2014 Golden Door Film Festival Program by Golden Door Film Festival

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TABLE OF CONTENTS! " A Note From Our Founder ...........................................................................4 About the Festival .......................................................................................5 Board Members .......................................................................................... 5 Venues ………………………………………..…..……………………….6 Film Information .........................................................................................7-22 Award Categories …………………………………………………………23 Jury Members ……………………………………………………………..24-25 Special Thanks ………………………………………..……………………26 25 Sponsors ……………………………………………………………………27 Clickable Schedule (Buy tickets online)……………………………..…….28-36

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From a dream to reality! When I conceived the idea to start a film festival in my hometown of Jersey City, it was lightening in a bottle. We started planning, and eighteen months later the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City was born! If you are familiar with GDIFF,

A Note From Our Founder ! you may know that I am an actor and I love Jersey City. I was born and raised here and it is where I will eventually spend my golden years. I would like you to know why I founded this celebration of our city and of film. My grandfather, Dr. Michael Aria came to America from Italy over 100 years ago. As a penniless immigrant, he started working at the age of 7 and ultimately worked his way up to attending an Ivy League medical school. He became a prominent physician in Jersey City and a power player in the old days of Jersey City politics. Yes, he even had a friend in Boss Hague! He also helped JFK get elected with his friend/foe, fellow power player JV Kenny. My parents still live in the house where I grew up which my grandfather purchased for his growing family in 1929. And it is my grandfather who imparted his love of this great city to me. As a film actor I believed that my beloved city needed a film festival to shine the spotlight on it. It seems the universe agreed and here we are in our 4th year. With the altruistic zeal of a few wonderful and likeminded people, our dream is coming to fruition. Sponsored by Tommy Hilfiger and Autism Speaks, among many others, our two opening night films star the excellent actress Rumer Willis, and are centered on the ever growing problem of autism. We are also featuring 94 other intriguing films and expect a glittering audience, yes, replete with big stars. Our overarching dream is to see Jersey City recognized as a nexus for film production. I do believe we are well on our way to accomplishing that.! Thank you all.! Bill Sorvino

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ABOUT THE FESTIVAL The Golden Door International Fil m Festival of Jerse y Cit y (GDIFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to showcasing fil mma kers and their work, as well as promoting autis m awareness with the support of Autis m Speaks. GDIFF was founded b y actor Bill Sorvino on the dream of giving ever y fil mmaker the opportunit y or “Golden Door” to be on equal footing. We are an elite festival that believe that all selected fil ms to our festival’s program, deserve equal treat ment and so do the fil mmakers, actors and crew behind them. GDIFF is all about “Giving Back to the Co mmunit y”. The fil ms in our progra mmi ng is featured throughout the diverse neighborhoods of Jerse y Cit y in an effort to bring the communit y together. We partner with the cit y, Hudson Count y, local businesses and universities. The na me Golden Door International Fil m Festival was derived from the final line of the poem b y Emma Lazarus, which adorns the base of the Statue of Libert y, that reads “I lift my la mp beside the golden door”. Jerse y Cit y is that golden door and Ellis Island served as the door to opportunit y for several decades. Set with the backdrop of the beautiful Manhattan sk yline, this four da y fil m festival holds the opportunit y for fil mmakers, actors and crew to network with colleagues and share their work with the public in the heart of the NYC indie fil mmaking landscape. Screenings, after parties and gala celebrations all take place within some of the most beautiful local treasures Jerse y Cit y has to offer. During the first 3 years, GDIFF has screened over 200 fil ms from over 40 countries and has attracted more than 10,000 attendees and generated renewed interest in Jerse y Cit y.

BOARD MEMBERS Bill Sorvino – Founder and President Paul Sorvino – Advisor y Board, Legendar y Actor Mira Sorvino – Advisor y Board, Acade my Winner Leon Gast – Advisor y Board, Academy Winner Michele Sorvino – Director of Operations Chris Backus – Advisor y Board, Professional Actor Al Jones – Talent Relations, Actor and Model Roberta Sorvino – Co-Director, Submissions Ta mara Thelander – Director of Marketing, Actor and Fil mmaker Lisa Bolen – Volunteer Coordinator Michael Sorvino – Advisor y Board, Professional Actor Jo y Devlin – Event Coordinator George Devlin – Treasurer Gina Irrizar y – Media Coordinator Arthur Velwest – Volunteer Committee Linda Velwest – Advisor y Board Jed Di matteo – Board of Trustees Linda S mith – Fundraising Coordinator

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VENUES!

Grove Square Bistro - 16 Newark Ave Jersey City, NJ 07306

Landmark Loew's Jersey Theater - 54 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City NJ 07306

Panepinto Gallery - 372 Warren St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

Panepinto Studio - 372 Warren St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

HCCC Culinary Center - 161 Newkirk St, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Brightside Tavern - 141 Bright St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

The Merchant - 279 Grove St, Jersey City, NJ 07302

The Westin - 479 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07310

Washington Square Park - 2nd St, Union City, NJ 07087

Sensory Kids - 158 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302!

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FILM INFORMATION IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Project Title

Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

100 Signatures 1:31:00

United States

Directors

100 Signatures tells the story of middle Dean Greco, school teacher Dean Greco’s run for Nicole Greco Congress. As an Independent candidate running on a platform promoting “all day breakfast”, Dean soon finds that the pancakes are stacked against him.

"" " A Teen's Guide 00:14:24 USA to Understanding and Communicating with People with Autism

A Teen's Guide to Understanding and Alexandra Communicating with People with Jackman Autism is a primer on how individuals can better relate to those with Autism. The goal of the film is to help typically developing teens learn about Autism and thus increase acceptance of their autistic peers. Autism experts, people with Autism, parents of people with Autism as well as teens and adults not on the Autism spectrum give us their insights in concert with real life examples, dramatizations, graphics, interviews and narration. A Teen's Guide to Understanding and Communicating with People with Autism helps us to identify with what it may be like to think and behave like an Autistic person and as a result, reduce fear, increase compassion and encourage understanding.

