By Maria Esteves – August 28, 2011

The 2nd Annual New York City International Film Festival 2011 (NYCIFF11) Opening Night Awards  presented by NYCIFF founder Robert Rizzo honoring the best international filmmaking and emerging directors in 2011 immediately followed the Opening Night Gala at the Hudson Theatre, Thursday, August 18, 8:00 PM. NYCIFF11 Opening Night black-tie red carpet arrivals included international filmmakers, producers, writers, actors, recording artists, industry executives, corporate sponsors, and patrons.

This year’s festival included over 40 films (features, documentaries, shorts, animations, TV Pilots) from Albania, Australia, Costa Rica, England, France, India, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Japan, and USA; workshops; free outdoor screenings at Times Square; opening night black-tie gala reception; and after parties. The award presenters were actor M. Macaluso, T. Iz, E. Thai, I. Yako, L. Kruse, and NYCIFF founder Roberto Rizzo. Best Actress Short Film Award went to actress Barbie Castro and Best International Actor Award to actor Gulshan Grover.