In just two short years, the NFIFF has established a precedent of bringing Academy Award winners and guests representing the Hollywood elite?s to Niagara Falls to both celebrate their work and connect them with independent filmmakers making entertaining and provocative work today.
The NFIFF opened 2019 with a celebration of Academy Award-winner Louis Gossett Jr. and influential legend Samuel Fuller. The Gala celebration and Opening Night reception featured a display of the first Niagara Falls Walk of Fame stars set to be installed this year with the names of 4-Time President of the Academy Awards Cheryl Boone Isaacs and 2-Time Academy Award Winner Mark Bridges. Isaacs was in attendance and presented the festival?s Legacy Award to Louis Gossett Jr. – Christa and Samantha Fuller were presented with NFIFF?s inaugural Icon of Industry Award for Samuel Fuller, and both Fuller and Gossett Jr. were presented with their own stars on the Walk of Fame, as well. Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster presented a proclamation to Bill Cowell and the Niagara Falls International Film Festival and Recent finalist from ?The Voice?, Mikaela Astel, performed.
Following a festival-long salute to Samuel Fuller NFIFF capped it off with a screening of Fuller?s beloved THE BIG RED ONE with Christa and Samantha Fuller, and several of the film?s stars (Robert Carradine, Perry Lang, Kelly Ward, and Bobby Di Ciccio) in attendance. Moderated by filmmaker and film historian, Michael Schlesinger, the post-screening Q&A was an entertaining and frequently emotional one ? with fond remembrances of Fuller and the film?s star, Lee Marvin. The moment was made all the greater thanks to a surprise call from another of the film?s stars, Mark Hamill, who addressed the crowd with flattery.
NFIFF continued with another tradition established the prior year, by making a special presentation of the film festival?s Humanitarian Award to Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia to honor his military service during the Iraq War.
The Niagara Falls International Film Festival invites filmmakers, young and old, from all over the globe to one of the world?s most majestic and historic locations. Join filmmakers, industry veterans and aspiring new talent as they gather together to enjoy a Jam-packed Celebration of Great Films ? Thrilling Helicopter Tours Over the Falls ? Casino?s ? Historic Attractions ? Parties ? Workshops and Seminars ? Special Events and Comradery. Not only will the Niagara Falls International Film Festival capture the essence of what filmmaking is all about, but it also captures the essence of the filmmakers themselves.
We welcome all filmmakers to share their experiences with us. Send your films today!