Acceptance

00:26:08 USA

'Acceptance' is the story of a mother who discovers that her 9 year old son has Asperger's Syndrome.

African Gothic

01:30:00 South Africa

After witnessing a horrific crime, a gabriel couple tries to bury their traumatic past bologna by constantly reenacting it. When an outsider pays them a visit he gets caught up in their twisted game. They will stop at nothing to keep their secret safe.

Set in Apartheid South Africa, "African Gothic" is a screen adaptation of Reza de Wet's "Diepe Grond".

Gene Gallagher

Key Cast Theresa Amato, Bill Hillsman, Angus King, Michael Munger, Richard Winger, Tom Green, Tito Santana, Leon Rhodes

Laura Shapanus,Tyler DiNinno,John Borras,Cynthia Granville,Kristen Dobrowski,Kelly E. Reilly Damon Shalit,Chella Ferrow,jonny coyne,glen vaughn,maria olsen,david verne,connie jackson

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Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

An Art for Expression

7:00

United States

Trent Altman is an international award winning artist whose work in acrylics and mixed media collages is exhibited in numerous permanent collections across the country. There is a remarkable freedom of expression and movement within his pieces. The art stands on its own merits; although Trent has autism, he is not a 'disability artist'. His art defines him, not his autism.

Art-Is-Umm: The Way To Heal

29:04

United States

A spirited documentary that proves art's power and connection to children diagnosed with Autism.

Bee People

1:43:00

United States

Bee People provides an in-depth look David G. at the people who are facing the many Knappe challenges facing bees, making a difference, and urging everyone to join them on a planet-saving mission.

Behind the Dress

00:43:14 Canada

Through unprecedented access and Elena first-hand accounts, Behind The Dress Semikina takes us beyond the stereotypes and cliches, showing the Miss Universe pageant as a vehicle for empowering women, humanitarian outreach, and even social reform. Miss Universe Canada drew world-headlines after Jenna Talackova was denied the right to compete for not being a 'naturally born female'. She challenged Miss Universe owner Donald Trump and became the first transgender woman to compete in any Miss Universe pageant. Behind The Dress introduces us to the contestants of Miss Universe Canada who are more than fighting for a crown, these are women on a mission, not for a prize, but for a voice.

Bittersweet Monday

01:27:33 USA

An emotional goodbye between longtime best friends begins an unexpected love affair, putting two marriages and many friendships at stake.

Blue

4:19

A young woman returns to familiar Aaron Sinclair Angie Wangler, surroundings in hopes of finding what Emily Nyland she has last a long time ago. In order to face her inner turmoil she must realize that the questions and answers are all coming from the same place.

Broken Blood

01:22:11 USA

Canada

Directors

Key Cast

Derrick Small

Jaime Lee

'A man returns to his hometown in East Derek Wayne Texas only to find himself mending a Johnson troubled past and preparing for an uncertain future.'

Gregg McMahan, Anthony Planakis

Jaime Lee,Philipp Wolter,Lauren LoGiudice,David Covington,John Jude Schultz

Marc Macaulay,Richmon d Arquette,Pruitt Taylor Vince,Derek Wayne Johnson,Alana Costello,Robert Miano,Tom Wright,Allison Balson

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Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Bus Stop

01:17:57 USA

Answers may be found where lives intersect.

Michael Murch Michael Masucci,Steve Eugene,Doug Lee,Stephen Wiles,Le'neice Rogers

Charlie

29:53

When Charlie returns from war he finds Keith Lynch that everything in the world has changed, except for him.

United States

Key Cast

Nicholas Calhoun, Jenness Rouse, Matt Walton, Wayne Stephens, Victor Colicchio

Danny and the 00:05:00 USA Wild Bunch

A children's book author is told that her Robert Rugan Nora Zehetner new manuscript needs to be 'darker', but when her revisions piss off the characters in the book, they come back to make some changes of their own.

DESTRESSED 1:15:00

A DOCU-DRAMEDY that deals with Garry Pastore Garry Pastore, STRESS and what it does to the mind, Tony Ray Rossi, body and soul. Lou Martini Jr.

United States

Deuce Ex Machina

00:05:45 USA

A man discovers his new refrigerator Daniel Priore can magically duplicate its contents. He uses the opportunity to make some improvements to his life--but not without consequences.

John Gallino,Leena Meola,Anderson Diaz,Milad Nazeri,Morgan Strong,Mina Girgis

Eleven

00:22:40 USA

Eleven, is a hard hitting tale of a young man who is coming to terms with the demons from his past, a story of a young mans struggle with abuse, shame and the struggle to get closure of the darkest part of his life which he chose to forget. He tries to reconcile the sexual abuse of his childhood at the hands of his step father, with the responsibilities and circumstances of his adult life. James is pushed into confronting his demons after learning that he will soon have a child of his own. Confrontation, however, does not always solve the problem, and by the time James learns this, it may be too late.

Lindsey Mckeon,Daniel Page,Noah Urrea,Alan Pietruszweski,Kim berly Van Luin

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Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Face on the Corner

1:00:00

United States

Frank Kozlowsky is the owner of Carousel Collision, a popular body shop in Coney Island, Brooklyn. After starting a clothing line named Underground Clown, he developed a more long-term brand affiliated with known Boxers and MMA fighters, Future Legend. Closely involved in various charities, the community has wondered who Frank truly is and why he lives the lifestyle he does. It all dates back to a 9-year friendship with his younger protégé, Cory “Face” Pelzer. Cory was fatally shot in the head back in 2001 for reasons unknown. The murder case has been closed, unsolved. A Face On A Corner examines the spiritual evolution of a human being and the way doors close for one but open for many. Frank aspires to continue building his line solely due to what it represents and to shed some light on a young, kind and fashion-forward man whose life was taken in the blink of an eye.

