BWW Previews: NORTH JERSEY TRI-COUNTY FILM FESTIVAL to Debut in May

With New York - a mecca for the arts - just mere minutes away, many locations in close proximity forgo hosting events under the assumption they cannot rival with the artistic offerings, including film festivals, that their metropolitan neighbor presents. However, that is not the case when it comes to a small community theater company in northern New Jersey.

West Hudson Arts and Theater, also known as W.H.A.T., in Kearny, N.J., in association with BrandaoFilms, is hosting The North Jersey Tri-County Film Festival on May 16.

Though W.H.A.T. has been putting on theatrical and musical productions since its inception a few years ago, the organization has wanted to extend its artistic offerings to film, according to President and Co-founder Gerald Ficeto.

"This is something we've wanted to do for some time," Ficeto said. However, it wasn't until W.H.A.T. joined forces with Jonathan Brandao that the idea really took off.

Brandao, from North Arlington, has always had a passion for films.

"I just love the ability to create a different world," Brandao, 25, said about his devotion to his craft. "I always loved it. From 3 years old up to now."

His unequivocal and innate interest in this media form, alongside a solid support system courtesy of his parents, enabled the creation of BrandaoFilms in 2005 when Brando was a mere 15 years old.

Since then, Brandao, who is now 25 and armed with a B.A. in Film from Fairleigh Dickenson University, has formed part in the production, creation and editing of short and feature films. Aside from being behind the scenes, Brandao is also an actor and singer. It was through his participation in W.H.A.T. productions that he met Ficeto.

"Jonathan [Brandao] is great on stage and his knowledge of film is incredible. It just made sense that he would be the person to partner with for this project," Ficeto said.

Brandao, and his family's production company, jumped at the chance to take part in providing a platform for local filmmakers.

"When the opportunity came up, I thought it was a great idea," Brandao said. "I wanted to be a part of it."

The New Jersey Tri-County Film Festival will showcase short films from Essex, Bergen and Hudson counties.

Submitted entries were viewed and selected for screening, according to Brandao. The films encompass a wide-range of genres.

"There are some really great gems," Ficeto said.

Though this is the debut year for this festival, both Ficeto and Brandao hope the event leads to an annual showcase of local cinematic talent.

The festival will take place on May 16 at 65 Oakwood Ave., Kearny, N.J. Doors open at 2 p.m. with the first screening commencing at 3 p.m.Tickets are $15 for the general public and $12 for senior citizens.

Vendors and additional activities will take place on location throughout the festival, including sculptures and original art pieces.

Actors Rachael Robbins and Tony Dadika are scheduled to attend the day's festivities.

For more information, visit www.whatco.org, www.brandaofilms.com or njtcfilmfest.com.

Photo courtesy of Geraldo Ficeto

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