2011 Alien Film Festival Gala Information
THE ROSWELL INTERNATONAL SCI-FI FILM FESTIVAL KICKS OF SEVEN DAY SCI-FI/FANTASY DIGITAL SHOOTOUT
City of Roswell More Excited Than Ever to Welcome Visitors for an Out-of-This-World-Experience!
For Immediate Release.
Date: June 24, 2011
Contact: Reneé Roach, (575) 637-6224, marketing@roswellmysteries.com
(ROSWELL, N.M.) – The City of Roswell is more excited than ever to welcome visitors and filmmakers from throughout the universe to experience the city that’s been home to some of the most infamous alien landmarks since the 1940s, Roswell, New Mexico, as they kick off an innovative new project, the Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival and SCI-FI/FANTASY DIGITAL SHOOT OUT!
Beginning in April, 2011, the organizers of the Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival (RISF) gathered submission from screenwriters all over the world for short science fiction or fantasy screenplays, up to 12 pages as part of the RISF Screenwriting Competition. Five winners were selected to have their screenplays adapted into a short film over the course of the RISF Sci-Fi/Fantasy Digital Shoot out - a structured, week-long production, including crews assembled from the students of the RISF Summer Film Boot Camp – a 30 day intensive movie-making crash course that included script writing, casting, shooting, directing, producing and editing. In addition, each of the five crews maintain industry standard and have been provided with state of the art digital equipment and a grant of $1500. The writers of the winning screenplays had the option to participate in the Shoot-Out and take on the role of Director on their short film.
The City of Roswell would like to congratulate the following winners of the RISF Screenwriting Competition:
“Interrogation” by Fantina M. Caravajal from Albuquerque, NM
“Low Tide in the High Desert” by Stanley Ray from Albuquerque, NM
“Reset” by Charles Hall from Toronto, Canada
“The Visit” by Sundae Jahant-Osborn from London, United Kingdom
“Julia Needs a Change” by Scott & Paula Merrow from Albuquerque, NM
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These five short films will be showcased at the RISF Red Carpet Gala event including a “Roswell-Style Oscar Awards” presentation by celebrity guests at the newly renovated New Mexico Military Institute Pearson Auditorium from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., including the “Governor Martinez Media Arts Scholarship Award’ by Dr. Jose Garcia, Secretary of Higher Education to an excelling Media Arts student. The event is a “black tie affair” and will be followed by a “Star Wars Courtyard Cantina” After Party Celebration at Pepper’s Grill and Bar including 12 Star Wars Characters from “Vader’s Fist 501st Legion Imperial Costuming Organization” as well as performances from “Storm Troupers Bellydance” and music from “Soul Code”.
Additionally, beginning in May, 2011, the RISF invited filmmakers working in the science fiction genre to submit their films to be screened at the festival. RISF will be showcasing the latest and greatest Sci-Fi by independent filmmakers along with some mainstream Sci-Fi Classics at the Roswell Museum and Art Center during the RISF Film Showcase beginning Thursday, June 30 – Saturday, July 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. including the following:
“The Incredible Voyage of Captain Hook” by Joshua Klein
“The New Adam” by Paul Coleman
“Singularity” by Stephen Griffin
“The Lone Warrior” by Stephen Griffin
“Waking Eloise” by Bobby Mirinelli
“Downstream” by Phil Kim
These films will be followed by free, family-friendly films during the nighttime “Movies under the Stars” on the Roswell Convention & Civic Center Plaza starting with “Megamind” on Thursday, June 30th from 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. and “Ghostbusters” on Friday, July 1st including celebrity guest appearance with Ernie Hudson.
To add to the allure of the event, the Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival is pleased to announce its partnership with Famous Monsters of Filmland and creator, Philip Kim. Famous Monsters of Filmland is the most well-known magazine devoted to fan-oriented coverage of horror, fantasy and science fiction and features a range from previews of upcoming films, to respectful looks back at film history, interviews with the principal personalities in genre, and in-depth behind-the-scenes discussions of specialized aspects of film production, including visual and makeup effects. FAMOUS MONSTERS is recognized throughout fandom for its friendly, light-hearted and enthusiastic approach.