Khaled Ouaaz

FAILURE GROUPIES

12:32

United States

A comedy that follows a group of Mandira suburban post 9-11 tweens who set up Chauhan a spy mission to get their temperamental teacher fired when they fail a group project.

february 28

12:05

Russian Guarded and aloof cancer survivor is Diana Federation trying to return to the normal life and Galimzyanova forget the horrors of the defeated disease that are still haunting her. She finds a new job but it seems that she has nothing in common with other people. Socially withdrawing herself, she is stuck inside her own world filled with despair and flashbacks.

Frangipani

01:30:00 Sri Lanka

Please read the press information

Chandrasekar am Visakesa

Girl in Red

11:34

A bittersweet tale of an ostracised school boy who stumbles into the dangerous arms of young love.

Aaron dunleavy

Girl Of My Dreams

00:09:42 USA

United Kingdom

A passionate dreamer must decide Bryant whether to chase after the girl he Magdael dreams of or the girl he can dream with in reality.

Key Cast

Allyson Stevens, Danny Davis, Samara Fishkin, Sydney Sieb, Morgan Miller, Angus Costello, Rosalie Tenseth, Jermaine Small, Vishwas, Neelam Joshi, Arya Gartside-Vats

Ryan Murphy, Samantha Simm Glenn Dungan,Deja Lee

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Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Key Cast

GOD'S GOT 00:14:00 Italy HIS HEAD IN THE CLOUDS

In a small country chapel, an elderly GIANLUCA local priest is kneeling in prayer. He is SODARO alone until he turns around to find 11year-old Angelina standing behind him. She has an inquisitive look in her eyes. Who is this little girl? Why is she there?

FRANCO PISTONI,SILVIA SODARO

Going Up

01:25:00 USA

GOING UP is a story about communication. This film follows a young married couple that have lost the ability to communicate with each other and are in the early stages of a divorce. What happens when they get stuck in an elevator together for an entire day?

Brandon Eaton,Coley Eaton,Matthew Faulisi,Candice Cole,Jessica L. Knapp,Jeffrey Rinick,Andrew Hughes,Gerald Delaney,Jesse Gordon,Sean Lukasik,Isaac Quattlebaum,Ambe r Wax,Kayla Philo

Guarding Charlie

00:15:00 USA

Would you sacrifice your life for the Julie enemy? Based on actual events, Richardson Guarding Charlie is the tale of 3 Marines that stood watch over a valuable North Vietnamese officer who voluntarily surrendered bringing valuable intelligence on the eve of a massive onslaught by the North Vietnamese. This event, January 20, 1968, and those that followed, were the beginning of the seventy-seven day Siege of Khe Sanh, a taxing and costly turning point in the American War in Vietnam.

Joe Massingill,Ryan Welsh,Peter Coventry Smith,Julius Chu,Tom Schanley,Wayne Robbins

Hands to the Sky, Catch Them & They're Yours

00:17:45 USA

An autistic man fights to prove, to himself and to the court, his ability to provide for his younger brother after the sudden passing of their mother.

Kimberly Townes

Theodore Perkins,Ohene Cornelius,Jaden Jordan,Roselyn Coleman,Marie Thomas,Ira Hawkins,Omar Scroggins,Racquel Bailey,Toccarra Cash,Kenny Morris,Laura Darrell,Kelly Klein

Help Wanted

00:14:05 USA

An off duty cop is confronted by a gunman holding up an all night diner. We quickly learn of their previous circumstances earlier in the night that led up to this standoff that leaves their lives hanging in the balance.

Lance Reha

Tiffany Pulvino,Jesse Ruiz,David Rigg,Mike Funk

Here With Me

11:29

A troubled man arrives in a remote Pete Riski forest with the sole intention of ending his life, but when a stranger intervenes, he's forced to confront the tragic events that drove him here in the first place.

United Kingdom

Todd Bailey

Alan McKenna, Eva Birthistle

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Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Heysoos

Not Specified

An injured runaway drug dealer crashes his car into a wooded area and passes out. When he comes to, he's bandaged up and is mistaken for Jesus Christ by two deeply religious wackos, who are convinced it's the Second Coming.

Rob Santana

Hotel New York 12:00

United States

As the lights go dark on Ricky, he knows he has fallen, he knows he has sinned, but what he doesn't know is where he ends up in the afterlife. Welcome to the Hotel New York!

Shome Banerjee

Key Cast

Samrat Chakrabarti, Amy Bohaker, Suhana Choudhary

How you doin' boy? Voicemails from Gran'pa

00:04:00 USA

A character-driven hybrid short film William D. about pint-sized elderly Latino Gran'pa Caballero leaving a series of humorous unanswered voice-mails for his grandson Davy. The project combines 3D printed, hand painted miniatures of Gran'pa with actual messages left on the directors phone by his real life Grandfather.

Human Monsters

4:17

A small regiment of Nazis taken on a mission to seize a Jewish family.

Jessica Dotson

Jaron Frand, Josh Hardwick, Benjamin Russell, Jenna Ciralli, Ryan Preimesberger, LaKeysha Webster

If These 00:54:17 USA Knishes Could Talk--The Story of the NY Accent

What would happen to New York if it lost its accent?

