Cape May Film Festival Preview

The 11th Annual Cape May Film Festival will take place at the Chalfonte Hotel October 21-23. The
festival has won the JerseyArts People’s Choice Award for favorite film festival in New Jersey three
years in a row, but it is not by any means resting on its laurels. This year the Festival is hosting executive
producers, best-selling authors, celebrated actors, writers, directors, and (of course) the region’s most
discerning film lovers.

The Friday night opening features best-selling author George Anastasia. A Philadelphia Inquirer reporter
on organized crime, Anastasia has a new book, The Ultimate Book of Gangster Movies. He will lead
a panel discussion with Soprano’s star Vincent Pastore, director/producer/actor Danny Provenzano,
and film enthusiast and Film Festival President Dottie Knapp. It’s an eclectic mix of producers, actors,
writers, and film lovers that has lots to talk about—and “What’s your favorite gangster film” is only
the start! What is your favorite “whack” scene, favorite fatal romance, favorite cat-and-mouse game—
you name it. The Friday night reception and program starts at 7:00 p.m., tickets go on sale at 6:00 p.m.
exclusively at the Chalfonte Hotel lobby.

Saturday daytime at the Film Festival has always been reserved for short films, and this year is no
exception. Reviewers accepted 30% of all films submitted, which they’ve weeded through many
submissions to showcase the best. In addition, there are two guest curated programs. Returning this
year is the Black Maria Film Festival, now celebrating its 30th year, and Curator John Columbus will
be present to show a select number of short films from his program. Truly a “best of the fest” for
Columbus, these films represent the choice selections from one of New Jersey’s most renowned film
festivals.

Dance on Film will return again this year, curated by independent filmmaker and dance professional
Susannah Newman. These films have been hand-selected by Newman from among an elite few featured
at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The international scope and choreography in these films is only
matched by the outstanding direction and cinematography that make these films “world class.” Also
on Saturday, there will be a screening of films featuring the “Artisans of Cape May” and will include
favorites like Stan Sperlak, Victor Grasso, Richard Samuelson, and a host of other artists and musicians in
Cape May that will provide the true local flavor for the arts right here in Cape May.

The festival’s Saturday night feature is a New Jersey premiere—but more importantly a Sundance to
Cape May exclusive! One of Cape May's favorite filmmakers Greg Henry was honored at Sundance with
an award for Best Cinematography, and his first stop in New Jersey is the Cape May Film Festival! The
film, "The Redemption of General Butt Naked," has been receiving honors all over the world, but this
will be your first chance to see it here in the garden state. Henry is Executive Producer for the film,
and says, "We've received our Sundance award because of the incredible work of Eric Strauss, Peter
Hutchens, and Ryan Hill. We are especially glad because of the importance we all place on the craft of
filmmaking as well as the stories." The documentary follows the life of a warlord-turned-preacher.

The Economics of Happiness is also a New Jersey premiere, and it will be screened on Saturday night.
The film features beautiful scenes from around the world, and a discussion of globalization versus
localization. The movie will resonate with Cape May county residents who are champions of local trade

and farming. The film is presented under a grant from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities, and
it will be moderated by Marguerite Chandler, local activist and scholar with a focus on a variety of
environmental concerns. Saturday night continues with a presentation of edgy, quirky, and sometimes
controversial short films in our Late Night screenings. This year’s collection represents what New Jersey
filmmakers are creating with visions of suspense and action in tales that can only be described as
strange and unpredictable.

And where would the Cape May Film Festival be without Sunday Brunch? This year, we’ll have locally
created brunch-time delicacies to go right along with locally-produced short films. You will marvel at the
talent that resides right here in the county as we view several projects that feature your neighbors and
colleagues—the ones you didn’t know could act so well! After that, we will feature a historic look at the
gangster movies in a retrospective hosted by Dottie Knapp in keeping with our “gangster film” theme
from the beginning of the weekend.

For details or to buy weekend passes online, visit www.capemayfilm.org, call 609-884-6700, or email
capemayfilm@hotmail.org. Weekend passes start at just $35!

GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL ISSUES CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR INDEPENDENT FILMS AND MOVIE MUSIC CATEGORIES

FOR 2012 EVENT MARCH 22-March 25, 2012

A worldwide ”Call for Entries” has been issued to independent filmmakers by The Garden State Film Festival.  The deadline for submissions is December 1, 2011.  Filmmakers will find submission instructions on the festival’s web site atwww.gsff.org.

The Garden State Film Festival, celebrating its tenth anniversary, is New Jersey’s largest and most respected film festival, having attracted records crowds of over 30,000 for the past four years. The 2012 Festival returns to the Paramount Theater On-the-Boardwalk in Asbury Park, New Jersey, March 22-March 25th, 2012 and will feature film competition for independent filmmakers, open talent casting call, panel discussions, free school field trip opportunity, and opening and closing ceremonies. A panel of professional judges will select winning entries in a number of categories, including best Feature Length, Short , Documentary (short and feature length), Animation (short and feature length),  Music Video, PSA, Commercial and Trailers.

In addition The Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) was the first festival to create a category to recognize the musical compositions and the role music plays in the cinematic arts.   To date, it remains the only independent film festival to recognize composers, artists and producers of scores, soundtracks and theme songs judged solely on their own merit. Producers may submit their works, regardless of whether the film has been submitted or accepted.

“We created the Movie Music category in recognition of the role movie music plays in the cinematic arts. NJ has a rich musical history and represents a crossroads of the film and music industries,” making the largest and most respected film festival in NJ the most appropriate forum for the people behind the music.” states Executive Director Diane Raver.

The GSFF invites all music makers who have written and produced tracks for independent films to be recognized for the part they play in the production of fine films. Filmmakers are invited to submit (on CD format) any movie music from an independent film in any category that will be judged by music industry professionals in the new category, dubbed the GSFF Movie Music Track Competition.Information about the Movie Music Track Competition is also on the web site at www.gsff.org.

The winners of all competitions will be recognized at The GSFF Black Tie Awards Dinner held on March 25th, 2012 at The Crystal Point in Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ.

About the 10th Annual Garden State Film Festival

The Garden State Film Festival was born in 2002 after a chance encounter in a Sea Girt, NJ Grocery store by 25-year film industry veteran Diane Raver and the well-known Hollywood actor Robert Pastorelli. Through his deep ties to Hollywood Mr. Pastorelli and Ms. Raver were able to bring the Garden State Film Festival to life at its successful premiere in 2003. Since that time, such industry notables such as Glenn Close, Frank Vincent, Batman producer Michael Uslan, Austin Pendleton, Kurtwood Smith, James Gandolfini, Budd Schulberg,Clarence Clemons, Bruce Stringsteen and others have lent their support. GSFF is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization held in the spring of each year at the Paramount Theater/Convention Hall complex as well as other venues in Asbury Park, New Jersey and surrounding area. For more information about the Garden State Film Festival please visithttp://www.gsff.org   or call 1-877-908-7050.

 

About the Sponsors of the 10th Annual Garden State Film Festival

The 10h Annual Garden State Film Festival could not be possible with out the generous support of the following sponsors. Platinum sponsors, who present the festival, are The Asbury Park Press, In Jersey Magazine, Metromix Jersey Shore and the Islander. The gold sponsor is Madison Marquette. Silver Sponsors include NJ Transit, Video Corporation of America, visitnj.org, Monmouth County Arts Council. Bronze sponsors include, Saker Shop Rites, Inc., Currents Magazine,  njscreenwriter.organd Media Services. Contributors include the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce, , The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel, , Tim McLoone’s Supper Club, King Limousine and Car Service.

For more information about our sponsors please visit http://www.gsff.org/sponsors.php.

Saturday, October 1, 2011 The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Long Branch and New Brunswick in conjunction with The Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center will launch an exciting new fundraising event, the Ride for the Ronald McDonald House,  presented by IOA Insurance Office of America. This is a family-friendly bicycle event.

 Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park  Ocean Avenue 

Long Branch, NJ    *Children 12 and under – Free! 

