Issac Alexander and Marisa Cohen, the founders of HDFEST, announced the official slate of films for HDFEST 2001 taking place May 25th and 26th at the Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre at The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood, California, 5230 North Lankershim Blvd. HDFEST offers an exciting, groundbreaking showcase of independent feature films, shorts, and documentaries all projected using the latest in HD technology. The two-day event also features nine LA premieres and two world premieres. Approximately ten educational seminars will offer a comprehensive, insightful overview of the HD medium. Moreover, a prestigious panel of judges will recognize significant achievements in HD filmmaking at a special awards ceremony on Saturday, May 26th. ^ HDFEST is a unique platform for the demonstration of digital technology. According to Alexander, “The finest high-definition productions from all over the world will be brought together for the first time, under one roof. Participants will have the extraordinary opportunity of being the first to witness the best works and innovations in HD.” The HD medium has been drawing particular interest lately, especially since George Lucas announced that he shot Star Wars: Episode Two in high-definition format. ^ “HDFEST is a window to the future of film and a tribute to the power and creativity of the high-definition medium,” says Cohen.
HDFEST 2001’s official slate of films includes: What’s Eating You? (Los Angeles Premiere) directed by Jonathan West (CSI, Profiler, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) AMERICAN INDEPENDENT MEDIA; Robbers directed by Michael Smith and produced by Dan Lupovitz, Leon Melas, Timm Oberwelland (Simpatico, The Velocity of Gary) ZEAL PICTURES; Big Love (Los Angeles Premiere) directed by Leif Tilden, an official selection of Sundance 2001 starring Sam Rockwell (The Green Mile) and Emma Roberts (Blow) THE ORPHANAGE; The Outlaws, directed by Matt Palmer with Emmy award-winning cameraman Douglas Munroe C.S.C and Emmy award-winning editor Margot McMaster OUTLAW FILM GROUP; Solid Ones (Los Angeles Premiere) directed by Brent Florence and produced by Lloyd Silverman (Snow Falling on Cedars) ARTIST’S COLONY; Racehoss directed by Sean Ferrer (Pretty Hattie’s Baby), the son of the late Audrey Hepburn BREEZEWAY ENTERTAINMENT, and many others. ^ Screenings and panels will begin at 6 PM and last until 11:30 PM Friday May 25th. On Saturday, May 26th, screenings and panels will begin until 12 PM and last until 10 PM. The complete schedule is available at the HDFEST official site or call 773-782-9790.
