Mastic Beach Mini Indie Film Festival

The Mastic Beach Mini Indie Film Fest Inc. on October 14, has released the program for the “Mastic Beach Mini Indie Film Festival: Celebration of Grit,” premiering and screening the work of filmmakers from Long Island, the tri-state area and internationally.

“Ship of Dreams: Titanic Movie Diaries,” directed by Alexandra Boyd, will headline this year’s festival with a screening and special live podcast of “Titanic Talk” with audience Q&A. “Ship of Dreams” dives into the captivating story of James Cameron’s “Titanic,” creating an inside look from the cast, crew, and fans of the blockbuster film, as well as the legacy that this phenomenon has left in its wake.

The festival will also offer an exclusive sneak peek of a new feature film “Dirty Rhetoric,” starring Tovah Feldshuh, Julie Halston and Amy Gaipa, produced by local production company Donna’s House Productions.

A programming of short and feature films in the narrative, documentary, and experimental categories will be screened around the theme of “The Grit of Acceptance and Determination.” This theme is also integral to MBMIFF’s mission statement as a newly formed nonprofit in the community aiming to expand the presence of film as an artform amongst underrepresented populations, creating a space for entertainment, empathy, and the exchanging of ideas. Our goal is to provide a stage to unique voices, so that they may share their story in ways that foster a peaceful and compassionate society.

Programming will begin with a free community event of children’s programming at the new Neighborhood Road branch of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library at 11 a.m. There will be a fun selection of crafts, films, including India Barnardo’s “Cat and Moth,” as well as a virtual drawing lesson by J.C. Phillipps, author of the “Pacey Packer: Unicorn Tracker” graphic novel series.

A poets’ roundtable will follow at 12 p.m. next door in the Arts Council Space. Poets led by Michelle Nielson will read their work around the theme of the “grit of acceptance.” A coffee reception to follow.

At 4 p.m., there will be a juried student screening of films in contention for the Pearl Award—a small scholarship for an up-and-coming visual storyteller.

Then, the main screening block will feature short documentary and narrative films by a talented group of filmmakers from around the world. Please refer to our website and social media for the most up-to-date line-up.

SCREENING VENUES: Arts Council Space next door to Linsa Torr’s Place at 373-375 Neighborhood Road and the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Library (next door). Program details can also be found at www.mbmiff.com. Tickets are on sale at Film Freeway—30 tickets for $30.