March 26-----One of the more intriguing film festival events on the circuit opens next week in New York. The Gen Art Film Festival (April 1-7) returns to the Big Apple with its crowd-pleasing concept in tow. Not only do attendees have a chance to see previews of some of the more intriguing independent films, each ticket also includes a post-screening party where audiences can hobnob with industry reps, film personalities and the teams behind the films that are screening. This open access, as opposed to the closed VIP events that seem di regeur at most festivals, is based on the fact that Gen Art is a membership organization that makes a point of showcasing rising talents in the worlds of film, fashion, design and music.

The festivities begin on April 1 with the screening of LYMELIFE, which won the International Critics For Discovery Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. A dark comedy about American suburbia, the story is set in the late 1970s and tells the story of two deeply troubled, dysfunctional families in the New York suburbs. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Alec Baldwin, Cynthia Nixon, Timothy Hutton and Rory Culkin, the film is the feature debut of Derik Martini. For more information on the Gen Art Film Festival, log on to: www.genart.org/filmfestival/newyork

Sandy Mandelberger, Film New York Editor