Heather Quinlan

Joe Franklin,Pete Hamill,Alan Dershowitz,Penny Marshall,Amy Heckerling

India: A Tourist's View

00:04:01 India

'India: A Tourist's View' shows a Joanna Belbey journey of a couple who travels to India for the first time and is stunned by an assault on the senses. Chaotic, overwhelming, frightening, infuriating. Irresistible.

Indigo

1:32:00

United States

Eli Casey, an up-and-coming John photographer and recovering heroin Hawthorne addict, implodes after his son is Smith kidnapped. He separates from his wife. He stops working. He gives up. As a favor to his agent, Eli begrudgingly agrees to shoot a wedding. While there, he takes a picture of a suspicious couple who offer to bribe him in return for deleting certain photos. Eli refuses. The next day, Eli discovers that the flower girl at the wedding disappeared and Eli sets out to conquer his demons and save the girl.

Inheritance, Italian Style

1:39:15

United States

Five sisters return to their home in Sicily to divide the family art and furniture, and all hell breaks loose!

United States

Skyler Pinkerton, Dana Pelevine, Nicholas Brendon, Madeleine James, Lance R. Marshall, Taso Mikroulis

Doug Bremner Zoe Myers, Maggie Henry

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Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Inheritance, Italian Style

01:39:00 USA

When five sisters return to their home in Sicily to divide the family art and furniture, all hell breaks loose!

Doug Bremner Zoe Myers,Robert Maniscalco,Isma'il Ibn Conner,Caroline Granger,Tori Montgomery,Maggi e Henry,Concetta DeLuco,Dawn Campion,William Neenan,Michael Scimeca,Lee Armstrong,Neil Shulman,Tim Ross,Allie Brown,Dominick Racano,Avri Bartolozzi,Joshua Safran,Diane Shepherd,Dylan Bremner

Into the Dark

00:14:00 USA

Two men, strapped in back to back, on Lukas Hassel a journey from Moon to Earth.  Just Reality. Real Justice.

Jessica's Story 00:10:26 USA

'JESSICA'S STORY' relates s a series of violent and physically abusive relationships whether straight, lesbian or transgender. The film follows her struggle to get our of abusive interactions, seek stable friendships and learn to accept her worth finally developing a healthy, long term relationship. A visual artist, creativity plays an important part in Jessica's continuing recovery.

Just Like You - 20:17 Autism

“Just Like You - Autism” launches an Jen exciting campaign that calls our Greenstreet communities, our kids and the world to learn, understand and accept those living with autism.

United States

Key Cast

Lukas Hassel

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JLY films have been presented to the United Nations, won the 2013 national TASH Positive Images in Media Award and the 2014 NDSC Education Award. Just Like You - 7:44 Burns

Not Specified

In the film 'Just Like You - Burns', three Jen child burn survivors share their burn Greenstreet stories in a way that helps the audience understand their challenges and accept their differences.

Caroline O'Brien

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Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Just Like You - 16:20 Cancer

United States

In 'Just Like You - Cancer', Hope, Jen Bryndon and Carrie look straight into Greenstreet the camera and tell what it feels like to battle cancer. Loss of hair, nausea, weight gain and loss, exhaustion, susceptibility to illness explained only as a kid going through it can - with straight forward candor and even a little bit of humor.

Just Like You - 13:38 Down Syndrome

Not Specified

JUST LIKE YOU - DOWN Jen SYNDROME explores the life, hopes, Greenstreet challenges and dreams of three kids living with Down syndrome. Elyssa, Rachel and Sam share personal stories to help viewers better understand their condition and why they wish to be treated just like you. Each of our stars has their own talents, characteristics, strengths and challenges. Down syndrome is just one part of who they are and this film identifies how to handle and accommodate differences while celebrating the many similarities our friends with Down syndrome have with their peers.

Just Like You - 32:19 I Care for a Child Burn Survivor

Not Specified

What can I do to give my child the best Jen chance for a happy, fulfilled life after a Greenstreet burn?' After a burn accident, all caregivers desperately search for an answer to this question. In 'Just Like You', parents of child burn survivors respond. They open their hearts and share their stories of fear, anger, guilt and love. They let caregivers of burned children know that they are not alone in their struggle with complicated emotions.

Lies I Told My Little Sister

01:38:28 USA

A family trip. Packing all the childhood William J. baggage.A globe-trotting photographer Stribling is guilted onto a family trip to Cape Cod, along with the younger sister she used to torment. Amid loss, revelations, a very strange shopkeeper and an old romance, they square off against the patterns of childhood. GRAND PRIZE, BEST FEATURE 2014 NJ Int'l Film Festival.BEST OF THE FEST 2014 Gasparilla FF.BEST FAMILY DRAMA 2014 Manhattan FFStarring Lucy Walters, 'sexy girl on the subway' in Steve McQueen's 'Shame, 'hot white chick' now on 50 Cent's STARZ 'Power.' Also stars Meat Loaf's 'Bat out of Hell' duet partner, rocker Ellen Foley.Directorial feature debut from NYU's top-winning short film director/producer team. Female character-driven drama-comedy by a woman screenwriter. 98 min

Key Cast Hope Corwin

Lucy Walters,Ellen Foley,Donovan Patton,Michelle Petterson,John Behlmann,Alicia Minshew,Eddie Ritchard,Hayden Signoretti,Tyler Hollinger

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Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Key Cast

Love and Hate 00:09:45 USA Relations: The Altercation

Have you ever been in a love/hate Chris J. Cullen relationship? We have 4 people here, two very much in love for a long time and their two best friends who have been enemies but strangely been around each other since 6th grade. Can the loving couple get their two best friends to at least get along for the sake of being around them both at the same time, only time will tell the truth in a chapter of the Love and Hate Relations story from a relationship doctor who really isn't a real doctor. The excerpt of all their lives takes place in a restaurant as we witness The Altercation.