Philip Kim, along with actor Ernie Hudson and other Sci-Fi filmmakers, producers and actors will host the RISF Filmmakers Forum and Luncheon on Saturday, July 2 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. including discussions on the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film industry and photo opportunities.
The following is a summary of the exciting events being held during the Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival, “Aliens in Cinema”:
· PARTY ON THE PATIO: “Aliens in Cinema”
Wed. 6/29, 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Pepper’s Grill & Bar (corner of 6th & Main)
· RISF FILM SHOWCASE
Including independent film submissions & Classic Sci-Fi greats! Thurs., 6/30 – Sat., 7/2. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Roswell Museum & Art Center (Bassett Auditorium, 11th & Main St.). $3 per day or $5 for 3-day pass. Additionally, Master Face & Body Painter, Mark Reid, will be making appearances and proving face and body paint designs. Pick up schedule of showings at RMAC registration desk.
· ROSWELL HYUNDAI GALACTIC MEET & GREET
Storm Trouper Bellydance, Star Wars Character Greetings, Miss Roswell, Miss Chaves County & refreshments -Fri., 7/1, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Roswell Hyundai (located at 1909 W. Second St.)
· RISF MOVIES UNDER THE STARS
Thurs., 6/30 – “Megamind”; Fri., 7/1 – “Ghostbusters” (Ernie Hudson available for photo ops!) at the Roswell Convention & Civic Center Plaza, 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. FREE TO THE PUBLIC
· RISF FILMMAKERS FORUM & LUNCHEON
Includes keynotes & photo ops with celebrity guests, Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters”, “Stargate SG-1”) & Phil Kim (Famous Monsters of Filmland). Lunch catered by Martin’s Capitol Café. Tickets: $20/person (does not include signed photos) Sat., 7/2, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Roswell Museum & Art Center (Bassett Auditorium)
· RISF RED CARPET GALA
Showcase of 5 winning screenplays taken from “script to screen” in one week during the RISF SCI-FI/FANTASY DIGITAL SHOOTOUT. Be a part of a “Roswell – Style Oscar Experience” at the newly renovated NMMI Pearson Auditorium Sat., 7/2, 7:00 – 9:00 PM; Preshow begins at 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $25/person (includes After-Party Celebration & Film Showcase pass).
· STARWARS COURTYARD CANTINA
Red Carpet Gala “After-Party Celebration” including live music, Star Wars Characters, celebrity guests, Storm Troupers Bellydance, Mark Reid Body Art, appetizers & drinks – Sat., 7/2, 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Pepper’s Grill & Bar Courtyard, (corner of 6th & Main). Must purchase Red Carpet Gala ticket.
The Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival is the only filmmaking festival of its kind dedicated to bringing artist’s visions from “script to screen” in one week and captures the essence of filmmaking, highlighting cutting-edge digital media, which is revolutionizing the film industry. The RISF provides a venue for independent SCIFI/FANTASY filmmakers to get their films made and was spearheaded by Alan Trever. Trever has been actively involved in photography, advertising, film and television in New Mexico for over ten years and established a film program in Roswell that serves as a training ground for future members of IATSE.
Trever has also served as a local production coordinator for many films and television crews that have come through Roswell, utilizing the program that he created at Eastern New Mexico University – Roswell and have worked in various capacities to a number of companies, such as Lion’s Gate™, Paramount, ABC Family, Discovery Channel and NBC and produced numerous projects for various companies such as ESPN, Discovery, the State of New Mexico and the History Channel. He has also produced several independent features filmed in Southern New Mexico, such as Ilegales, Last Stop (starring Mena Suvari and Brian Austin Green) and Coyote County Loser, which won “Best Comedy” at the Telluride Film Festival. Currently, he is involved in producing a new film called, “Roswell FM”, which is scheduled to shoot in Roswell this summer.
Roswell Mayor Del Jurney stated, “Roswell is enthusiastic about developing our film industry and network; and we congratulate the Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival for creating this mechanism to celebrate our local media arts, students and professionals”.
**If you are a member of the media and would like more information, to setup interviews or obtain press credentials, please contact Reneé Roach, City of Roswell Marketing Director and NM Film Office Liaison at (575) 637-6224 or email marketing@roswellmysteries.com **For more information, visit www.FilmRoswell.com. You can also follow the festival on Facebook (Amazing Roswell UFO Festival).
