The New York International Independent Film & Video Festival is proud to announce that Abel Ferrara is President of the 2009 festival in NYC. The NYIIFVF continues to be the voice of independent film, launching many careers and successes from our festivals in New York and LA. NYIIFVF's President Abel Ferrara was introduced to producer Rafael Primorac by NYIIFVF's Executive Director Stuart Alson and will begin production together on a $9 million film starring Wesley Snipes, directed by Abel Ferrara, produced by Rafael Primorac this Fall in Detroit. Casting is taking place now in NYC.

NYIIFVF runs from October 22nd-29th in Manhattan and will showcase a diverse range of features, shorts, documentaries and animations from all over the globe. The opening night kick-off party takes place at Boulevard (199 Bowery at Spring St., NYC, NY) on Thursday, October 22nd. Film screenings begin Friday, October 23rd - 29th at City Cinemas Village East (181 2nd Avenue at 12th Street, NYC, NY). **Abel Ferrara will host the Festival's Official Filmmaker Luncheon and will be in attendance during the eight-day film extravaganza. **

This is your last chance to be a part of the NYIIFVF and screen your film at the Village East Cinema in NYC. Please visit www.nyfilmvideo.com , if you want to submit a film.

A sampling of NY Premieres in the upcoming festival includes films with Liam Neeson, Ed Asner, Vincent Pastore, Carmen Electra, Lainie Kazan, Jai Rodriguez and Saul Rubinek.

Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!
A romantic, heartwarming and inspirational family comedy featuring a Jewish family who struggles coming to terms with their son's non-Jewish and gay boyfriend. When the gay couple adopts a child and it makes headline news, their families come to defend them and realize how much they love them. Starring: Carmen Electra, Lainie Kazan, Saul Rubinek, Vincent Pastore, John Lloyd Young and Jai Rodriguez.

Resting Places
A global phenomenon is spreading at an alarming rate. Opponents want it stopped. Oscar-nominated actor Liam Neeson narrates this thought-provoking documentary about the cultural phenomenon that now surrounds the tradition.

The Triumph of William Henry Harrison
Journalist Amanda Delacourt works to expose the true story of William Henry Harrison, America's 9th President: that he never died in office, but faked his death and rose from the shadows to become the most powerful man in the world. Narrated by Edward Asner.