Friday, October 23, 2015

NoHu... Exciting & Elegant

There are two words to describe what's become the most popular film festival in the State of New Jersey... Exciting & Elegant.  But, there is so much more to this unique festival now in its 8th year.  What makes this festival standout from the rest is that they care about the filmmakers.  It show s in every aspect of their week-long event.  To begin with, no submission fee is charged.  Admission to all the festivities is free, and refreshments are bountiful.  But most importantly, the treatment is superb.  Yes, all the films are of high quality, and therefore the competition is tough, but the atmosphere is joyful and full of good spirits.

The closing night of the 8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival took place on Thursday, October 22, 2015 with an elegant Red Carpet filled with Hudson County’s elite filmmakers and artists, followed by fun-filled cocktail party and ceremony.  The event featured live music by The James Austin Trio and Banjoist Danielle Reid.  Highlights of the evening included special Guest Speaker renowned Writer/Director Dan Goggin, who received the “Key to the City” by Mayor & State Senator Brian P. Stack and his Board of Commissioners.  The “Key to the City” is the highest honor given by the City of Union City.   Also addressing the packed house were Broadway and TV producers Melissa Pinsly & Franklin Zitter; and music producer and owner of Water Music, Rob Grenoble. 

The Award Recipients of the 8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival were:
U Su’
a film by Mimmo Mancini
Best Film

Time Square
a film by Alex Rask
Second Place

The Glove
a film by Aaron Peck
Third Place

Over The River
a film by David Giardina
Honorable Mention

Alex Rask
Best Director “Time Square”

Alex Rask
Best Screenplay “Time Square”

Mimmo Mancini
Best Actor “U Su’”

Ashley Kern
Best Actress “Time Square”

Jim Thalman
Best Supporting Actor “PLOY”

Jessica Silvestre
Best Supporting Actress “Nails”

Alex Rask
Best Special Effects “Time Square”

PLOY
Audience Choice Award





Thursday, October 8, 2015

Most Important Film Festival in NJ

8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival

(Union City, NJ)  The City of Union City will host the 8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival.  The week kicks-off with an elegant  Red Carpet event on Monday, October 19, 2015 at 7:00 PM, with the festivities beginning at 8:00 PM.  The opening night event will feature live music by Nuevo Flamenco Guitarist, Jonathan Fritz; a Wine & Cheese Reception; and the World Premiere screening of the film "La Academia" Written & Directed by Antonio Landeo Vega.  The director, producers, and many of the cast and crew of "La Academia" will be present on opening night. 

The closing night festivities will take place on Thursday, October 22, 2015 with a Red Carpet at 7:00 PM and the ceremony commencing at 8:00 PM.  The event will feature live music by The James Austin Trio; a Wine & Cheese Reception; Screening of the winning short films & Awards Presentation; and special Guest Speakers including renowned Writer/Director Dan Goggin, who will also be receiving the “Key to the City” the highest honor given by the City of Union City; Broadway and TV producers Melissa Pinsly & Franklin Zitter; and music producer and owner of Water Music, Rob Grenoble. 

Free Admission.  Free parking on Monday and Thursday at the Colin Powell School inside garage, entrance on Palisade Avenue & 15th Street.

8th Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival
at the
William V. Musto Cultural Center
420 - 15th Street
Union City, NJ 07087

Festival Schedule

Monday, October 19, 2015
7:00 PM Red Carpet
8:00 PM Opening Night Festivities
Live Music by Nuevo Flamenco Guitarist, Jonathan Fritz
Wine & Cheese Reception
World Premiere Screening of "La Academia" 
Written & Directed by Antonio Landeo Vega
Produced by Italo Lorenzzi Bolaños
Starring: Ivan Andia, Yesi Rodriguez, and Percy Malone 

Tuesday, October 20, 2015
7:00 PM
Screening of "In Sickness" 
Julius Kelly, Director
Judy San Roman, Executive Producer

Wednesday, October 21, 2015
7:00 PM
Screening of Short Film Finalists 

Thursday, October 22, 2015
7:00 PM Red Carpet
8:00 PM Closing Night Festivities
Live Music by The James Austin Trio
Screening of the Winners
Awards Presentation
Guest Speakers
Wine & Cheese Reception




