The Manhattan Film Festival, featuring 133 movies, showcases films from independent filmmakers. Their goal is to help intertwine the filmmakers and audience that are on-the-rise. According to the website, their mission is to "find new ways to help filmmakers pursue a career out of filmmaking. In doing so we can help ensure the unique voices and visions not associated with mainstream cinema will continue to be seen and heard."
July 22nd kicked off the festival with the highly anticipated film White Irish Drinkers. Written and directed by John Gray (The Ghost Whisperer), the film takes place in Brooklyn in 1975. Brian Leary, played by Nick Thurston and his brother Danny (Geoff Wigdor) are involved in a life of crime. When Brian runs into trouble with local mobsters, his co-worker at a local movie theater jumps in to help out. They strike a deal with The Rolling Stones to have a concert at the movie theater. It is now Brian's job to spread the word about the concert.
The festival began with the short program, "Children's & Family Program: War of our Children." Films from all genres are showcased. Movie fans will be able to satisfy their favorite genres and experience others at the same time. Student films will also be present in the festival.
Beginning on Friday, July 22, the Festival will run until Saturday, July 30. Tickets and more information about the films are available on the festival website.
