You should've been in pictures You should've been in pictures (October 21, 2005)

Pleasanton residents shine in the California Independent Film Festival
by Jerri Long

Film fans can feast their eyes next weekend on 110 films from around the world, including two from Pleasanton, at the seventh annual California Independent Film Festival (CIFF) held Wednesday through Sunday, Oct. 26-30 - one day longer than last year's festival. Adding to the fun is the fact that the screenings will take place in five Tri-Valley wineries, as well as at Livermore's historic Vine Cinema.

"This is the seventh consecutive year for our film festival, and it is no accident, nor some small feat, that it has matured like the great wines of our valley into an experience people continents away are talking about," said Joe Madden, president of Goal Line Productions in Pleasanton. Madden is a member of the CIFF Executive Board and formerly served six years on the board of directors of the Tri-Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Pleasanton residents may glimpse familiar scenery in "Planting Melvin," a feature film that will screen at 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29 at the Steven Kent Winery in Livermore. "Planting Melvin" was co-produced by Pleasanton's Donna Garrison, a CIIF executive board member. Shot partially in Ruby Hill in May 2004, "Planting Melvin" is the story of Billie Lawrence (portrayed by Irene Bedard), who leaves a violent marriage and finds solace in the friendship of a dying photojournalist.

"I'm very excited about this year's festival because it's coming together with so much really great community support," Garrison said. She noted that this year, CIFF attracted more than 800 film entries. "So many different people have come on board - great people to make new things happen and grow the festival to the next level."

Another local entry in this year's festival is "Last Dance," a 50-minute documentary produced and directed by Sean Laskey of Pleasanton, who warns, "Don't die having regrets about not following your artistic passion! It may be the 'Last Dance.'" His documentary will screen at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 30 at Wente Vineyards Estate Winery.

Jointly sponsored by the CIFF Association, Livermore Valley Wine Growers Association and the Tri-Valley Visitors and Convention Bureau, the 2005 festival also includes features, shorts, "mini-shorts," documentaries and animated films from film-makers outside of the Tri-Valley. An unusual aspect of this year's festival is a "create-it-in-24-hours" film contest.

Actress Rita Moreno will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at in the Vine Cinema, preceding a showing of "West Side Story," for which Moreno won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Fans can meet the actress at a VIP reception 5:30 p.m. at Blue Jean Bistro and Bar in Livermore. Admission price is $50 for both reception and movie, $25 for movie only.

Director John Badham will be honored Wednesday evening, Oct. 26 with the CIIF's "Golden Slate" Award for Directing Excellence. The festival's kick-off presentation will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the Vine Cinema prior to a screening of Badham's 1970's classic, "Saturday Night Fever." Tickets for the VIP reception, Q&A and screening are $50; tickets for the Q&A and screening are $20.
So you want to make a picture

If you always have wanted to break into film-making, you may get your chance in the "Iron Film-maker Contest." Contestants have 24 hours to create a complete three-minute film, including "secret ingredients" that will be revealed at the kick-off registration 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27 at Livermore Chamber of Commerce, located at 2157 First Street. Completed entries must be submitted by 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at Wente Vineyards Event Center, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore, where they will immediately be screened and judged by the film festival audience. There is no fee to enter, but only 20 contestants are allowed, so sign up early by calling 447-1606 or visit CaIndieFest.com. Prizes include $250 from Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association and CIFF merchandise. All contestants will receive complimentary tickets to the Film Festival Preview Screening on Friday, Oct. 28 at the Wente Vineyards Event Center.
Ticket information

Tickets for film screenings on Saturday and Sunday are $20 per day or $30 for a two-day pass. Those with Sunday or weekend passes also get to attend the Slate Awards and closing ceremony from 5:30-7 p.m. Sunday evening at the Martinelli Event Center, 3585 Greenville Road, Livermore. Other locations for CIFF screenings include the Cedar Mountain Winery, Rios-Lovell Estate Winery and Wente Vineyards Event Center.

To attend the screening of "West Side Story" and VIP reception with Rita Moreno, call 552-REEL (552-7335) or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

To attend the Q&A, VIP reception and screening of "Saturday Night Fever" with John Badham, purchase tickets at 5:30 p.m. at the Zephyr Grill and Bar, 1736 First Street, Livermore.

Complete event details can be found at www.CaIndiefest.com.
Play golf and benefit the film fest

Tee off with celebrities on Friday, Oct. 28 at Poppy Ridge Golf Course as part of the second annual "Movies, Mulligans, and Merlot" tournament to benefit the California Independent Film Festival and independent film production in the Tri-Valley area. The tournament begins at 10 a.m. and will include a box breakfast, golf, range balls, tee prizes and awards banquet.

This year's tournament host will be film and television actor Mickey Jones from the 1996 golf comedy "Tin Cup." Actor Robert Hays from the 1980 comedy hit movie "Airplane" and Marc McClure--who appeared in all four "Superman" films as well as "Back to the Future" and "Freaky Friday"--will also play in this year's event. Visit www.mmm.golfreg.com for a complete list of celebrity tournament participants.

The tournament's format is a four-person scramble. Players should plan to be on the green all day and then relax with the guest stars at an awards banquet at 3 p.m. During the banquet, there will be entertainment, wine tasting and an auction to raise funds for the California Independent Film Festival. California Independent Film Festival Association is a nonprofit arts and educational organization dedicated to furthering the art of independent filmmakers.

Registration starts at $195 per player. Business sponsorships are also available at all levels.

To register, contact Jan Ahlman, jahlman@poppyridgegolf.com or call 456-8201.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.