The New York International Film Festival just wrapped its 2009 festival in NYC. Film screenings were held exclusively at the historic City Cinemas Village East.

During the festival's opening weekend, Peter Greene, Steven Bauer, Clem Caserta (NYIFF Best Actor in a Short Film & Best Director of a Short Film), Kathrine Narducci, Ray Abruzzo and Vinnie Vella came out to support indie film and attended the World Premiere of "The Last Gamble" (NYIFF Best Drama) and "Mafiettes" (NYIFF Best Comedy-Drama Short). French actors Pierre Richard (NYIFF Lifetime Achievement Award) and Sylvie Testud were present at the World Premiere of "A Happy Man" (NYIFF Best International Feature Film). Talbot Perry Simon's film "Still the Drums" (NYIFF Best Feature Film & Talbot Perry Simons-Best Actor in a Feature Film) had it's New York Premiere before a sold out audience with a private after-party that followed.

The Festival's highly-anticipated closing night was well-received. "Marathon" (NYIFF Best Cinematography & Best Screenplay), produced by Richard Harteis, inked a distribution deal through ITN Distribution & Breaking Glass Pictures after the film's World Premiere. The film explores the relationship between Harteis and William Meredith, former US Poet Laureate and winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize. Garry Pastore's directorial debut "Waiting For Budd" screened before a sold out audience and Pastore picked up Best Directorial Debut of a Short Documentary. The NY Premiere of the multiple award-winning indie gem "Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!" (NYIFF Best Ensemble Cast & Audience Award) closed the festival and several of the films stars (Jai Rodriguez, Vincent Pastore) were spotted at the private after-party at Popburger.  

Jai Rodiguez at Oy Vey! My Son is Gay! After-Party.

Photo credit: Eero Makela

Oy Vey! My Son is Gay! NY Premiere.

Photo credit: Eero Makela