Arts & Entertainment

Film Commission Readies for Annual Summer Fete & Mixer

Film submission deadline is July 2.

As the Second Annual Summer Film Fete and Mixer nears, members of the Farmington Valley Film Commission are getting excited about an event that promises to be bigger and better than last year.

“We’ve been so excited at the number of films coming in,” said Liz Banco of Simsbury, co-chair of the commission. “Word is getting around.”

At its core, the event features short films or trailers up to a half-hour. Each will feature footage — or at the very least production work — from Avon, Burlington, Canton, Granby, East Granby, Farmington, Simsbury or New Hartford.

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Last year, six or seven films were featured but this time around, nine have already been submitted and several other filmmakers have expressed interest. The submission deadline is July 2. 

Stephen Emirzian of Canton, a core member of the commission, said it’s great to see the event building, with more participation from filmmakers, industry professionals and people who just want to see the industry and tourism grow in the area.

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This year, for example, photographer and WNPR producer Chion Wolf  will emcee the event and Cassandra Kubinski, an internationally known singer and actress from Connecticut, will entertain.

Participation on the commission has even grown.

“We’re seeing more and more people come to our meetings,” Emirzian said.

Monday night about 15 members gathered to talk about details of the event, including tables from those in the industry, potential sponsors, programs, decorations and much more. The event will be held once again at Bridge Street Live with a cash bar and appetizers by chef Steven Day.

“We’re very excited to be back at 41 Bridge Street,” said Nancy Anstey, co-chair of the film commission and director of the Farmington Valley Visitors Association.

It will take place July 22 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person, and can be purchased in advance at www.41bridgestreet.com.

Those who want to submit films can send them on DVD by July 2 to:

The Farmington Valley Film Commission
, Attn: Film Submissions
PO Box 1491    
33 East Main Street
Avon, CT 06001  

For more information, visit the FVFC at www.farmingtonvalleyfilm.org.


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