Pasadena International Film Festival 2016 -three years of success

Like a beautiful cultural river the Pasadena International Film Festival ( PIFF) continues a path which winds its way through the many socially pertinent topics in our world community. PIFF is having no problem reaching its own stride by creating a unique and compelling brand. This is its third successful year as the one and only competitive film festival in the historically rich Pasadena Playhouse District of Southern California and is held at the world famous Laemmle Playhouse 7 theater.

Filled with diversity, and not in any way tokenistic, the PIFF indeed mirrors the American fabric. Its presentation, style and film selections, from the welcome table in the lobby to the screening choices and the nightly after parties that follow, the atmosphere of PIFF ever leans towards humor, fun and an "understood" attitude of healing in our diverse and culturally homogeneous community. This appears to be the primary concept and driving force of founder Jessica Hardin and creative director, Marco Neves; it is a daunting task to undertake in the current world climate.

Marco's exceptional talent in grouping several pieces; shorts, features, and docs of like subjects together in "blocks" and creating his own narrative within each block, is not unlike a famous DJ or a spin-master whose music you can't help but dance to. He clearly has an overall thematic point of view that shines through within each block of films.

The various blocks, about 2 hrs each, are viewed in one auditorium followed by a Q and A with the filmmakers. These blocks run back to back consecutively during each day of the festival until the total of approximately 100 chosen entries has been screened. Wherein the screening with Q & A is usual, the intermittent live performances of a film's musicians or its talent before the feature is a welcome bonus; reminiscent of the days when the grand old organ played just before the movie in the early 1900's.

Here is where PIFF has carved a niche that will distinguish it from the norm. The blocks, pre-performances, diversity and nostalgic style mixed with current trends, fit perfectly with the ambiance of the beautiful Pasadena Playhouse District. Also, wherein most film festivals have so many movies to choose from; true cinephiles often leave wanting or wondering what they may have missed or whether they made the best choice of films to see. At PIFF, you have the opportunity to see every entry, if your stamina holds out, in these consecutive daily blocks.

As the Pasadena International Film Festival continues to grow its brand, it will be interesting to see if this system of block screenings will be presented in multiple auditoriums, in the same manner, giving the growing crowd of viewers the opportunity to view all films. Please scroll to the bottom of this article where you will find a few highlights and examples of the many excellent independent works screened at PIFF 2016.

The closing night Gala and Awards Ceremony of this year's PIFF was held at The Speakeasy in Old Pasadena in total noir style. Entering through the ally at a secret door, after giving the password, a guy in an "expensive" suit ushers you through a passageway in the kitchen and on to the dimly lite main room; a 1920's style joint. The excitement at the closing night party was palpable. The crowd of filmmakers, their families, festival insiders, and friends excitement rose to such a fever pitch it was difficult, at first, to hear the presentation of the well-deserved winners. Suffice to say everyone felt like winners here perhaps in part due to the spirit of achievement and acknowledgment the founders, crew, and volunteers provided the artists.

The next PIFF will be on the brink of spring 2017. Plan on going to the beautiful historic Pasadena Playhouse District in Pasadena California and join the festivities. As it continues to develop and grow, one can only hope the Pasadena International Film Festival will never lose its warm and friendly, culturally diverse, world-community essence.

As one moderator so succinctly stated during a Q&A, "....One never knows just how he or she will be moved, enlightened, or encouraged; you just might find yourself there."

For more information about PIFF, to view the list of films and award winners, please visit. http://www.pasadenafilmfestival.org/

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