GREENWICH — The fourth annual Greenwich International Film Festival does not kick off until the end of May, but organizers are at work putting together the slate of movies that will be featured this year.
A critical step in that process takes place this week when GIFF officials make the trip west to attend the Sundance Film Festival, which opens Thursday in Utah.
Attendees will catch the major screenings and keep an eye out for movies that would fit the Greenwich event.
“We look for films that tackle issues that are both current and prevalent in the global community,” said Sam Kleiner, the GIFF programmer who will be leading the contingent to Sundance. “We are part of a very philanthropic community at GIFF and we like to show films that highlight issues that someone might be inspired to get behind and support.”
Kleiner also noted the commitment of the Greenwich festival, which was founded by three local women, to highlight diverse stories with diverse casts while celebrating female directors, directors of color, foreign directors and voices that have been marginalized in the film community.
“In light of recent events, this year we specifically want to celebrate the female voice,” Kipnis said, referring to the many cases of sexual abuse and harassment in the film industry that have been made public in past months. “I will be looking out for female directed films as well as documentaries and narrative films that celebrate female empowerment.”
The non-profit film festival has become a major yearly event in town. Last year it held 70 film premieres, plus panels and parties while honoring actress Renee Zellweger and model Christy Turlington Burns for their charity work.
Proceeds from the festival went to ALS Finding A Cure, in honor of Greenwich Country Day Head of the Lower School Andrew Niblock, who is battling ALS.
Kleiner said he is particularly interested this year in catching Sundance screenings of “Eighth Grade,” a coming of age movie about a 13-year-old girl, “The Kindergarten Teacher,” which stars Maggie Gyllenhaal as a teacher who discovers a boy genius, and “I Think We’re Alone Now,” with Elle Fanning and Peter Dinklage about the last two people on Earth, which was directed by Reed Morano, a producer of the acclaimed “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
Additionally Keliner said he wants to make sure to see the documentaries, “Seeing Allred” about outspoken attorney Gloria Allred, “Half the Picture,” which tackles gender inequality and hiring practices in Hollywood, and “Studio 54,” about the legendary New York disco.
“When I visit other festivals I definitely try and strike a balance between what I personally like and what I think will best fit the mission of GIFF,” Kleiner said. “Luckily, I am drawn to films that make a social impact or have a social message so my personal taste and what’s best for GIFF are usually aligned.”
Finding a movie that fits the GIFF and then actually getting it to Greenwich can be complicated. A number of factors determine whether a movie will become part of the Greenwich event, including the distributor’s plan for release.
“The film kind of has to align within a magic sweet spot, before its (wider) release, but also not too far from that date, so that it builds buzz and still has people talking by the time it hits theaters,” Kleiner said. “Unfortunately, a lot of films we go after we aren’t able to program because of the distributor’s specific plan for its release. We have a much better chance of screening a film at our festival if it has not been bought yet because the filmmaker is eager to get their film in front of more eyes and hopefully acquired by a distributor.”
Kleiner will be attending Sundance with festival co-founders Colleen deVeer and Wendy Reyes. Festival Executive Director Ginger Stickel will also be part of the team. For Kleiner it will be his third time attending Sundance, which he said is his favorite American festival, besides Greenwich’s of course, because it doesn’t take itself too seriously and has a lineup of acclaimed, exciting films.
For the GIFF’s contingent, Sundance is also a chance to spread the word about what is happening in Greenwich while arranging new sponsorships and appearances.
“Networking is a major part of attending other film festivals,” Kleiner said. “Meeting people in the industry and other filmmakers is a great way to get the word out about GIFF and encourage other filmmakers to submit their films and be a part of our special weekend.”
kborsuk@greenwichtime.com