Westfield International Film Festival Brings Indie Film Downtown With Movies At The Mansion

Anybody can go to a movie theater to watch a film, but the Westfield International Film Festival is bringing movies to the mansion with its sixth season at the James Ward Mansion in downtown Westfield from September 20 - 23, 2018! The festival will span a four day weekend and will include Q&A sessions with actors and filmmakers, networking opportunities, and red carpet parties.

Independent films and filmmakers from all across the globe will gather at the James Ward Mansion in September. The festival will be screening 61 films and music videos, of short and feature length, from as near as New Jersey and as far as India, France, Iran, Turkey, Spain, Australia, and the United Kingdom. "Ingenue-ish," the directorial debut of TV icon John Stamos, and "Carousel" co-written and directed by "The Originals" star Joseph Morgan, starring this year's WIFF Woman in Film Honoree, Persia White (The Vampire Diaries, Girlfriends) are among the impressive lineup.

The full lineup is available on the Westfield International Film Festival's Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/239630776840624/ . Synopses soon to follow at www.westfieldfilmfest.com.

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Kick-Off Party - September 20

The festival weekend kicks off with a red carpet party featuring local Westfield restaurants and food markets such as Vine Ripe Markets, Savory and Spice Shop, Casa di Pizza, and 16 Prospect Wine Bar and Bistro. Films and Filmmaker Q&A to follow.

Gala Event - September 21

A catered red carpet gala will take place before the evening's film screenings and a special ceremony honoring three young Rising Stars - Holly Curran (Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Myles Clohessy (Quantico), and Angelo Reyes (Kevn Can Probably Wait).

Woman in Film Ceremony - September 22

Miss Persia White, television star known for her roles as Lynn Ann Searcy in "Girlfriends" and Abby Bennett in "The Vampire Diaries" will be honored as the Westfield International Film Festival's 2018 "Woman in Film." The festival recognizes her prowess both in front of and behind the camera. Her most recent short film, "Carousel" co-written with husband Joseph Morgan will screen prior to her ceremony.

Please visit www.westfieldfilmfest.com or visit Westfield International Film Festival on Facebook to learn more.

The Westfield International Film Festival is a Big Dreams and Silver Screens program, first held in Rahway in June of 2013 in an effort to create a warm and welcoming home for independent filmmakers and fans of film in New Jersey and the surrounding area. We annually showcase short films, feature films and music videos while offering seminars and networking opportunities to those interested in the film industry. 2018 marks the second year hosted at the James Ward Mansion and the first year under the new name, Westfield International Film Festival.

As a women-led festival in a primarily male-dominated industry, we are dedicated to equality by showcasing an equal ratio of films by female and male filmmakers. We are excited to offer some of the best emerging artists. The festival has proven to be an impressive starting ground for filmmakers, including RIFF alum and 2014 Audience Choice Award winner, Temi Tokosi who was selected to attend the Creative Minds Film Institute at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015.

About Big Dreams and Silver Screens

We are the parent organization that produces the Westfield International Film Festival. We believe that film can reach the mind and soul in ways nothing else can. For this reason, we offer seminars and workshops intended to engage and educate aspiring filmmakers. Additionally, we present films that strive to promote equality, champion the oppressed and promote open-mindedness. Our intent is to highlight and encourage the artistic endeavors of women and minorities in and out of the film industry.

Big Dreams and Silver Screens, Inc. is a registered non-profit corporation in the state of New Jersey in the process of filing for federal tax exempt status. Upon receipt, Big Dreams and Silver Screens, Inc.'s federal tax exempt status will be retroactive back to its date of incorporation.

Festival sponsors include Kilwins, Morano Gelato, 16 Prospect Wine Bar and Bistro, and Columbia Bank. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the 2018 Westfield International Filme Festival sponsor, please reach out to Gina Rodriguez at team@westfieldfilmfest.com.