DAN GOGGIN (Writer/Director) came to New York from Alma, Michigan to study as a classical countertenor.  He began his professional career singing in the Tony award-winning Broadway production of “Luther” starring Albert Finney. While appearing in a comic folk-duo called “The Saxons” he began writing.  This led to scores for the off-Broadway musical, Hark! (in which he also appeared) , the Broadway production of Legend and two revues.  Goggin received the 1986 Outer Critics’ Circle Awards given to Nunsense for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Music.  His “nunless” musical Balancing Act has toured the U.S. and played in London and Australia.  Nunsense and Nunsense 2: The Second Coming, both starring Rue McClanahan have been recorded for the A&E Television Network.  Nunsense 3: The Jamboree toured the U.S. starring Georgia Engel and has been recorded for television at the Grand Ole Opry starring Vicki Lawrence.  Nunsense A-Men! opened at the 47th Street Theatre in New York in June 1998 and has since been produced with “Laugh-In’s” Arte Johnson, impressionist Frank Gorshin, and Olympic Champion Greg Louganis.  Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical premiered in October 1998, followed by a national tour starring Dody Goodman, Jeff Trachta and Dawn Wells.  The Nuncrackers television special playing on the PBS network starring Rue McClanahan with guest star John Ritter, received and Emmy nomination for Best Musical Score.  Meshuggah-Nuns: The Ecumenical Nunsense premiered in September 2002 and is currently out on DVD.  The All-Star touring production of  Nunsense featuring Kaye Ballard, Georgia Engel, Mimi Hines, Darlene Love and Lee Meriwether marked the 20th anniversary of the original show. In 2004 Dan’s “serious piece” The Traditional Latin Mass was recorded by cast members and friends. In 2005 Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue premiered and in 2008, there was a national tour starring Sally Struthers. Last year Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class (A one-nun musical) and Nunset Boulevard: The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show opened. Most recently, the original Nunsense celebrated it's 30th Anniversary at the Saint Louis Muny featuring a cast of 50 nuns,  10 Broadway stars, and 19 children. Dan is currently working on the pilot for a new Nunsense TV Series. www.nunsense.com. 


***

Nunsense is the first production by Frankenmel Films. Frankenmel founders Melissa Pinsly & Franklin Zitter were previously executive producers for director Ira Sachs’ latest film Thank You For Being Honest starring Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Ehle, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei, and Paulina Garcia. Prior to this Melissa was an Associate Producer for Ira Sachs’ film Love is Strange and is a Tony award nominated Broadway producer. Franklin was previously Head of Production/Senior Producer for FlickerLab, an animation, design, and production studio based in NYC who’s clients included A&E Networks, AMC, Barnes & Noble Digital, Cartoon Network, Comedy Central, The Colbert Report, HBO, Michael Moore, Nickelodeon, and more.

***


Rob Grenoble was signed to RCA Records as an artist and to BMG Music Publishing as a songwriter. He worked with producers Michael Barbiero (Guns N' Roses, Metallica, John Lennon & Yoko Ono), Scott Litt (REM, Indigo Girls) and Peter Coleman (Pat Benetar, Blondie). In 1982, Rob and his bandmates built the first Water Music. Since then Rob has worked with Beyoncé, Shakira, Allman Brothers Band, Dave Matthews Band, Esperanza Spalding and many others. The studio has won multiple Grammys, an Emmy and other awards. This year Water Music set a new record for consecutive #1 singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Song Chart with the Pretty Reckless. 

Monday, October 5, 2015

Special Concert by Legendary singer Fernando Villalona in Union City 
& Featuring one of the best known fusion reggaeton groups from Cuba making its USA debut, Maxima Alerta 

(Union City, NJ)  The City of Union City will be presenting a special concert by legendary singer Fernando Villalona on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Boulevard, Union City, NJ.  The concert will also feature the US premiere of one of the most popular reggaeton fusion musical groups from Cuba, Maxima Alerta. Admission is free.  Doors open at 5:00 PM and the concert will begin at 6:00 PM.  

(Please note:  general admission; space is limited; first come first served; preference to senior citizens and Union City residents; no alcoholic beverages allowed; and no big bags allowed.)

Free parking at the Municipal Parking Deck located on 23rd Street between Summit & Kerrigan Avenues.

Fernando Villalona in Concert
featuring Maxima Alerta

Sunday, October 11, 2015
Doors Open at 5:00 PM
Concert at 6:00 PM

Union City Performing Arts Center
2500 Kennedy Boulevard
Union City, NJ

Free Admission