Victoria Clark

In 2010, the festival is placing a spotlight on innovation and creativity – forces in the film industry that have been supercharged by the recent tough economic times.

“We have been able to improve the festival in more ways than we ever imagined, even while feeling the financial crunch that’s hitting everyone’s pocketbooks,” said Tom Carruthers, executive director and creator of The Connecticut Film Festival.

In 2010, CTFF is featuring more than 100 films in 13 competing categories, 80 performances by original, independent emerging musical artists, seven receptions and two industry networking events.

Barry Levinson’s hit documentary film, “Poliwood,” features celebrities and news anchors who love to take sides “If it wasn’t for our dedicated volunteers, underpaid staff and trusted festival partners, none of this would be possible,” said Carruthers.

The festival is hosting more than 75 educational workshops, panels and keynotes on the creative, business, marketing and legal aspects of the film, music, digital and new media and screenwriting industries.

“For someone between jobs looking to get into the business to the most knowledgeable of professionals, you will find something to learn at the CTFF,” he explained.

Best of all, event organizers have kept the price of admission right:

Single Tickets for film, music, interactive & educational events starting before 6:00pm are $7.00. Regular admission for all other films from 6:00pm on is $ 8.00.

Students and seniors tickets are $7.00 for all show times.

This year, CTFF is also partnering with local non-forprofit organizations to raise awareness for their causes as well as funds for them to continue their work, by making them beneficiaries of red carpet events.

To purchase tickets, or for more information on admission prices for red carpet receptions and fundraisers for local non-for-profit organizations, visit www.ctfilmfest.com

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Tuesday, May 4 – Union Savings Bank Presents Opening Night featuring a fantastic music documentary about 1960s L.A. studio musicians, “The Wrecking Crew,” who created the sounds that have influenced the Pop Music scene for five decades. This is a fascinating look at life, artists and how two dozen unrecognized musicians affect all of us every day, reminding us where we were at that particular moment in time when we heard “that” song. CTFF is proud to partner with the staff and the consumers of Ability Beyond Disability to raise the roof of the Palace Theater when it parties to the live music of “Proud Glory” to fundraise for ABD during the after party. Red Carpet at 6:30pm.

Wednesday, May 5 – CTFF partners with The United Way of Western Connecticut to present the World Premiere of “10 Mountains 10 Years.” An exciting look at one group of people who inspire us to take fundraising, volunteering and advocacy to NEW HEIGHTS, climbing 45 Vertical miles, over 10 years in seven countries, to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Party with the climbers immediately after the film to the music of Milton while benefiting our local United Way! Doors open at 6:30pm.

Thursday, May 6 – The Film Fest couldn’t get enough of last year’s Audience Favorite Award Winner, “The Baker,” staring an A-List of British talent featuring Damian Lewis (NBC’s “Life” & “Band Of Brothers”). When given the choice of films for the evening, there was no second-guessing. Non-profit partner; The Bethel Library Building Fund, decided with big smiles all around, “The Baker” Doors open 6:30, show time 7:30 immediately followed by a reception with music by Jeff Preston, complete with a Shakespeare Cake Competition! A what?

Friday, May 7 – We’re working double duty. CTFF welcomes The Connecticut Student Film Festival at 4:30pm when they bring their award nominated students – from over 20 schools – and their films to compete for the annual Best Of awards in six categories. Welcome cookout begins at 4:30pm, screenings and awards 5:30pm. Then, at 9:00pm, CTFF is excited to present the World Premiere of “Santorini Blue,” featuring Richard Belzer, Dann Florek, Ice-T, and many others from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, immediately followed by a Friday night late night party.

Saturday, May 8 – Union Savings Presents: The Closing Night, Barry Levinson’s hit documentary film, “Poliwood,” featuring your favorite celebrities and news anchors who love to take sides. Left Side, Right Side… Poliwood spins the press and wags the dog. After some big laughs, frightening moments and utter amazement, head back out to the lobby for CTFF’s Closing Night Industry Bash, featuring music by The Presbyterians.

2010 attracted dozens of Connecticut written, produced and directed films, inspiring CTFF Educational Director; Marty Lang to launch “The Connecticut Grown” series.

You’ll find many CT Grown films this year, including the Thursday and Sunday screenings of “Years In The Making,” a film by Martin West of Westport that reminds us that it’s never to late to follow our passions and creatively express ourselves. And then on Sunday afternoon, the highly anticipated home state screening of the Madison, CT, production; “Harvest,” featuring award-winning actors, Robert Loggia, Victoria Clark, and Barbara Barrie.

Sunday, May 9 – The festival wraps up on Sunday evening with The 24 Cup-O’ Joe Guerilla Filmmaking Competition Awards Ceremony. The competition gives anyone with a video camera the opportunity to tell a story in 3-4 minutes and see it played on the big screen.