Behind the scenes of the Naperville Independent Film Festival (NIFF) is always someone behind the camera—video, film or digital. For 2012, one of those cameramen is local photographer Brad Johnson of Brad J Photography, working in his role to help promote the abundance of films featured in the festival, now in its fourth day.
In total, 76 films and five screenplays officially were selected to be part of this year’s NIFF. From these choices, 48 entries were selected as contenders for awards.
Naperville’s Leonard Brink, producer and writer of the documentary film, “DMZ Patrol,” was photographed when he took the microphone briefly after he was introduced Sunday evening by Don Gingold, just before the showing of his film.
“DMZ Patrol,” a documentary, is a brief living history about Brink’s Vietnam military service, featuring the Fifth Infantry Division which served in Vietnam from 1968-1971. The movie includes 16mm film of a Recon-in-Force patrol conducted by his Platoon with Co. B, 1/61st mechanized infantry, 5th Infantry Division, Quang Tri Province. Filmmaker Brink is a member of the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873.
Looking on from the audience that evening were NIFF founders, Glessna Coisson, Gary Pradel and Edmond Coisson.
(Click on photo to enlarge.)
Going forward, the complete film schedule from Tues., Sept. 18, to Fri., Sept. 21, is posted online. Screenings Tuesday begin at 7PM at both Classic Cinema Ogden 6 and Smith Hall in Old Main on the campus of North Central College.
Of special note, at 7PM Wed., Sept. 19, supporters can attend a special screening/fundraiser at the Ogden 6, for downtown Naperville’s nonprofit War Chest Store – “Woman at Risk.” Two NIFF films, “Parts” and “Who Shall It Be,” will be shown.
In addition, guest speaker Chris Baker from INK 180 will share his enlightening story about how he donates time to remove branding tattoos from women who were trafficked. If he cannot remove the tattoo he covers it up with a more positive tattoo, depicting their new free life.
At 7PM Thurs., Sept.20. Ogden 6 will present the Premiere Documentary “Three Days of Hamlet.” Actress Stefanie Powers, and actor Alex Hyde White are scheduled to attend, with a reception to follow at the Country Inn and Suites, the NIFF host hotel.
At 7PM Fri., Sept. 21, at the Hollywood Palms Theater, actor Michael Madsen, will be in attendance at the NIFF Premiere of his movie “Vice,” which will be followed by a Q&A session.
The Naperville Independent Film Festival once again is partnering with the European Independent Film Festival (ECU). Twenty-three of their Award Winning Films, plus 26 of NIFF’s Film Shorts will be shown at Smith Hall-North Central College during the week of the Film Festival.
In a related photo, Edmond Coisson and Glessna Coisson accepted a check from Dr. Richard Guzman, a professor at North Central College.
The check represented the NIFF share of the box office from last year’s ECU films shown at North Central College.
The presentation was made in Smith Hall on the college campus which is the location of this year’s showings of the ECU films as well.
The winners of this year’s Film Festival will be announced at the Red Carpet Closing Night Ceremony at the Hollywood Palms Cinema on Sept. 22. This fun, entertaining event, open to everyone, will begin at 5:30PM.
Tickets to closing ceremonies and all films can be purchased at the door or online at NIFF’s website.
For more information about NIFF, its movie schedule and locations or to purchase tickets, visit www.Naperfilmfest.org.
Photos courtesy Brad Johnson of Brad J Photography