7:30am – Registration begins (rain or shine)

*Riders  12 and older pay an entry fee of $35

*There is a ride for everyone:

The Family Ride              - 15 miles (Seven Presidents Park to Bradley Beach & back to the park).

Touring Ride                    - 30 miles  (Seven Presidents Park to Sea Girt & back to the park)

The  Metric Century-  –  62.5 miles… (see attached map)For those who are willing to go the distance!

 

SPECIAL GUESTS: Mayor of Long Branch Adam Schneider, Deputy Chief of Detectives Karen Odom/ Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Investigation Division,

     Chief of Police Asbury Park, Mark Kinmon and  Ronald McDonald! 

*It’s going to be a great day of fun, bring your kids, grandma, grandpa, and friends.

You will be “spinning your wheels” for one of the world’s most beloved charities while helping the families that stay at RMH.

 

 

ABOUT RMH:     The Ronald McDonald Houses around the world were created to provide a “home away from home” for families of children who are ill and undergoing medical treatment. The House is operated through funds generated by events and contributions from the community.

HELP US GET SOMEBODY OUT OF THE ROUGH…

AND ENJOY A GREAT DAY PLAYING GOLF!

JUMPING BROOK COUNTRY CLUB

“MILLION DOLLAR HOLE” UP FOR GRABS

(LONG BRANCH, NJ) – The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Long Branch & New Brunswick is hosting their 18th annual golf tournament on July 11th at the Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune NJ.

RMH guests will be treated to lunch, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, silent auction, and an awards presentation.

· There will be not one but two Hole in One contests to win cars from Tom’s Ford (Keyport) and Lester Glen (Toms River)

· 50/50

· Closest to the Pin & Putting Contest

· Prize Raffle – - one week stay at Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa in Rancho Mirage Hills, CA. (Includes two bedrooms, 2 baths accommodates up to eight people – plus 2 round trip tickets on United Airlines.

· MILLION DOLLAR SHOOT OUT

“There is still time to register to play and sponsorships for tees and greens are available. We hope everyone will come out to spend a wonderful day of friendly competition – to help support the families who stay at RMH,” stated Robert Becker/Chair Golf Committee.

The Ronald McDonald House provides a true “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children who receive care at medical facilities near our locations in Long Branch and New Brunswick, NJ. RMH also offers Family Rooms and a Hospitality Suite in the pediatric units of three hospitals in Monmouth County. In this way, families can stay together in comfortable surroundings, helping them to remain strong throughout the course of their child’s treatment. Thanks to the ongoing help and support RMH receives, they can offer a welcoming, supportive environment for families during a time of uncertainty and stress.
Registration starts at 11:30am with a shotgun start at 1:00pm. To register your foursome, or become a sponsor, please visit www.rmh-cnj.org (events link) or call us (732) 222-8755 (ext 31).

Your generosity and support for “The House That Love Built,” is a permanent source of strength for families. It’s going to be a fantastic day and we hope you will join us!

SAN FRANCISCO MUSICIANS TAKE TO THE RAILS AND PEDDLE THEIR BICYCLES TO BRING
“KLEZMENCO-HOP” FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO NEW YORK

June 5  Asbury Park, NJ  Yoga Basin

An innovative new musical duo, Cradle Duende has announced their cross-country tour starting May 30th through June 29th. Morgan Nilsen and Justin Ancheta, accomplished songwriters and musicians from San Francisco will travel by rail and by bicycle bringing their original music from San Francisco through states including Denver, New Jersey, New York City among others.

Nilsen and Ancheta, created “Klezmenco-Hop” mixing Klezmer and Flamenco music. “It includes the fusion of hip-hop vocals with traditional melodies,” states Nilsen. Cradle Duende’s talent and amazing repertoire reaches from Poland to Morocco with many wonderful stops in between. They were a big hit.” -MC Bill Schechner, Co-Anchor of NBC News-Overnight.

