By STEVEN VIERA
Staff Writer
RED BANK — The first annual Indie Street Film Festival (ISFF) is coming to Red Bank from July 6-10, giving members of the community the chance to see over 75 independent feature and short films and enjoy pre-screenings and after-parties all over town.
ISFF will include showings of local filmmaker Kevin Smith’s latest movie, “Yoga Hosers,” as well as Joe Minnella’s documentary “After Sandy,” Director Chad Hartigan’s “Morris from America,” which stars Craig Robinson of “The Office,” the world premiere of Director Johanna McKeon’s “Auld Lang Syne,” and many more.
On Friday, July 8, ISFF will feature “Can We Take a Joke,” a documentary exploring the intersection of comedy and political correctness, followed by a performance by Comedian Lisa Lampanelli.
According to Director of Programming Bill Augustin, filmmakers were selected to participate based on submissions through the websites Without a Box and FilmFreeway, from film organizers’ personal networks and recommendations from members of ISFF’s Advisory Board and independent film distributors.
“The idea behind [ISFF] is to give self-distributing filmmakers an opportunity to work together in a co-op model so that they can share audiences and resources and help realize a greater profit than if they were distributing their films on their own,” Augustin said. He added that all filmmakers participating in the festival will be able to join Indie Street as partner filmmakers.
Festival-related parties will occur at The Belmonte, 10th Avenue Burrito and other bars and restaurants around town. While screenings will take place at the Two River Theater, Red Bank Middle School and Bowtie Cinemas, many screenings will be at venue of the ISFF’s presenting sponsor, Count Basie Theatre.
“The mission of Count Basie Theatre has always centered on showcasing and nurturing the arts. In that way, Indie Street’s mission to create visibility for independent filmmakers is aligned with what we do best. We’re very much looking forward to growing this festival into an annual event for Red Bank and the region,” President and CEO of Count Basie Theatre Adam Philipson said in a press release.
For more information on the ISFF, visit www.indiestreetfilmfestival.org.