Camille Theobald,J.C. Hendricks,Daniel Fiorica,Elyssa Ackerman,Liam McDermott,Al Contursi,Rebecca Levine,Chris J. Cullen,Ryan Calderara

Love Out of Mind

11:36

'Love Out of Mind' takes place in Aaron Fisher Brooklyn, NYC, and follows the story of a young man with bipolar disorder who struggles to enter into a relationship but is afraid of getting hurt.

Aaron Fisher, Rachel Williams, Samantha Tuffarell

Maxine

00:18:19 USA

An experimental film about a man reminiscing about an old flame as he gets ready to leave his beloved NYC. Told in flashbacks with scenes within scenes, voice overs and a nonlinear narrative, this film is a statement on how we process memories and past moments.

Oliver Burns,Mara Lee Gilbert

Much Ado About Mustaches

00:16:21 USA

Emma Lenard transforms herself into Katie Hoffman the perfect girl for Jake Larson to love. But what will happen when she goes back to her old, quirky ways?

Danielle Spisso,Joshua J. Schwartz,Daryen Rubin,Skylar Saltz,Caroline Wilson,Kelly Cosme

My Better Half

00:06:38 USA

A young man's self-reflection in life without and with love.

Ryan Brinker

Eric Brinker,Mirka Carlson

Mystery Of Faith & Intention: Bruce Springsteen and I

3:00

United States

Kathy Callahan's short Biographical Film was solicited for submission by "Bruce Springsteen and I" on December 6, 2012.

kathy callahan bruce springsteen, terry magovern, kathy callahan

No Love Lost

14:46

United Kingdom

A Jewish boy nurturing a secret Shekhar Bassi Scarlett Brookes, romance with a Muslim girl, despite the Joshua James, realities of their backgrounds, is Meena Rayann unaware he is being stalked. While the young lovers struggle to be open about their relationship, the stalker's obsession reveals a thought provoking turn culminating in the trio coming face to face.

Not Guilty

27:07

United States

A Baker from the Dominican Republic Jabari Clarke- Jose Febus, Maria travels to NYC to visit his daughter Pennegan Jimenez, Jeffrey J. only to find tragedy. He's wrestling with Scott, Angelo King the decision to allow the justice system handle it or take the law into his hands.

United States

Michael Manese

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Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

O-Star

26:48

United States

Rudy & Ava have 4 days to make Dima sense of their broken relationship Otvertchenko before the end of the world in this rock music video adventure told through 7 original songs.

Spencer Broschard, Jessi Jae Joplin, Patrick Reilly, David Pevsner

Omerta The Act Of Silence

1:26:00

United States

At a time when political power, Craig executive decisions, and legal Syracusa jurisdiction rest in the hands of indiviuals connected on the inside, one man discovers that the omerta of loyalty and respect is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. The stage is set in Bensonhurst during a period where this particular section of Brooklyn is run like its own city-state rather than a few square miles of homes and local businesses.

Joe D'Onofrio, Paulie Malignaggi

On A Grass Field

16:00:00 United States

A story that takes you into the mind of Luis a woman, who's thoughts and feelings Ribagorda are expressed through dancing. It emphasizes the struggle, excitement and beauty of relationships.

Sarah Lane, Nicole Graniero, Sterling Baca, Eric Tamm

Organized Criminal (prequel)

13:53

An up and coming criminal utilizes Geo Santini technology to blackmail a politician and sends a drug dealer to prison.

Per Mano Ignota Peteano una strage dimenticata

00:58:34 Italy

The film talks about the attempt happened in the small city of Peteano (1972) through the memories and the experiences of the people that lived directly that historical moment socalled 'Strategy of Tension'. Starting from the Peteano Massacre many chain reactions have changed the history of Italy, bringing the First Republic to the end.

Cristian Natoli

Rain

00:13:06 USA

The poetic path of a homeless man to the same field every year leads us to the devastating reason for his journey.

Kristen McGary

Chris Kayser

Reflections of Maya Rose

1:43:51

Reality takes a turn for young and eager actress Maya Rose when she auditions for the role of Ava in a screenplay titled â€œThe reflection and the mirrorâ€?.

Alexandra Wedenig

Alma S. Grey, Kai Alexander, Jaletta Kalman

United States

Austria

Directors

Key Cast

Page 17 Project Title

Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Rye Coalition: The Story of the Hard Luck 5

1:17:25

Save the 8:00 Putnam Nature Trail

Directors

Key Cast

United States

When they signed with one of the Jenni Matz world's biggest record labels, New Jersey's Rye Coalition was primed to finally get their glory, or so it seemed. Like countless rockers before them, childhood friends started a band in a basement with these simple goals in mind: have fun and play good music. This film traces their career (culled from over 20 years of footage) from early days spent blasting through a seemingly endless array of basement shows and dive bar gigs for well over a decade, to their growth as musicians touring on bigger and bigger bills: Mars Volta, At-the-Drive-In, Queens of the Stone Age. After gaining momentum from 2002â€˛s On Top LP, engineered by rock legend Steve Albini, they were signed to Dreamworks Records and none other than Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) came on as their producer. Then, it all imploded.

Dave Leto, Jon Gonnelli, Ralph Cuseglio, Justin Angelo Morey, Herbert Wiley, Dave Grohl, Jared Warren, Steve Albini, Todd Abramson, Henry Owings, Allison Wolfe

United States

For nearly forty years a Bronx Guy Shahar community has been enjoying a 1.5 mile long nature trail in van Cortlandt Park known as the Putnam Trail. That is destined to become history because the NYC Parks Department has plans to remove over 300 trees and widen the trail from 8 feet to 15 feet

Jeff Galloway, Kathrine Switzer

Garrett Kruithof,Rick Lacour,Nina Leon,Alec Johnson

Scrape

01:20:00 USA

Horror - Thriller; 'Women are missing. Something is killing. Barry Sagan and the Hedgeworth family must survive.'

