Broadway World
8th Annual Burbank International Film Festival Announces Record-Breaking Film Schedule
By Movies News Desk
August 31, 2016
The Burbank International Film Festival is pleased to present a record-breaking 140 films including 22 from outside the US, and 12 world premieres at the Burbank AMC 16 in Downtown Burbank from Wednesday, September 7th, through Sunday, September 11th, 2016. For tickets, festival passes, special hotel rates please visit www.burbankfilmfest.org.
Now in its 8th year, the Burbank International Film Festival is five-day celebration of independent film bringing together emerging international talent, film enthusiasts, and industry leaders to experience the best in contemporary film in Burbank, the Media Capital of the World.
“With 14 countries represented, and 53 market premieres, the festival has grown significantly in the U.S. and internationally,” stated Jeffrey Rector, festival director. “From China, to India, to Europe and Nepal, 20% of this year’s films are from abroad. Now more than ever, the Burbank International Film Festival celebrates and supports filmmaking talent where ever it is found.”
Representative categories include independent full-length films, shorts, special event movies, comedy, drama, student filmmakers, sci-fi, faith-based, animation, foreign language, and documentary films.
In addition to awards being given in each filmmaking genre, the festival will also honor Michelle Nichols with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Danny Woodbury with the Diversity Award, and Jane Seymour with the Awareness Award. In recognition of the 15th anniversary of 9/11, the festival will honor a veteran from World War II, and one from Iraq/Afghanistan. Hal Albert (WWII) and Doug Woodhams (Iraq and Afghanistan) will both receive the Act of Valor Award. New this year, in recognition of director Garry Marshall, the inaugural Garry Marshall Spirit Award will be a continuing tribute to his life and legacy, and will be presented to a different recipient every year.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
OPENING NIGHT, Wednesday, September 7th, 6:00 PM
AMC Burbank 16
RED CARPET AND DEDICATION, 6:00 PM: Hosted by Fritz Coleman with opening remarks from Burbank Mayor Jess Talamantes and former Walt Disney Studios Chairman and Legendary Pictures Board Member Dick Cook, the Opening Night Gala is dedicated to honoring the life and achievements of director Garry Marshall, with the Spirit Award being presented to the Marshall family.
OPENING NIGHT FEATURE FILM, 7:00 PM: The Wave (Norway, 2016) directed by Roar Uthaug, starring Kristoffer Joner, Ane Dahl Torp, Jonas Hoff Oftebro.
A geologist’s warning of an imminent disaster goes unheeded. Although predicted, no one is prepared when sudden seismic activity causes a mountain to collapse, creating a violent Tsunami that threatens to destroy everything in its path. This disaster film is based upon true events and is presented courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
OPENING NIGHT SECOND FEATURE FILM, 7:30 PM: Last Call at Murray’s (USA 2016) directed by Linda Palmer, starring Paula Jai Parker, Michael Gross, John Savage.
Dwindling clientele and new smoking ordinances have forced veteran bar-owner Murray to make a tough decision: it’s time to close the bar. However, Murray’s hopes for a quiet closing are dashed when a freak blizzard strands a host of zany people all night. Between drinks and karaoke, alliances are formed, broken, and blown sky-high.
COMEDY FEATURE FILM #1, Thursday, September 8th, 9:00 PM
Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel (USA 2016) Directed by Antonio Lexerot and Vincent J. Roth, starring Eric Roberts, Linda Blair, Bruce Vilanch.
Featuring more than 50 celebrities, the long awaited sequel with cinema’s first openly gay superhero tracks Metal Master to Las Vegas, finding himself out of his element in a strange town. Surge is soon aided by local college students deploying their own talents to help Surge uncover Metal Master’s activities, putting Surge in awkward situations.
COMEDY FEATURE FILM #2, Friday, September 9th, 8:30 PM
The Wedding Invitation (USA 2016) Directed by Rainy Kerwin, starring Camille Guaty, Eoin Macken, Christina Ulloa.
Three best friends endure heartbreak, humiliation & hangovers to find a date to the wedding of a lifetime.
DRAMATIC FEATURE FILM, Friday, September 9th, 9:00 PM
The Girl (USA 2014) Directed by Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, starring Michael Biehn, Tia Carrere, Dana Daurey. Director and stars will be in attendance to introduce the film.
A kidnapped girl is rescued by a young boy, and in return is compelled to save him from the horrors in his home.
FAMILY FRIENDLY COMEDY, Saturday, September 10th, 2:30 PM
