SYRFILMFEST plans ‘Inside Look’

SYRFILMFEST plans ‘Inside Look’ February 17, 2009Jordan Kligermanjklig@laxmovie.com

SYRFILMFEST will host an “Inside Look” at this year’s film festival Thursday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. at The Palace Theatre in Eastwood. Festival staff will discuss the latest developments with the festival and provide a sneak peek at this year’s program and special events.

Festival Producer Christine Fawcett-Shapiro will unveil this year’s festival poster, which was designed by Jill Green, a Los Angeles-based graphic artist. The designer’s parents, Joan and Ed Green, Syracuse natives, will be on hand to be recognized for their daughter’s design work.

Operations Manager Dan Campis will announce an overhaul to the SYRFILMFEST website, previewing its new look, navigation and online ticketing capabilities.

Owen Shapiro, the festival’s artistic director, will discuss highlights of this year’s film program. He will also introduce local television producer John Gerard, whose film “Famous in 31 Days” will be screened during the festival this year. Gerard’s presentation will include a screening of the trailer for his film.

Festival staff will also discuss details about SYRFILMFEST’s First Annual Oscar Party, which will be held at The Palace Theatre on Sunday, Feb. 22, and will feature hors d’oeuvres and desserts, popcorn, raffles, contests, cocktails and, of course, a presentation of the Oscar telecast on the Palace’s big screen.

A question-and-answer session will take place at the conclusion of the presentations.

This “Inside Look” will aim to provide the media and the community with a preview of what’s new for the 2009 Syracuse International Film Festival. For more information, call (315) 443-8826.