4th Annual Ridgewood Guild Film Festival This Week

The following was submitted to Patch by the Ridgewood Guild as an event listing.

The Ridgewood Guild is proud to present the 4th Annual Spring Film Festival Wednesday, April 23 and Thursday, April 24 at the Bow Tie Cinema (formerly the Clearview Warner) in downtown Ridgewood.

Red carpet festivities begin at 6pm each night, with film programming, running in two theaters simultaneously, beginning at approximately 7pm. Attendees will be treated to short subjects, animated films, documentaries, music videos, as well as feature length films. 

Select filmmakers will hold Q&A sessions and local professionals will be on hand to answer questions regarding their films and the movie industry in general.

“Our festival is growing and this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever,” stated organizer Lynne Clements. 

“We’re getting more well known by the film makers, and submissions coming from all over the world have reached a new high, allowing us to choose the best possible quality entertainment for our attendees’ viewing enjoyment."

That growth is what attracted Bergen County resident and legendary actor Danny Aiello to come out in support of the festival. Emmy award winning, Oscar and Golden Globe nominated, critically acclaimed singer, and author, Aiello is known for his philanthropic efforts in support of film and television creators in addition to his many film, stage, and music credits. 

Ridgewood Mayor Paul Aronsohn will be on hand to open the festivities on Wednesday, April 23. The first night of the festival will be dedicated to student filmmakers, many of whom are Bergen County natives. Students from Allendale, Bergenfield, Cresskill, Ho-Ho-Kus, Ridgewood, New York City and many more will have their work shown on the big screen for the first time. 

Award-winning local favorites Spencer Muhlstock & Hayes Walsh will reprise their short, “Shutterflies.” 

On Thursday, April 24, Aiello will join local filmmakers and creators of independent films on the red carpet. In addition to sharing his music videos, audience members will be treated to a video retrospective of Aiello’s career - an insider’s glimpse of the actor’s career – a film rarely seen by those outside the industry. Aiello will also participate in a Q&A session with audience members.

Also on Thursday, we are proud to present Charles Ricciardi’s documentary “Drew: The Man Behind The Poster,” a fascinating look at the career of movie poster artist Drew Struzan, whose most popular works include the movie posters for Indiana Jones, Back to the Future, and Star Wars. The documentary 
includes exclusive interviews with George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, Stephen Spielberg, and many other film makers, artists, and critics and is a must see for movie fans and poster art lovers alike. 

Tickets are $15 per night/$25 for both nights. Ridgewood Guild members, students with ID and senior citizens are $10 per night/$15 for both nights. All proceeds go to The Ridgewood Guild to help fulfill our mission, ”Creating a Better Ridgewood.” 

Tickets can be purchased at Mango Jam: 41 N. Broad; Araya Rebirth: 10 Garber Sq. Ridgewood NJ, on line 

at Brownpapertickets.com http://ridgewoodguild.bpt.me, or at the door.