Sister

01:56:28 USA

Billy Presser, the product of a David Lascher dysfunctional household, thinks he's outrun his problems until he's suddenly forced to take custody of his elevenyear-old adopted sister Niki. Niki's severe ADHD leads to her violent, impulsive behavior that crashes through Billy's world like a wrecking ball.

Reid Scott,Grace Kaufman,Alexis Dziena,Barbara Hershey,John Heard,Nadine Velazquez,Illeana Douglas,Serinda Swan,Dan Lauria,Lee Garlington,Patricia Belcher,Isabella Acres,Skyler Stone,Adam Shapiro

An unlikely mom (Rumer Willis) is forced to confront her son's autism after an unexpected encounter with one of her johns.

Rumer Willis,Josh Braaten,Rio Mangini,Suzanne Cryer,Shon Wilson,August Sunseri,Tyler Ravenscroft

Six Letter Word 00:16:30 USA

Derek Wayne Johnson

Lisanne Sartor

Page 18 Project Title

Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Skid Row

01:35:26 USA

Directors

Key Cast

When a young prostitute is violently Michael murdered on the outskirts of town, an Shershenovich area that local residents refer to as 'Skid Row,' Detectives Kathy Lynch and Vincent Ross are assigned to investigate, That same day, a junkie's body is found decapitated and brutally dismembered. As the death toll rises, Lynch and Ross must determine whether these murders are connected. More importantly, though, how is this maniacal individual so precise and able to cover their tracks so well? This psychopath's ability to stay one step ahead leaves Lynch and Ross asking one another a rather daunting question. Does this brilliant killer work in law enforcement by day?

Irina Babushkina,Frank Stallone,Michael Shershenovich,Sch ooly D,Robert Youngren,Brooke Wasenda,Alfred Gigliati,Tony Lante,R.A. Thorburn

Someone You 1:20:00 Love: The HPV Epidemic

United States

“I wish the cancer would have killed Frederic you!” These are the chilling words from Lumiere Susie’s husband when he learned that she had HPV, the sexually transmitted virus that caused her cervical cancer.

Kelly Pozzoli, Kristen Forbes, Tamika Felder, Suzie Carillo, Christine Baze

STRAIGHT

29:30

United States

A female with a heroin addiction trying to get her life, family, and relationship in order

Michael Wolfe, Deanna Henson

Taking it for Granted

23:01

United States

Since the overturning of DOMA Jill Salvino (Defense of Marriage Act) by the Supreme Court in June 2013, the subtext of this movie is the impact that has on families; both gay and straight.

Ariel Eliaz, Andrew Houlihan, Jennifer Fisher, Michael Wetherbee

TAMMY

00:12:17 USA

An adult Mother and Son relationship takes an evolutionary step over the course of a typical Sunday visit

Ante Novakovic

Kresh Novakovic,Cathy Moriarity,Joanna Lu,Olivia Bosek,Anthony Mangano

The Backseat

1:44:13

High school social outcasts Roy Offerman and Larry DiMarco struggle to find a drummer for their new punk rock band, Witness My Jehovah. As Roy will learn, sometimes finding the answer to one problem only brings about a host of others.

Ryan O'Leary

Chris Bellant, Allyson Reilly, André De Shields, Craig Kelly, Costa Nicholas

United States

The Bronx Bull 01:51:00 USA

Edward Kruglik

Martin Guigui

Page 19 Project Title

Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Key Cast

The Champion 00:36:00 USA

In the early part of the 20th century Marc Perez advancements in motion picture cameras by inventors like Edison made opportunities abound in the American film industry. Entrepreneurs enthralled by the possibilities and fueled by ambition made a go in the film business looking for the American dream. Thousands of films were produced in the silent film era. In those early years two small towns on either side of the nation with an abundance of space and scenery jockeyed for a position as the center of film production, with dozens of bustling studios calling them home. However, only one would ultimately survive as as the undisputed studio town, as the other would fade into history. This is the story of Mark Dintenfass and the Champion Studio.

The Colors of Timothy

A young boy tries to make sense of his Joseph Sexton Joseph Sexton world in this wry, whimsical mockumentary that hints at more below the surface. This independent short was produced by a 13 year old writer-director-actor who has an intense passion for cinema and film making.

00:11:32 USA

The 20:00 Exploration of Cole As Led By The Prepubescent Sandy

United States

A man begin's to see an imaginary, Jim Mauro fouled-mouth little girl who tells him he is going to die.

Dixie O'Connell, Daniel Bartkewitz

The Man From 11:00 The City

United States

A mysterious businessman visits a Elias small town with questionable intentions Plagianos as he contemplates leaving his big city life behind. Starring SAG award winner Robert Clohessy ( Boardwalk Empire, Blue Bloods, Wolf of Wall Street ) and Sean Young ( Blade Runner, Ace Ventura, No Way Out). Directed by Elias Plagianos .

Robert Clohessy, Sean Young

THE MIRROR

14:58

Turkey

Akin, a college student, goes on an inner journey where he meets with a girl and a man who have the same name 'Deniz'.

Selcen Yilmazoglu

Gurkan Gurol, Hakan Yildiz, Tugce Avci

The other side of New York

21:55

United States

The other side of New York is a place where people residing are living in shadows, ignored, almost non existed & often discriminated.

Vinay Pujara

Sumend Wankhede, Prakash Patil

The Pleasing List

9:02

United States

A screenwriting student with Asperger's Jonathan Syndrome attempts to overcome his Carlander social challenges during a date with a fellow student.

