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News & Press Releases
 4th Annual San Fernando Valley Int’l Film Festival
Contact:
Festival President
(818) 623-9122
festival@viffi.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tippi Hedren, Jane Withers, Linda Blair among those set to appear at the 4th Annual San Fernando Valley International Film Festival’s Gala Awards Dinner.
North Hollywood, Ca March 2, 2007 –- “Lights, Camera, Animals!” That’s the theme of the 4th Annual San Fernando Valley International Film Festival Gala Awards Dinner on March 25th 2007. The star-studded event will conclude The Valley’s biggest film festival known as VIFFI, which takes place from March 16th - 25th. The screenings, free to the public, will commence March 17th & 18th as well as March 23rd & 24th.
A portion of the proceeds from this year’s Gala Awards Dinner will benefit renowned animal rights organization Actors and Others for Animals. Actors and Others strives to reshape public awareness of animals. Also a portion of the proceeds will be donated for student filmmaker scholarships.
KNBC–4 Weatherman and popular comedian Fritz Coleman will once again host the Awards Dinner. Those being honored include Actress and Board Member of Actors and Others for Animals, Betty White for her Achievement in Television (Actress Tippy Hedren is set to present the award). Other presenters include Ed Begley Jr., Eric Balfour, Shelley Morrison, Gary Owens, and Linda Blair (2006 recipient of the Achievement in Sci-Fi Award). Dick Van Patten, Fred Willard, David Sheehan and George Barris will also be presenting at the event. Actor and President of Actors and Others for Animals Earl Holliman along with Actress Jo Anne Worley (Vice President of Actors and Others for Animals) will also be in attendance as well Alexander Folk of “Dreamgirls.”
On display will be some of Barris’ most famous car creations including the original Batmobile and the Monkeemobile. Stars will walk the Red Carpet followed by an elegant sit down dinner followed by the awards ceremony. This year’s event will once again be held at Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn in North Hollywood.
Stars will begin arriving on the Red Carpet
at 5:30pm
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Press Badge check-in will be located near the Red Carpet beginning at 4:30pm.
San Fernando Valley Int’l Film Festival a Resounding Success
Contact:
Festival Director
(818) 623-9122
festival@viffi.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
By: Denise Ames
North Hollywood, March 29, 2006 -- The San Fernando Valley International Film Festival (aka VIFFI) held at Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn in North Hollywood just wrapped its 10-day event. According to VIFFI President Randy Salter, the program this year was a resounding success. “The attendance and the quality of films submitted were amazing this year,’ he says. “In fact, our theatre was at near capacity much of the time. The public seemed to really enjoy themselves and they were thrilled with the opportunity to see such high quality films…at no cost!”
The films were showcased throughout the event with nominees honored at the annual star-studded Gala Awards Dinner commemorating the festival on its final day, March 26th. The red carpet leading to the Awards Dinner was full of star power ranging from Jo Anne Worley (who was and always is definitely the life of any party!), Alan Thicke, Adrian Zmed, Deadwood’s William Sanderson, T.J. Myers, Alexander Folk and Fred Willard to Gold Medal Olympic ice skater and actress Tara Lipinski, car customizer to the stars George Barris (Batmobile, The Munsters, etc), producer and widow of the late great director Stanley Kramer, Karen Sharpe Kramer and famed Attorney Gloria Allred. The Gala opened with Founder and Board Member, Mardi A. Rustam, welcoming the crowd followed by Master of Ceremonies Fritz Coleman and company (including The Tonight Show's own Bob Perlow) pulling out all the stops with comedy that had the entire audience in stitches throughout the glorious evening. The winners included: "Christopher Brennan Saves the World" for Best Short,“Andrew Jenks, Room 335” for Best Documentary, “Mynx – I’m so L.A.” took home the prize for Best Music Video, Best Animated Film went to “Moongirl”, while “Ten ‘til Noon” took Best Narrative Feature. The President’s Award was given to “STOP”. (For a complete listing of the winners as well as the nominated films, please visit www.VIFFI.org.)
“We have received so many phone calls and emails from celebrities, nominees and attendees alike giving us glowing reviews on the festival itself and the Gala Awards event that was put on; from the food and the entertaining clips to the caliber of celebrities and our honorees,” Salter comments. Of the Special Achievement Recipients, he says, “Jonathan Winters was hysterical, Esther Williams was absolutely charming beyond belief, and Linda Blair was amazing during her speech which included her astounding animal rescue efforts (visit www.LindaBlairWorldHeart.org for more info). David Sheehan is a really funny and genuine individual and Mr. Blackwell did not disappoint the crowd, as he was his usual flamboyant and dapper self.”
Standing ovations were given when living legends Esther Williams and Jonathan Winters each came up on stage to accept their Awards. Williams was darling as she bantered back and forth with her presenter and handsome stepson, actor Lorenzo Lamas and the impromptu routine performed by Winters with his dear friend and presenter Laugh-In alum Gary Owens brought the house down! A nice touch was also added when actress Beverly Garland herself presented the Sci Fi/Thriller Achievement Award to her co-star in Roller Boogie, Blair (Garland played her mother in the 1979 feature film). And Ms. Worley, no fool, donned a vintage Blackwell designed bright red dress to present him with the Edith Head Achievement in Fashion Award. That ought to keep her off his ‘list’…
VIFFI would also like to thank Councilmembers Tom LaBonge, Wendy Greuel, Tony Cardenas, as well as Congressman Brad Sherman for their support towards this extraordinary San Fernando Valley event. Salter: “I felt really good at the end of the evening because our Board worked so hard and to see all our efforts come to fruition so successfully made all that work worthwhile!”
