Get ready for ten nights of the best in new independent film when Staller Center presents the 19th Annual Stony Brook Film Festival from Thursday, July 17, through Saturday, July 26, in the Main Stage Theatre. The popular summer festival includes three world premieres and four U.S. premieres among the 17 features and 20 shorts, plus Q&As with filmmakers and Opening and Closing Night receptions.
The U.S. premieres include Back on Track directed by Kilian Riedhof, a bittersweet drama from Germany about a man in his 70s training for the Berlin marathon; Kenau, directed by Maarten Treurniet, a big-screen adventure from the Netherlands set in the 16th century; Paper Souls (Les âmes de papier), a quirky and surprising comedyfrom France; The Dark Valley directed by Andreas Prochaska, a tale of revenge from Austria/Germany reminiscent of the best American Westerns.
Juliette Binoche and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau star in the Closing Night film, the New York premiere of A Thousand Times Good Night directed by Erik Poppe, inspired by his own experience as a Reuters war photojournalist. Other actors seen on screen in the Festival are Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green and Joe Pantoliano in the New York premiere of The Identical; Daphne Rubin-Vega in Fall to Rise; Hiam Abass in the New York premiere of May in the Summer. Karina Smirnoff and Marsha Mason are both expected to accompany Ralph Macchio who is screening his short film Across Grace Alley, opening the film festival along with Back on Track. Among the short films are three world premieres: The Ring Cycle by Erin Cramer, The Showdown by Daniela Schrier Kafshi and Sorta’ Horny by Don Cherel.
Film passes, which include admission to all films, are on sale now for $85 and entitle pass holders to enter the theater first and enjoy other perks. Single tickets go on sale Monday, July 7, subject to availability: $10 general admission, $8 seniors, $5 students.
For program information and online tickets, visit www.stonybrookfilmfestival.com. The Staller Center Box Office is open Monday to Saturday, 12 pm to 6 pm, or call (631) 632-ARTS.
Opening Night Features Ralph Macchio
Among the expected guests for opening night are the cast and filmmaker for the short film, Across Grace Alley, written and directed by Long Island native Ralph Macchio, well-known for his role in The Karate Kid. Karina Smirnoff, the dancer who partnered with him on the television show, “Dancing with the Stars,” makes her acting debut in the film and is also expected to attend. In addition, actors Marsha Mason and newcomer Ben Hyland are also expected to attend the screening.
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