FilmFestivalLogoChris Shoemaker, local resident and Founder of Freshi Films, contacted me recently as he wanted to add wine tasting to the five-day International Family Film Festival (IFFF) to be held March 10-14 at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood.  And, while I profess a slight 101ers knowledge on wine events…I referred him to my pal Dr. Joel Fisher, founder of the LA Wine Fest, for contacts.

Within a day these two masterminds had obtained Derby Wine Estates®, Grizzly Republic Wines and Hard Row to Hoe® vineyards.  I asked Chris to tell me more about the event:  “It’s a smorgasbord of family films from around the world.  I’d love you to come down to Hollywood, see a film, grab a bottle and meet us at the fest.  It’s fun – you’ll have a blast.”

Have you had wine at the IFFF before Chris?

Yes, but never sponsored by such fine wineries before.  These wines will be served complimentary with a purchased admission to our China Film reception on March 10th and our Awards Ceremony reception/banquet on March 14th. 

Any chance of Chinese Wine to pair with the Chinese films? (See press release below for more film information)

Dr. Fisher has made careful selections for the wine to perfectly compliment with our Chinese film screenings.  It will be exciting!

Any other wines, foods, added to the lineup?

We’ll have a nice buffet dinner planned after the Awards Ceremony on March 14th.  The food will be a blend of Mediterranean and Chinese Asian.  We have festival attendees from over 14 countries, so we need to present a somewhat eclectic food offering so everyone enjoys some great food at our event.

Information From IFFF

This year, in keeping with its mission to exhibit films made around the world, the IFFF proudly presents a select block of Chinese films appropriate for children and general audience viewing.  

A Chinese delegation of over 25 of China’s leading film directors, producers, distributors, cinematographers, programmers, actors and child stars will be attending the entire festival event. We are especially delighted to be hosting Mrs. Jingti Chen who is the Chairwoman and Chief Delegate of The China Children’s Film Association. She will be attending the festival, networking and speaking at the panel on producing films in China. All of these professionals will attend the screenings and be available for a rare and unique Q&A following the films.  

On Wednesday, March 10th beginning at 1 pm, the IFFF will screen a full day of 14 feature-length Chinese films that include dramas, comedy, animation, mixed media and Chinese Opera presentations. A film reception with this expert Chinese Delegation of filmmakers will be held at the Raleigh Studios Cantina immediately following the last film at 8 pm.  

On Saturday, March 13 at 12:30 pm, the China Delegation will present a Panel Discussion entitled “Producing Films in China – the Myth vs. the Method” – an event not to missed!  

All films will be screened at the historic Raleigh Studios (Hollywood, CA), the oldest and longest continually operating independent film studio in the greater Los Angeles area. For information and a synopsis on the films, their date and times for screening and a special appearance list visit the website at www.iffilmfest.org. 

From Chris Shoemaker, Founder & Executive Director 

We’re still here!  Many non-profit organizations, schools, clubs and other donor-supported programs no longer have a pulse to proclaim such a cry.  In these most challenging of financial times, it’s often near impossible to find two thin dimes to rub together. We families must hang together by a shared passion, vision, stubbornness and grit to “grow through the pain.”   Your support of IFFF is the essential ingredient to the glue that binds us – this family stays together.  We thank you for sticking with us.   

Welcome to the 15th annual International Family Film Festival (IFFF) at The Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, CA.   We like the round sound of “fifteen.”  IFFF celebrates cultural diversity, creativity, tolerance and global unity in its exhibition of excellent family films and screenplays.   Over 5 days, the festival showcases 85 film products from 14 countries and 15 professional film schools attests to our emphasis on multi-cultural themes and global collaboration. 

This year the festival is proud to present a China Film Block of 14 exceptional full-length feature films from some of the leading film studios across China.  A most distinguished Chinese Film Delegation comprised of 26 film industry professionals is led by the Honorable Ms. Jingti Chen, Chairwoman and Chief Delegate of The China Children’s Film Association.  These delegates will be in attendance at the Chinese film screenings throughout the week and will participate in lively Q. & A. sessions with each audience – this is a rare and rich opportunity not to be missed.   

The IFFF theme this year is “Family Stories Are Timeless,” a simple message to be mindful of as we all hang on tight through this rollercoaster ride called life.  IFFF is also honored to bestow its Friz Award for Excellence in Animation to a true Disney great, Mr. Andreas Deja as well as its Film Excellence Award to Hallmark Channel for its longtime dedication to exhibiting exceptional family films.   

As listed in this year’s program book, you’ll learn about exciting professional and student screenings, galas, a screenplay showcase, insider panel discussions and various other professional networking opportunities to be a part of.  IFFF prides itself on being a serious but accessible festival.   We want people to be engaged and involved.  We trust you will make some new and long-standing friends over the festival’s duration.   

As the IFFF grows and sustains itself, we especially thank our many IFFF members and the supporting volunteers, corporations, organizations and donors that nurture and extend our vision with your time, talents, financial and in-kind contributions.   We applaud Raleigh Studios, a uniquely historical and fiercely independent film company – the perfect venue for the IFFF.   Once again we thank the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and its stellar membership with strong community support – we are proud to be an ongoing player in the grand tradition of film in Hollywood.  

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, Advisory Board, the Staff and supportive Sponsors and friends, our sincerest thanks for making IFFF “timeless” for one more exhilarating year – long live family films! 

Chris Shoemaker 

Highlights from the SCV Wine Calendar: 

Local TipS: Feel like Live Music tonight?  Choose from Echo Hill at Wine 661, Helen LaPrairie Band at Valencia Wine Co or Vic Rocks at All Corked Up. 

From a pal: Don’t WINE about computer problems call Steven @818-282-2139 who over 25 years of Desktop/Laptop/Server experience. 

My “E” Ticket Goes To: Grape of the Night: Merlot will be at Valencia Wine Co. on Monday 3/8 at 7pm and hosted by staff writer Rusty Sly.  Just show up, buy a bottle, share it with a couple dozen other people and compare notes.  Yes, it’s that easy. 

Wine Tasting: Spanish varietals at Vino 100 from 7-9pm on 3/10 or taste Italian varietals instead at All Corked Up 6-8pm, 661-799-7979 

Save the Date: The Betty Ferguson Foundation’s annual Vine 2 Wine will be held in a private home on 4/11/10.  http://bettyferguson.org

Yours, in wine and out,

Eve Bushman- commentary

Eve Bushman is a local writer that specializes in writing about wine. You can find great articles by Eve on her blog at http://www.evewine101.blogspot.com or email her at ebushman@earthlink.net. Her commentaries represent her own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization she may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon. She is also now on Facebook and has a monthly column in http://scvelitemagazine.com