April 16, 1999
The Second Annual San Diego World Film Festival (SDWFF) will open April 23 and continue through May 2, 1999 with an eclectic array of film and entertainment events including: major studio, independent and student premieres, a Young Filmmaker's showcase at the Museum School, art exhibits, a cutting edge fashion show, late night erotica, a nostalgic film retrospective of critically acclaimed firms from a major studio, a funky festival headquarters at the Culy Trucking Warehouse, over 70 screenings at the Pacific Gaslamp theaters and an underground film series and workshops at the Frits Theater. "An idealistic goal of the San Diego World Film Festival is to celebrate and experience not only the latest in film but to acknowledge the other disciplines involved in filmmaking.... design, music, art, and fashion," said Lindsay More-men, the new executive director of the SDWFF.
Festival founders, Herb Margolis, Jo Moulton and Pamayla Ziolkowski of Cinema Entertainment Alliance are excited about the eclectic approach and direction of this year's event." Pamayla has put together a workshop and dialogue series which will focus on the fascinating business of motion pictures while herb has negotiated several significant major studio commitments for participation," said Moulton. Lindsay's series of special events in unique venues will create an ambience and feel that we want the festival to project," she added.
Miramax Films, whose recent releases include "Life is Beautiful" and "Shakespeare in Love" is expected to premiere 4 new titles at the SDWFF according to Herb Margolis. The opening night post-screening bash will be held at the Children's Museum/Museo de Los Niños amidst the nationally acclaimed Design World's installation. The world-renowned designer Ivan Cher-mayeff curates the exhibit. Guests will be dazzled by a world class fashion show presented by Lissilaa Boutique of La Jolla and will feature collections by internationally acclaimed designer such as Helmut Lang, Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and many more.
General Screenings will be at the Pacific Gaslamp Theaters on 5-Avenue in the historic Gaslamp district of San Diego. One of the highlights will be a two-hour showcase of the best student work from the San Diego State University School of Communications. "For our students this offers valuable exposure of their high quality work to a wider and more diverse audience," said Dr. Michael Real, Director of the SDSU School of Communication.
In line with the festival's expanded program, the SDWFF-North County Film Showcase will kick off in the Cedros Design District of Solana Beach with nightly screenings of international and U.S. contemporary films at the Belly-UP starting Saturday April 24. A benefit for Rancho Santa Fe based charity Design with a Purpose, who designs functional living environments for the abuse and physically challenged is planned for the North County Showcase kick off celebration.
The Young Filmmakers Showcase for children and young adults will take place at the Museum School, a charter public school in the San Diego City school system. Films from the U.S., the Czech Republic, Poland, & India have been submitted for programming consideration. "The variety of films made by children for children is impressive and we look forward to providing an entertaining and educational experience for students," said Jo Moult-on, Artistic Director of SDWFF.
The historic Culy Trucking Warehouse located at 338 7th Avenue in the East Village will serve as festival headquarters, coffee lounge, and the hub of all operations. Filmmaker registration, ticket sales and pass redemption's, the press room, VIP lounge, volunteer check-in, merchandise sales, internet access and late breaking news bulletins will all be located at the Culy. Night owls can stop by the Culy for evening musical entertainment and open mike after 8:00 pm each evening. In addition, VHS screenings of video-format submissions will be on going throughout the day and evenings at the Culy. "We are grateful to Fritz Ahern, owner of the Fritz Theater and Culy, for his support in our efforts to create a truly unique event for San Diego. These venues will add great ambiance to the film festival," said Moremen.
Return
to Frontpage