Ken Ashton, Jessie Owen

Page 20 Project Title

Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Key Cast

The Story of Milo & Annie

16:40

United States

A love story about Annie, a restless secretary, who meets Milo, a guy who hasn't spoken since he was six years old, and her adventure to discover the mystery of his silence.

Harris Doran

Cathy Moriarty, Alysia Reiner, Rachel McKeon, Harris Doran

The Struggle

15:00

Banglades LORAI (The Struggle) h Lorai is the story of a woman named Kushum who has been abused at several stages of her life

Mokaddem Morshed

sirazam munira sawrna

MICHAEL MEDEIROS

Tom Pelphrey,Ilvi Dulack,Sarah Schaeffer,Tom Nardini,Rita Gardner,Karen Chamberlain,MICH AEL MEDEIROS,Krista Amigone,Kevin Kane,William Hill

starting from her childhood. When she was an adolescent, she was abused socially by the

religious clerics and was forced to get married. Few years later, she has been divorced and got involved

in smuggling. While she was abused physically, Kushum thought to herself that if she had

someone, a man to save her from such cruelty, things could have been avoided. Sensing so, she

married a lame, dumb beggar who pulled her back to the same trap again and sold her., That night Kushum was raped by few persons. Now what would be her fate, what will she do, who will save her. Does she have a better choice than committing suicide?

" Tiger Lily Road 01:29:00 USA

Two small town women capture a handsome fugitive who breaks into their house trying to escape a snowstorm and the law.

Page 21 Project Title

Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

Key Cast

Trust Me, I'm A 00:15:36 USA Lifeguard

A Bro-Mantic comedy about two Tony Glazer lifeguards who, when confronted with the end of summer, are forced to make adult decisions such as: What is the meaning of life? What makes a good Speedo? And, are those clams safe to eat?

Tyler Hollinger,Christian Keiber,Bree Michael Warner,Summer Crockett Moore,Katie Henney,Brooke Hoover,Sam Calagione,Brett Azar,Micheal Richey,Ami Ankin,Grier Calagione,Robert John Keiber,Molly Gray,Elizabeth DeGennaro

Two Sides of Love

00:20:00 USA

When a heartbroken guy meets a heartbroken girl on the subway, the question begs, what led up to this moment in their lives?

Thomas Baldinger

Ronnie Marmo,Kevin Carr,Debbie Glick,Emily West,Jen Jacob

Waiting for a Train

20:00

This emotionally gripping film is about two young adults who fall in love with each other.

Uladzimir Taukachou, Alex Vetrov

Natalya Rudakova, Vahag Bagratuni, Jonathan Cruz, Katie Trubetsky

United States

The couple struggles to deal with a health challenge. The story brings romance and laughter into your heart, it will make you cry, laugh, and think.

Two people meet on the train station. Life is full of surprises. You never know, where you will meet your soulmate. Waiting for… BUDD

40:00

United States

http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/ Garry Pastore Vincent Pastore, Al articles/12-articles/7367-the-kimballSapienza, Robert chronicles-waiting-for-budd Furnaro, Jason Cerbone, Garry Pastore, Louis Vanaria

WEST END

1:27:00

United States

Hamlet reimagined on the Jersey Shore.

Why We Cry

1:34:15

United States

A New York based financial analyst’s Elliot world is turned upside down when he Loewenstein loses his job and his father passes away. Against the backdrop of his mother’s rapid aging and his girlfriend’s unwanted pregnancy, he must again find his footing in both career and personal life, by making good on the hand he’s been dealt or leaving it for hope in a new life.

Joe Basile

Neal Bledsoe, Peter Onorati, Joe Nieves, Melissa Archer, Isabella Hofmann, Eric Roberts, Paul Calderon, Wayne Duvall Elliot Loewenstein, Cordis Heard, Lisa Hernandez, Kristen Mallette

Page 22 Project Title

Duration Country of Synopsis Origin

Directors

WHY?

51:52

Pavel Baidikov

Wild Woman

00:11:52 USA

Winter 16:22 Birdwatching in Jersey City

Russian Two journalists - one American, one Federation Serbian - travel across the former Yugoslavia to explore the human cost of NATO's 1999 military campaign against Belgrade and the media onslaught against the Milosevic regime. Anissa Naouai and Jelena Milincic discover the very different ways the war was portrayed in the US and Serbia; and meet the people still traumatized by the 3-month bombing, even today.

United States

The Wild Woman: Legend or reality? Joy Shatz This quirky mockumentary takes you on a quest to solve a modern mystery. All roles are played by Joy Shatz, who is also the director, writer and producer.

Key Cast

Joy Shatz

Directly across the Hudson river from John Dunstan New York City, Jersey City, New Jersey is where i live. An area hardly thought of as a wildlife mecca, but where i find myself fascinated by the thread of nature running through the urban environment. This past winter has been particularly cold, however a bumper year for migrant snowy owls.

A surprising look at the Falcons, Hawks, Owls and overwintering wading birds that can be found in this very urban area. Wish You Were...

"" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "

14:50

United States

Two men are sitting at a bar, enjoying there free time all while one of there worlds are being torn apart. This psychological thriller with take you through a myriad of emotions and accusations and leave you guessing up until the last second.

Gregory Fellows

Nicholas Calhoun, Wayne Stephens, Matt Walton, Christian Barber, Christian Rozakis

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AWARD CATEGORIES  Nominees will be announced at the Awards Ceremony. Awards will be given for the following:!

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Best Feature Film Presented by Tommy Hilfiger !

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Best Director of a Feature Film Presented by Zaperrazzi Vodka !

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Best Screenplay !

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Best Actor in a Feature Film !

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Best Actress in a Feature Film !

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Best Supporting Actor in a Feature Film !

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Best Supporting Actress in a Feature Film !

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Best Documentary !

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Best Short Film !