TOUR SCHEDULE:
May 28th Mercury Cafe Denver, Colorado
May 30 Denver Colorado Allied Jewish Apartments
June 3 Bennington Vermont Bennington Jewish Center
June 5 Asbury Park, NJ Yoga Basin
June 6 New York, NY Sonic Yoga
June 7 Albany, NY Sonic Yoga
June 9 Bomoseen, VT Iron Lantern
June 10 Manchester, VT Manchester Jewish Community
June 11 Rutland, VT Dave Nilsen Auto
June 18 San Francisco, CA Bicycle Music Festival
June 29 Yoshi’s, SF Vibes Global Movement

For more information, please visit www.cradleduende.org

It’s that time of year. Let’s get out there and Experience the Shore while you help give her a good spring cleaning with Clean Ocean Action.

Sandy Hook, NJ—Clean Ocean Action (COA) invites citizens and organizations to participate in the 26^th Annual Spring Beach Seeps on Saturday, April 30^th at 69 sites along the New Jersey Coast.  The Beach Sweeps begin at 9a.m. and end at 12:30p.m., rain or shine.

 

Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps is one of the longest running cleanup programs in the nation and, after 25 years of sweeping success, has resulted in the removal nearly 4.5 million pieces of trash.  More importantly, more than 83,000 citizens, the small and the tall, have been educated about the harmful effects of litter and are motivated to make a difference.  “The Beach Sweeps are an amazing opportunity for citizens and visitors to give back to their local marine environment,” said Tavia Danch, Clean Ocean Action’s Pollution Prevention Coordinator.

 

The Beach Sweeps is much more than picking up trash.  Volunteers are also given data cards to record the quantity and types of debris they find.  The information collected at the Sweeps helps identify pollution problems, aids legislators in enacting laws to protect our marine environment, and informs local and international efforts to combat marine pollution.

 

Clean Ocean Action encourages participation from volunteers of all ages, individually or from businesses, families and organizations.  Groups of 10 or more are requested to pre-register by calling (732) 872-0111, or by registering online at www.cleanoceanaction.org.  Pre-registration for individuals or groups less than 10 is not required.  Volunteers should bring gloves, dress for the weather, apply sunscreen, and wear closed-toed, hard-soled shoes.

 

Beach Captains will be available for volunteers at each site to distribute cleanup materials, and give instructions throughout the event.  For a list of sites, the group sign-up form, and other tips, visit www.cleanoceanaction.org and follow the links for “Beach Sweeps.”

 

In preparation for the Beach Sweeps, groups and volunteers are encouraged to rally their friends online via Facebook, Twitter and Blog.  Clean Ocean Action has established #2011sweeps as the twitter hashtag to follow.  People are encouraged to follow the ongoing dialogue on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clean-Ocean-Action/126163971494. “Beach Sweeps is a learning experience, but it’s also a social experience.  Friends, families, businesses and organizations are sharing their time and knowledge with their friends online and Beach Sweeps is part of that,” said Jennifer Thompson, Clean Ocean Action’s Communications Coordinator.  “This year we will be tweeting from the beaches—so make certain to follow our Sweeping finds!”

 

A number of businesses partner with Clean Ocean Action to make the Beach Sweeps possible.  The Lead Statewide Sponsors for the 2011 Beach Sweeps are Aveda, Bank of America, Verizon, Comcast, Atlantic City Electric, RICOH Americas Corporation, Montevalvo Disposal Services, ImaginOcean.  .  Additional statewide sponsors include:  ShopRite and United Teletech Financial.  Individual site sponsors include Surfrider Foundation, Jersey Shore Chapter (Allenhurst location), Monmouth County Association of Realtors (Asbury Park location), Brook 35 & West (Belmar and Spring Lake locations), Prudential, Jamie Patton and Rob Nigro (Belmar location), NuStar Energy (Keyport location), Enterprise Rent-A-Car, New Jersey Natural Gas, and Wakefern ShopRite (Sandy Hook location), The Grove (Sea Bright and Long Branch locations), , New Jersey American Water (Union Beach, Long Branch, and Ocean City locations), Jenkinson’s Aquarium (Pt. Pleasant Beach location), Adventure Aquarium(Ventnor location), Lower Cape May Regional Education Association (Wildwood Crest location).

 

 

About Clean Ocean Action

Clean Ocean Action is a coalition of 125 boating, business, community, conservation, diving, environmental, fishing, religious, service, student, surfing, and women’s groups.  Based on Sandy Hook, COA is the only full-time regional coalition that works exclusively for a clean ocean off the coasts of New Jersey and New York.