More Celeb Power Added to the 3rd Annual San Fernando Valley Int'l Film Festival Gala Awards Star Studded Event
Contact:
Festival Director
(818) 623-9122
festival@viffi.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
By: Denise Ames
North Hollywood, Ca March 6, 2006 – On March 26th, the 3rd Annual San Fernando Valley International Film Festival Gala Awards Dinner will top off The Valley’s largest film festival extravaganza, The 2006 San Fernando Valley International Film Festival (VIFFI). This 10-day event takes place March 17th through the 26th with screenings March 18-19 and March 24-25. Screenings are free to the public.
The Gala Awards Dinner, hosted by Fritz Coleman of NBC-4 News, will see well-known celebrities receiving honors and presenting awards. Stars on hand to receive their special achievement awards this year will be Linda Blair (for Sci-Fi/Thriller Achievement), David Sheehan (Film Critic Achievement), Mr. Blackwell (Fashion Achievement), Esther Williams (Film Achievement) and Jonathan Winters (Lifetime Achievement). Presenters and other celebrity attendees will include Eric Balfour (“24”, NBC’s “Conviction”), Laugh-In icons Gary Owens and Jo Anne Worley, Fred Willard, Alan Thicke, William Sanderson (Deadwood), Beverly Garland, Miss California USA Tamiko Nash, Olympic iceskating Gold Medalist Tara Lipinski, Lorenzo Lamas, Adrian Zmed, Hollywood automotive designer George Barris and some of his amazing cars, Alexander Folk, Mike Score (lead singer of the 80’s sensation A Flock of Seagulls), T.J. Myers, and Steve Julian from KPCC 89.3 (NPR Affiliate).
The record-breaking number of film submissions participating in this year’s festival has far surpassed expectations. The festival will see local, national and international entrants. In just three short years participants have realized the value and tremendous opportunities the festival offers these writers and filmmakers. All are encouraged to demonstrate their craft in a forum centralized to the decision-makers in the industry. We especially encourage those new talents who may be just starting out as this particular film festival is in close proximity to all the major studios and people who drive the Entertainment Industry.
The star-studded Gala Awards Dinner gives participants the opportunity to mingle with industry professionals who are so important to their craft and industry. Past celebrity participants and award recipients have included Stanley Kramer, Shirley Jones, John Schneider, Dean Cain, Robert Englund, Joseph Campanella, Dick Van Patten, Tobe Hooper, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and others.
The nonprofit festival was founded to encourage and promote the tireless endeavors of the international creative community in all media by providing exposure to their productions as well as their writings by way of the spectacular 10-day event held at Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn in North Hollywood. Screenings are presented in the hotel's Beverly Garland Theater.
Gala Awards Dinner tickets are available for purchase at www.VIFFI.org.
Valley Film Festival exposes independent writers and filmakers to industry experts
Contact:
Festival Director
(818) 623-9122
festival@viffi.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
By: Denise Ames
(North Hollywood, Ca – (Entertainment Business) March 25, 2005 - The San Fernando Valley International Film Festival Inc. (VIFFI) is announcing its 2nd annual film festival at Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn in North Hollywood April 8th through the 17th, 2005. The Press Kickoff Event is Friday April 8th at 7pm in the Father Serra Room to meet the 33 category award nominees and festival representatives (refreshments will be served). During the 10-day festival, screenings of select films are free and open to the public. The Animation Showcase will be held on Saturday April 16th from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm for the whole family to enjoy. The Gala Awards Dinner will take place April 17th in the Grand Ballroom. We will have an area for the press to cover the Gala and awards. This year’s line up includes returning emcee Dick Van Patten with special guests Shirley Jones, Beverly Garland, Joe Campanella, Eric Balfour (“Six Feet Under”, "24", “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”), Fred Willard, Sid and Marty Krofft, a special video appearance by Jay Leno, and many more. VIFFI will also be honoring one of Hollywood’s most prolific specialty car designers, George Barris, at the Gala with a special Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of work (including the “Batmobile”, “Back to the Future” car, “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “The Munsters” vehicles). As a special added treat, some of these cars will be on display at the Gala Awards Dinner. “The inaugural year (2004) was such a success, it really confirms that the San Fernando Valley has needed a film festival of this caliber,” says VIFFI President Randy Salter. “Not only is VIFFI providing a high level of exposure for the creative entrants and the businesses that lend their support, but it is also an exciting and entertaining event for the families of the San Fernando Valley!” Tickets to the Gala Dinner along with a list of nominees, screening schedules and more information are available at www.viffi.org or by calling (818) 623-9122.
About the San Fernando Valley International Film Festival Inc. (VIFFI)
VIFFI was established in 2003 to promote and encourage the endeavors of the international creative community in all media by providing exposure to their productions and writings through a film festival. Since Universal Studios opened its doors in 1915, the San Fernando Valley has been home to the largest concentration of filmmakers in the world making an international film festival long overdue. VIFFI is fulfilling that need. Thousands of writers, filmmakers, actors and industry support personnel have begun their careers in the San Fernando Valley (including the Burbank media district). Now VIFFI has established a forum in which many of these young creatives can demonstrate their craft to the industry professionals who may give them a hand up in the highly competitive entertainment business. Last year’s inaugural festival was a resounding success. Stars like Sid and Marty Krofft, Dean Cain, Dick Van Patten, Beverly Garland, Joseph Campanella and many others turned out for the Gala Awards Night and mingled with the 200 attendees, creating an evening of awards and recognition to amateur and professional filmmakers alike.
Newsletters and Releases will be posted here on a regular basis as we
get closer to the event in order to keep you updated on the confirmation
of the Events and Film and Screenplay submissions for VIFFI 2005.
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