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Best Director of a Short Film !

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Best Actor in a Short Film !

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Best Actress in a Short Film !

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Best Local Film !

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Best Cinematography !

•

Best Editing !

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Spirit of New Jersey Award !

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Alice Guy-Blaché Women in Cinema Award !

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Best Student Film !

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Best LGBT Film !

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Light It Up Blue Award !

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Best Concept in a Short Film !

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JURY MEMBERS Donna McKenna (Casting Director and Producer) Donna holds a seat on the board of the Nassau County Film and Television Foundation and the Suffolk County Film Commission. She is frequently invited to host audition/film workshops for the SAG-AFTRA NYCAP programs and teaches at many acting schools worldwide. She has cast over 25 independent feature films, 9 short films and 4 web series. Her ensemble casts consist of not only award winning actors from film, television and Broadway but she has discovered and cast new up and coming actors. Some of her films have been invited to screen at renowned film festivals including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin Film Festival. Her recent film Trust Me, I'm a Lifeguard premiered at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival and many of her films have won numerous festival awards.

Yvonne Maria Shaefer (Actress, Model and Film Producer) Yvonne Maria Schaefer is an actress and a film producer currently living in New York City, she was born and was raised in Frankfurt Main Germany. Early on in her career she began as a model and actress. As a child Yvonne Maria studied ballet, while also acting in theater productions. Her Model career started off when she was 3 years old. She was discovered by a child photographer, who worked for major European catalog companies. Later on Yvonne Maria worked internationally and was represented by agencies world wide. In the 1990Â´s meanwhile studying at the Goethe University in Frankfurt / Germany, Yvonne Maria focused more intently on her acting career and studied drama. During her studies, she worked in numerous Films, TV Series and plays. She also sang background vocals for various bands including Vanessa Mae and Joe Cocker. Through her passion and participation in extreme sports, the Maxim Lifestyle Magazine voted Yvonne Maria Schaefer as the "Action Girl". After living part time in Asia and Spain, Schaefer moved in 2008 to New York City and founded the Film Production Company YMC Films .In the States Yvonne Maria Schaefer has been successfully working as both an actress and a producer. Yvonne Maria's many notable credits can be seen on IMDB. In 2012 Yvonne Maria founded a second company, the YMC Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt / Germany, focusing on Film and Music Productions.

Pat Addiss (Theater Producer) Pat Addiss is one of the most prominent female producers in theater - in fact, she is the one responsible for the number one longest running musical ever - The Fantasticks, which has played in theaters world wide. Addiss has produced many other notable Broadway musicals such as Promises Promises, Little Women, Chita Rivera: The Dancerâ€™s Life, Bridge and Tunnel, Spring Awakening, 39 Steps, and Passing Strange. She has also had some very notable off broadway projects including Shout and A Christmas Story. Pat Addiss is not only a Broadway Producer loved by many, but a Tony Award winning producer for 39 Steps. Best sound for a play for 39 Steps also won the Drama Desk Award. She is now working on Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - starring David Hyde Pierce, Kristine Nielsen, Sigourney Weaver and Billy Magnussen.

Monique Dubois-Inzinna (Former Actress and Model) Born in Colmar, Monique Dubois-Inzinna left the Alsace region, because of WW2, when she was only a young child. The departure was heartbreaking for Monique - a shock she still carries with her today. Later she will leave behind France in order to go to Italy and then to the U.S. Life of a shooting star marked by immigration.

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In Paris her life was not easy. The moves followed one another during the years of the WW2. And for a good reason. Both of her parents were searched for by the Germans. Her father, chosen to replace the men at the front, escaped in order not to go there. Her mother was part of the Resistance movement. Despite this difficult and turbulent time, Monique was in the limelight for some years. A star among the bombings. At the age of 6, she was selected from 3,000 candidates to play Jeanette in the movie “La Loi du Printemps” (1942) with Pierre Renoir as main character. After this, she played in two more movies: again Jeannette in “La femme perdue” (1942) and Joëlle in “Retour de flamme” (1943). She had to stop acting as she had to keep studying, except for a summer when she played Yvette in the movie “Retour de flamme” (1948). Since her roles in these different movies, Monique became fond of cinema. Beside her studies she decided to take classes at an acting school in order to go to the conservatoire, where she knew the director Pierre Renoir quite well. But her destiny would take another course: in 1953 she met with her future husband, an American medical student with Italian roots. Again she moved, this time to Italy. After she got married she went there for 2 years, the time it took for her husband to finish his studies. But she did not settle there forever. In 1957, when her husband got his diploma, they moved to New York. It was the first time for Monique in the United States. Monique became a model in New York right after settling there. She wanted to keep acting and she even got a contract from a firm in California. But the work of her husband did not allow her to fly over there. And in 1950, the movie industry was not really flourishing in New York and the East Coast. So, she worked as a model for 10 years, during which she gave birth to two children: Joey and Danielle. Later she opened a travel agency, but as soon as her first grandchild was born, she devoted all her time to her family. Being an immigrant is hard for her. That is why she is passionate about immigration. She lives in the United States not because she chose to do so, but because of her family (2 children and 7 grandchildren). Her children helped her to accept to be in the U.S. Otherwise she would be in Alsace from where she misses the beauty and the food above everything. She goes back there to visit regularly and still sees her friends whom she met when she was 2-3 years old.

Albert Jones (Actor) Albert Jones graduated from The University of Notre Dame in 1997 and is an actor, known for The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), American Gangster (2007) and Salt (2010).

SPECIAL THANKS We would like to thank all our Board Members and many volunteers for their commitment, dedication and hard work. This festival would not be possible without you! We would also like to thank all of our very kind and extremely generous sponsors, as well as the City of Jersey City and the local community really embracing the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City.

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