University Partners with Montclair Film Festival
When the curtains rise on the second annual Montclair Film Festival (April 29-May 5), the University will again be a key partner, bringing new films and events to campus, including the Opening Night Gala at the Alexander Kasser Theater.
While this year’s screenings were not announced by press time, if last year is any indication, plenty of big movies and celebrities will be part of the Festival. In 2012, Montclair State hosted several screenings, including that of The Oranges, starring Hugh Laurie. The Festival also premiered The Perfect Family, written by alumnus Paula Goldberg and starring Kathleen Turner. Turner, along with Michael Moore, Olympia Dukakis and Stephen Colbert were among those in attendance.
Montclair State’s involvement didn’t end there. Last summer, the University hosted the Festival’s pre-release screening of alumna Lorene Scafaria’s film, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, starring Steve Carell and Keira Knightley. In September, the 1985 classic The Breakfast Club played at the Amphitheater to end the Summer Movie Festival. Most recently, the Festival screened the Oscar-nominated short films on campus.
The Festival also serves as a resource for students in the University’s filmmaking program. “Film students are exposed to new films that we hope will inspire them, have their work showcased and have access to film professionals in seminars with filmmakers and actors,” says Festival Director Thom Powers.
On May 3, the Montclair Film Festival will showcase the best short films made by undergraduate students, and on May 4, the University will host the Festival’s annual behind-the-scenes seminar, which will feature panels with film industry professionals.
