New Yorkers in need of an affordable yet satisfying indie film fix will be happy to hear that The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) has announced their slate of films and red carpet premieres. NYIIFVF runs from March 19 26 in Manhattan and will showcase features, shorts, documentaries and animations from all over the globe. The opening night kick-off party takes place at BLVD (199 Bowery) from 6-10pm. Film screenings begin March 20 on 2 screens at City Cinemas Village East (181 2nd Avenue at 12th Street). Legendary photographer Mick Rock (Blondie, R.E.M), actress Amanda Righetti (The Mentalist) and the NYIIFVF President Abel Ferrara will be in attendance.A special filmmakers welcome party with complimentary food will be hosted by Pangea on Friday March 20th from 11am - 12:30pm

In keeping with NYIIFVF’s unique and successful formula of 16 years, more than 150 films will screened in this year’s competition. Genres include Romance, Comedy,20Sci-Fi, Animation,20Music Video, Social Satire, Historical, Drama, Black Comedy, Mystery, Suspense, Action, Horror, Thriller, Experimental, Educational, War, Crime, Fantasy, Inspirational, Gay, Transgender, Rockumentary, Romance as well as a compelling slate of top-notch documentaries. Over 30 countries will be represented including: France, India, USA, Tunisia, Australia, Czech Republic, Botswana, Canada, Puerto=2 0Rico, Ireland, Malaysia, Japan, Spain, Serbia, Austria, Venezuela, Kosovo, Iceland, England, Montenegro, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Poland and all over the US.

NYIIFVF’s founder/executive producer, Stuart Alson commented,"Our mission and brand remain intact - our goal is to give independent filmmakers an invaluable opportunity to show their films, meet the industry, possibly win awards and give New Yorkers a chance to see some of the latest movies on the indie circuit.” Alson further states, “I am particularly delighted with our international category, which has attracted a record number of well-made films. I am certain that several gems will be discovered at this year’s event. The internationalization of the festival is something I am always very proud of.”

MICK ROCK/IGGY POP RAW POWER REDUX (World Premiere)
Two Rock N Roll Icons Mick Rock and Iggy Pop come together again thirty five years later for another legendary photo shoot. Mick Rock shows the legendary photos he shot in the 70's of a young Iggy and tells brief stories about the sh oots and events that were taking place in the early punk and Glam era. When they come together in Sept. 2007 to create Raw Power Redux, you can see that the passage of time has in no way blemished there love and respect for each other. And once again iconic images are produced by these legends of Rock n Roll. Dean Holtermann’s brilliant fly on the wall camera technique captures the natural unpretentiousness of the two. Editor Jen Chia nicely lays out a true flow of pure photography genius.
Directed by award-winning director Dean Holtermann, 17min Rockumentary
*Mick Rock confirmed for the red carpet
Screening on Tuesday March 24 at 8pm (screen 7) with private afterparty to follow.

BLINDERS
Award-winning controversial documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of New York City's iconic horse-drawn carriage industry to expose the truth behind the tradition. Recently aired on The Documentary Channel.
Directed by Donny Moss, 50 min. Documentary
Screening on Friday March 20 at 6pm (screen 6)

MATTER
A dark stranger digs deep into the psyche of an amnesiac woman to uncover the horrible truth behind her memory loss. Starring Amanda Righetti and based on the play by Nicole Dufresne.
Directed by Anna Mastro, 17min. Drama
*Amanda Righetti (Friday the 13th The Mentalist) confirmed for the red carpet.
Screening on Friday March 20 at 6pm (screen 7)

A GIFT OF LOVE
A Gift of Love confirms that it is only in giving20that we receive. Starring singing legend Tony Bennett.
Directed by Mario Pellegrini, 30min. Drama.
Screening on Friday March 20 at 6pm (screen 7)

TROMATIZED, MEET LLOYD KAUFMAN
A portrait of legendary and eccentric director/writer/producer Lloyd Kaufman and his film company Troma Entertainment, an independent New York-based production house that has specialized in Z-films for o ver 35 years.
Starring Lloyd Kaufman, Stan Lee, Roger Corman, John Badham, James Gunn, Tiffany Shepis (Bonnie & Clyde) and Trent Haaga.
Directed by Fabien Martorell, 93min. Documentary
Lloyd Kaufman expected on the red carpet
Screening on Tuesday March 24 at 8:10pm (screen 6)

CRY
In the wake of her parents’ death, Kara Fallon (Colleen Conroy) struggles to maintain her sanity through increasingly intense encounters with a weeping spirit of Irish legend. If these visions are not real, how can the eccentric comic book artist Duff (Joey Klein) capture her terror so vividly in his latest work, “Cry?” Cry is a ghost story, a love story, a nightmare, a legend, and much more a film that resonates like the wail of the Banshee itself.
Directed by Scott Klein, 93min. Suspense/Horror

The complete lineup of red carpet premieres, talent attending and film panels will all be forthcoming. As always, nightly afterparties will take place at hip venues around Manhattan.Single tickets can be purchased in advance atwww.nyfilmvideo.comfor $12 and $15 at the door. Package tickets and all-access V.I.P passes are also available.

Official Sponsors for the 2009 festival include dynamic film company, ITN Distribution, Inc and Filmon.com, a London-based film download and streaming site, cosmetic guru Jerry Lopez New York and JT Talent & Casting. For all media requests and interviews, please contact Briege McGarrity at (917) 783-4042 or via email atBMcGarrityPR@aol.com. Keep c heckingwww.nyfilmvideo.comfor up


Pictured
Lloyd Kaufman, Trauma
NYIIFVF President Abel Ferrara
Amanda Righetti who stars in the short film "Matter" written by the late playwright actress Nicole duFresne.