April 19–26, 2001

cover story| the festival of independents

Receptions & Special Events

That Special Monkey

Sunday, April 29, 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Opening night reception at Café Spice

Come out and celebrate the opening of this year’s Festival of Independents! Following the opening screening at the Ritz East, festival-goers will make their way to Café Spice to kick-off the week-long celebration of local film. Jameson Irish Whiskey will provide cocktails. Authentic Indian cuisine will be served. Café Spice, 35 S. 2nd St., 215-627-6273.

Wednesday, May 2, 8 p.m.-10 p.m.

Before You Go Packing: A forum on the state of filmmaking in Philadelphia

Hosted by Sharon Pinkenson, executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, this eating and drinking forum will discuss and examine opportunities for filmmaking in Philadelphia. Attendees will include representatives of PIFVA, GPFO, Scribe Video, International House and other film organizations throughout the area. Jameson Irish Whiskey will provide cocktails. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. The Five Spot, 5 Bank St., 215-574-0649.

Friday, May 4, 8:00 p.m.-2 a.m.

Awards Presentation/Closing Ceremony

Here we will unveil the six grand-prize winning films of the Festival of Independents. Awards will be given for Best Documentary Film, Best Narrative Film, Outstanding Achievement in Animation, Best Experimental Film, Best Feature-Length Film and Technical Achievement. A selection of the winning films will be screened. Sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey. The Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-6888.

Each of the winning films in the first five categories will receive $2,000 cash, airing on WHYY TV-12 and a Continuing Education Course at the University of the Arts. The winner of the Technical Achievement award will receive a $4,000 credit for use at the NFL Films facility, and a $2,000 credit for use at Millennium Sound Studios.

All events are free and open to the public. Please make sure to arrive promptly to ensure admittance, as space is limited.