras is to New Orleans? That’s the question that Lambertville residents Gary P. Cohen, Paul Kaye and Jann Knistern try to explain during their 63-minute documentary, “Halloweenville.”

Gary, producing director of Middlesex County’s Plays-in-the-Park, helped childhood friend, and actor Paul, along with friend Jann, a graphic artist, co-direct this light-hearted documentary.

About two years ago, Gary, who lived in Edison, New Jersey, was looking for a weekend home. Coincidentally, there was a home available directly across the street from Paul, which today Gary calls home.

“It was around this time that Paul told me I had to experience Halloween in Lambertville to truly appreciate it, so in 2009 I took his advice,” explains Gary. “I saw for myself how this town truly embraces this holiday and I knew we had to make a film that captures this event as it occurs.”

Beginning October 2010, Gary, Paul and Jann began filming all the pre-Halloween events in Lambertville leading up to October 31.

About two weeks prior to Halloween, they filmed the town’s annual Pet Masquerade where hundreds of pets can be seen strutting around in elaborate costumes.

They also filmed the town-wide costume competition. “We’re not just talking costumes here,” says Gary. “We’re talking about people building full-sized floats.” An example is a robot on stilts almost the size of a truck.

And if you’re not one of the 250 people participating in the Lambertville Halloween Parade, you’re watching it.

Even the majority of downtown restaurants get into the spirit of Halloween on Mischief Night as both hostesses and patrons dress in costumes.

[Read more...]

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2012 Third Annual New Hope Pennsylvania Film Festival Announces Official Selections

May 22, 2012 By

New Hope Film Festival, “Pennsylvania’s very own Film Festival” says NBC 10 TV in Philadelphia, is excited to announce the Official Selections for the 2012 Third Annual festival that will be held July 6th–15th in New Hope and Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

The judges have selected 83 films from 13 countries, many world and U.S. premieres. Countries represented include: United States, Mexico, Spain, UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, Mongolia, Chili, Argentina, Japan, Singapore and Turkey.

We are proud to present these outstanding independent films to the world: 8 Art House features, 16 Documentaries, 30 Shorts and 29 Student films. Filmmakers and movie fans from around the country and abroad will attend screenings and participate in question and answer sessions following the films. A panel discussion is also in the works.

Films will be screened in three venues: New Hope Arts Center, Stephen J. Buck Memorial Theater at New Hope-Solebury High School and The County Theater in Doylestown.

[Read more...]

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Student filmmaker directs documentary of a tattoo artist at work

May 22, 2012 By

by June Portnoy

Over the last 20 years or so tattoo work has completely exploded. What was once considered punk rock or biker rebellion is now a fairly common look seen on people from all walks of life. According to statistics, one out of four people between the ages of 18 and 50 have tattoos. 

“Tattoos have become more mainstream and are seen today as an artistic expression,” says Jon Reino, director of “The Tattoo Life: The Rich Cahill Documentary“

With that idea in mind, Jon, a film student at Montclair State University in New Jersey, set off to film a documentary about tattoo artist, Rich Cahill from Frenchtown, NJ, to show people the true artistry involved in tattooing.

During this 24-minute documentary, you’ll see Rich’s work first-hand as he tattoos various people, most notably the Chief of Police of Frenchtown. Rich gets upset with reality TV shows about tattoo artists that don’t give viewers an accurate picture of this profession and don’t portray the best artwork that these tattoo artists are capable of achieving.

While Jon interviews Rich’s clients, he films them being tattooed.  He films multiple close-up sequences of Rich tattooing his clients from start to finish using some time lapse shots.

This film also shows Rich’s process of tattooing and describes how he makes his own ink, which is rare these days.

His clients talk mostly about the ideas they had for tattoos, and how Rich persuaded them to get a truly unique tattoo that they could be proud of.

“Every tattoo Rich does is top quality,” says Jon.  “I try to show Rich as a figure head of the artistic tattoo artists.  People can tell immediately how professional and personable he is, and his clients come from all over the region to be tattooed by him.

“You have to remember that tattooing is the hardest and riskiest form of art because you’re using a living canvass,” says Jon. “It’s therefore the ultimate form of artistic expression. There’s no greater a commitment than getting a tattoo because you have it the rest of your life.”

The film portrays Rich as a family man who focuses much of his personal time on his wife and two children. He is also a musician.

“His family and music are a big part of Rich’s life and heart,” comments Jon.  “People often think of tattoo artists as rowdy, loud, party guys, but Rich is an everyday family man who just happened to choose tattoo artistry as his career.”

Jon hopes that people will walk away from his documentary realizing that these types of tattoo artists do exist. 

“After seeing this film, I hope my audience understands the true artistry involved in tattooing,” says Jon.

See for yourself how you feel about tattoo artists after viewing Jon’s documentary. It will be presented at this year’s New Hope Film Festival taking place July 6th through July 15th in New Hope and Doylestown.

“The Tattoo Life: The Rich Cahill Documentary” will be presented on Saturday, July 14th during a local film showcase at the Stephen J. Buck Memorial Theater, located at New Hope-Solebury High School at 182 W. Bridge Street in New Hope, beginning at 6:15pm.

For more information about the 2012 Third Annual New Hope Film Festival, visit www.newhopefilmfestival.com.

For more information about “The Tattoo Life: The Rich Cahill Documentary,“ visit www.jonreino.com.

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