BWW Previews: Rahway International Film Festival on 7/12 Features a Great Line-up

Union County Performing Arts Center will present a distinctive cultural event with The 2nd Annual Rahway International Film Festival (RIFF). The festival will include 20 short films from Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Syria, Canada, Belgium, Austria, the USA and New Jersey and will showcase an exciting new generation of film innovators. There will be a diverse selection of genres that range from comedy to drama, romance to suspense, documentary to animation.

The globally inspired films can be seen Saturday, July 12, 2014 at Hamilton Stage, 360 Hamilton Street, Rahway, New Jersey, with seminars and screenings running from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. This film festival is very accessible to people living in the metropolitan area. Rahway is easily reached by train or car. And, the Hamilton Stage is only a short walk from the train station.

RIFF's featured films are shown in three screening blocks, with each screening followed by a brief talk-back with filmmakers. A catered Artist Networking Hour takes place from 6:45-7:45 p.m., just before the final screening block. There will also be two seminars on independent filmmaking led by film industry professionals.

This year's festival emcee is Rahway based actor, Phil Eichinger. In addition, there will be a bevy of directors, screenwriters and actors, including filmmaker/actress Francesca Rizzo, director Rich Devaney and film activist/documentarian Thomas Francine.

The Founder and Festival Director of RIFF is Gina Rodriguez, a New Jersey based actress and filmmaker. She is enthusiastic about this year's program. Last year's film festival played to a sold out house. Rodriguez is particularly proud that the event has inspired filmmakers and non-filmmakers alike to pursue their dreams.

Gina Rodriguez pointed out that RIFF is distinctive for several reasons. She believes that the festival is truly an eye-opener. She commented, "RIFF seeks to highlight cultural acceptance and broaden its viewer's perceptions of the world, introducing them to new ideas and emotions."

Rodriguez is pleased that Rahway has become a real hub for the arts in the metropolitan area. "Rahway is becoming a flash point for all kinds of creative collaborations."

Besides recognizing new trends in contemporary filmmaking, Rodriguez sees the Festival as an opportunity for Central Jersey creatives to meet, network and hatch future collaborations. "We're encouraging artists of all genres to bring their business cards and any other promotional materials they wish to share."

The festival includes a free street fair complete with food, live DJ and local vendors held just down the block in front of Union County Performing Arts Center at 1601 Irving Street.

See www.rahwayfilmfest.com for a complete festival schedule. Tickets for the 2nd Annual Rahway International Film Festival are available online at www.ucpac.org, by calling (732) 499-8226, or visiting the UCPAC box office, 1601 Irving St., Rahway. Admission to a single screening block is $15; Seminars are $5; Networking is $10; and a VIP Ticket for $35 includes access to all festival events.

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