HOLLYWOOD IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

The Hoboken International Film Festival [HIFF] is gearing up for its first appearance in Greenwood Lake, NY at the Thomas Morahan Memorial Park.

Now in its 12th year, HIFF – called by FOX, Time Warner and other major media “one of the 10 biggest film festivals in the world” – is being held May 19 – 25 at the lakeside park less than 10 miles from Sloatsburg, Rockland County. HIFF will showcase over 100 films and be visited by many well-known movie and TV stars, including Academy Award and Emmy winners and nominees. Over 15,000 people attended the festival in 2016, when it took place in Middletown.

The 2017 HIFF Lifetime Achievement Award will be accepted by 4-time Golden Globe/2-time Emmy Winner & Nominee Armand Assante (Gotti; Striptease; American Gangster; Private Benjiman; Q & A) at HIFF’s 2017 Opening Night Ceremony on May 19. The Gala Awards Ceremony on May 25 will be hosted by comic legend Gilbert Gottfried.

Films will be judged by a celebrity jury comprised of notable actors, filmmakers and industry leaders including WCBS FM, Anheuser-Busch, News 12, Coca-Cola, WRWD FM and many, many more.

HIFF Chair Ken Del Vecchio has written, produced and directed over 30 movies. Del Vecchio says he makes a point to film most of his productions in the Hudson Valley, helping the local economy and arts scene.

At least two of the movies showing at the festival have Rockland County ties, including “Puppets,” starring Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling, written by local attorney Larry Weissmann and co-produced by Weissmann, Judge Scott Ugell and attorney Kim Sophia, with Del Vecchio serving as the executive producer.

Tickets: www.hobokeninternationalfilmfestival.com/