Highlights of the 2016 Greenwich International Film Festival!

​Fairfield County "It!"
had a fabulous time at the
2nd Annual
Greenwich International Film Festival.

Day 1.
Opening Night found us at
"The Anthropologist",
a documentary about the impact of global warming on various communities around the world.  

A primary specialization of anthropology today is the impact to mankind from climatic change. The movie featured an anthropologist mother and daughter investigating the effects, and also highlighted memories from the daughter of and
film moments from the life of
well known
Anthropologist,
Margaret Mead.

After the show Seth Kramer, director of the movie, talked to us about the 7 year journey of discovery, distress, wonder and joy as they traveled around the globe,
witnessing the impact to communities, families, food sources, and local economies as
glaciers recede and waters rise.

After the movie we headed to the Greenwich Boys & Girls Club
for the
​Opening Night Film Premiere & Party.

The Greenwich International Film Festival
did an excellent job creating an electrifying ambience of color, glamour, great food & drinks, and musical talent.  

My favorite bite that evening was the delicious scallop carpaccio from South End Uncorked.  A wonderful medley of sea and spice.

Val's Putnam Wines 
offered a wide variety of tasty libations from attentive bartenders within the 
"strikingly good looking bar" 
​located in the center of the party.  

The entertainment that evening started with Dar Williams.  
Her silky vocals
were wonderful
​ whether intently watching her perform or as background music as you made the rounds throughout the party.

Later John Popper
brought down the house
​with his harmonica, vocals and excellent pianist.

​Afterward the awards were announced.
And the winners are:

• Best Social Impact Film Documentary — Hooligan Sparrow
• Narrative Feature — Little Men
• Narrative Short — Before the Bomb
• Documentary Short — Another Kind of Girl

Day 2.
​Two more movies:  

Teenage Cocktail - 
A thriller that keeps you engaged and for parents of teenagers a possible wake up call. Yikes!

The Unknown - 
A suspenseful movie that keeps you on your toes throughout.

Afterward the elegant Changemaker Honoree Gala
was held at Richards in Greenwich.

 Trudie Styler (Director, Producer, Actress)  received the “Changemaker Award” for her work with the Rainforest Fund, a charitable entity she created with her husband Sting, dedicated to the support of indigenous peoples in South America, Africa, and Asia and traditional populations in their efforts to protect their environment and fulfill their rights.

Abigail Breslin (Scream Queens, ABC’s upcoming Dirty Dancing Musical, Little Miss Sunshine) received the
“Rising Changemaker Award.” She has chosen to work with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), an organization that acts as a catalyst for changing society to have zero tolerance for domestic violence.

Kathie Lee Gifford
served as Master of Ceremonies and Musician Blessing Offor, a past finalist from The Voice, performed during the gala. 

Day 3. 

Robert Klein Still Can't Stop his Leg

​A look back at the extraordinary career and talent of comedian Robert Klein.  
Capturing his multifaceted capacity to entertain and providing an intimate look at his life.

LOL: The Big Business of Comedy

Moderated by Mike Fleming Jr., film editor of Deadine Hollywood, the panel of legendary talent included Richard Brener (Sex in the City, Wedding Crashers), Chris Bender (American Pie, The Hangover), Will Arnett (Arrested Development, 30 Rock), Peter Principato (Wet Hot American Summer) and Stuart Cornfeld (The Fly, Zoolander, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty).

Some of the categories discussed were the difficulty to make a funny film in todays sensitive media environment, deciding what makes it into a film & what to cut, the pros & cons of scripted comedic writing vs. improvisation and the constant need to reexamine what will deliver with todays audience.

Much to our dismay, we were unable to attend Day 4.

The 2nd Annual
​Greenwich Interntional Film Festival
was a great success at meeting its mission of
Film, Philanthropy & Finance
to make a difference!


​
"It!"  Woman   Kyle

​Charity Partners    ​