Save the Dates for May

• 11th Annual CAMP Rehoboth Women’s FEST takes place April 7-10. Nationally acclaimed entertainment with Comic Jennie McNulty live on stage. Ladies 2000 Tea Dance, book signings, brunches, happy hours, workshops, golf outing, poker tournament, wine tasting, lodging and dining discounts, and much more. 
  
• On April 15-16,  Celebrate Lewes’ historic Dutch heritage at theLewes Tulip Festival. Visit public spaces and private homes filled with colorful tulips. Photo contests and events at Zwaanendael Park.
• Get you and your bike tuned up for the 22nd Ocean to Bay Bike Tour in the Bethany Beach – Fenwick Island area on April 16th. Riders can choose scenic, coastal cycling routes from 5 miles to 50 miles. Register now as the event is almost sold out.
• Go fly a kite at the Great Delaware Kite Festival on Good Friday, April 22nd, at Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. The children’s competitions take place in the morning and adult competitions are scheduled for the afternoon. Also on hand will be professional kite demonstrations, food and kite vendors and an early visit by the Easter Bunny.
• Hike, paddle or cruise on a boat and spot warblers, shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors and more during the Delmarva Birding Weekend taking place April 28-May 1. Over 35 different, professionally guided trips are scheduled with many taking place in Southern Delaware.
• Celebrate Arbor Day at the 8th Annual Bug & Bud Festival on the Riverwalk in Milford on April 30th. Check out the traditional ladybug walking parade, musical entertainment, 100 plus arts & crafts vendors, Kid’s Korner, remote control boats, a youth bass fishing contest, an art show, and “green-themed” and nature related hands-on activities including seedling tree giveaways.

For a more detailed list of upcoming events in Southern Delaware, visit our Calendar of Events.

May 6-8: Lewes Merchants’ Spring Sidewalk Sale May 7: Lewes British Motorcar Show May 20-22: Rehoboth Beach Spring Sidewalk Sale May 27-29: Seaford Heritage Festival May 28: Milton / Prime Hook Horseshoe Crab Festival

For more information, visit www.VisitSouthernDelaware.com or call 800.357.1818.

 

Star- Studded Event is Topping Itself with this year’s line-up

This year’s festival weekend will feature 150 films shown in 5 locations over its 4 day run, along with a casting call with Talent Agent Renate English, Seminars with the Stars and Career Makers including Steve Sabol, President of NFL Films and Lainie Kazan, Movie, tv, music and Broadway star, lavish parties and networking with film makers, producers and actors.

Honorees Include:

Honorary Chairperson, John Lloyd, President of Meridian Health Care

Spirit of NJ Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band

Beacon Award Lainie Kazan, Movie, TV, Music and Broadway Star

Lifetime Achievement Award-Steve Sabol, President of NFL Films

Plus-Ann Reinking acclaimed BroadwayStar and Choreographer &

Michael Uslan, Executive Producer of the Batman Movie Series

Ronnie Marmo, General Hospital

The Festival officially begins Friday April 1^st with the traditional Gala Cocktail Party in the Arcade on the Boardwalk and guests immediately enter the historic Paramount Theater for the screening of “Expecting Mary” (A Very Mary Christmas), a sweet comedy that features an all star cast, including Lainie Kazan, Linda Gray, Cloris Leachman, Cybill Shepherd, Gene Simmons, Fred Willard and Della Reese.

The festival continues on Saturday and Sunday, beginning with a 9am casting call with Talent Manager Renate English, Seminars including;”How to get into SAG” “The Nfl Films Story” with Steve Sabol, “Stories from the Star” with Lainie Kazan, “Understanding Marfan’s” with Ann Reinking and “Reel Women of Film” a historic perspective on the first woman director.  Simultaneously,150 films will be screened in 5 different Asbury Park locations and at the Axelrod Theater in neighboring Deal.  Some of these films include “Jackie Robinson- My Story”, a critically acclaimed first person docu-drama by award winning film maker Marino Amoruso, West of Brooklyn” and “Limbo Lounge” from General Hospital’s Ronnie Marmo, and “My First Guitar” a documentary love song to the instrument with appearances from Les Paul, Slash, Bill Wyman, Jeff Lynne, Peter Frampton and a huge cast of other musicians. The film comes via producer Nick Mead, who also brings us “Who Do I Think I Am” the Clarence Clemons bio on his spiritual journey throughout China, which screens on Saturday evening.

Tickets for the Festival are available on the website www.gsff.org.  Friday night gala cocktail party and film, $25, individual screening passes for a two hour block of films, $10 or an all access weekend pass, which includes the Friday night gala, just $50

 

 

According to the US Coast Guard there are a number of illegal charter boats plying the docks waiting to take you for a ride. Remember that only licensed commercial captains with US Coast Guard inspected boats  are allowed to carry passengers for hire. You may be putting yourself and your family at risk by riding with one of the scallywags .  While this story is out of Maryland, the same goes for Delaware and New Jersey. Here is what the USCG had to say:

BALTIMORE — Coast Guard Sector Baltimore cautions passengers who pay to go fishing in the Chesapeake Bay during the 2011 fishing season to avoid boats that do not have licensed captains, and in some cases, have not been inspected by the Coast Guard.

According to Coast Guard investigators, the number of vessels reported to be illegally charging to carry people has increased over the last two years and is most frequent in the areas of Kent and Tilghman Islands, Rock Hall, Annapolis and the Potomac River in Charles County.

Illegal charter boats are uninspected vessels or are operated by a captain without a mariner’s license, or in some instances both. The operation of a charter vessel without the required vessel documents and operator license is a violation of federal law, and if caught, the operator could be subject to criminal or civil liability. The regulations are in place to help ensure the safety of passengers. When all regulations are met a Certificate of Inspection is given, showing that a vessel has met the Coast Guard safety standards in regard to fire extinguishing systems, vessel de-watering capabilities, life saving and navigation equipment requirements.

A boat a captain must also have a mariner’s license in order to legally operate a charter. Coast Guard issued mariner’s licenses show that the operator of a commercial vessel has met proficiency requirements in navigation, seamanship as well as steering and sailing rules. A paying passenger cannot be assured of the operator’s competency or the soundness of the vessel without a valid license and inspection certificate.

“While it might seem like a great deal, it’s important to remember that illegal charter boats can charge less because they do not have the added expense of complying with safety regulations,” said Cmdr. Kelly Post, Chief of Prevention at Sector Baltimore. “You get what you pay for, so beware of a deal that seems too good to be true.”

The Coast Guard advises the public to ask the boat’s captain to show them his or her original Coast Guard license. If the boat is carrying more than six passengers, it is required to be inspected by the Coast Guard, and the Certificate of Inspection should be displayed in an area accessible to passengers.

“What’s astonishing is the number of people who knowingly pay to fish aboard illegal vessels just to save a few dollars,” said Post. “People would expect a commercial airline to have a licensed pilot aboard and the plane to meet safety standards, so people should not be willing to put their lives, and the lives of their family and friends, at risk by going out on the water aboard illegal charter vessels. The Coast Guard is dedicated to reducing loss of life, injuries, and property damage that occur on U.S. waterways. We need the public’s help by refusing to go out on vessels unless the captain can produce his original Coast Guard license, and for inspected vessels, the Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection.”

If the public wants to verify a captain’s license or the inspected status of a vessel carrying more than six passengers, or to report an illegal charter operation, they can call Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 410-576-2558.

Experience the Shore’s friend Donna Roman Hernandez, a former Police Captain and an award-winning New Jersey independent film Director and the owner of Blue Force Films based in New Jersey, announced today that her latest film production, a 52-minute dramatic Police Web Series, CROSSING BLOOD LINES, is competing now online in the New Media Film Festival Web Series Audience Choice category.  Donna needs votes to qualify for the finals of this competition and appreciates your vote with a ‘2 thumbs up’ using the link on the Home Page of her website (www.blueforcefilms.com) to access the CROSSING BLOOD LINES web series film festival page to vote.