NEW YORK INDEPENDENT FILM
MONITOR
Vol. 4, No. 5 May/June 1999


A Day At The New York/Avignon, by Nina Schmir

    For those festival goers who chose to spend their precious indie time at the 5th Avignon/ New York Film Festival, which took place April 23rd to May 2nd at the French Institute Alliance Francaise, the benefits were great. With its all-day programming and activities lasting into the wee hours of the night, the festival fits perfectly into the life of the stressed-out New Yorker. Everyone can find a moment to savor a piece or "un morceau" as the French say so eloquently, of the festivities.

    The Club Mistral is hosted everyday by one of New York's finest restaurants and the milling crowd, which is quickly growing, enjoys the sumptous hors-d'oeuvres which the ever helpful volunteers pass around on trays to hungry festival guests. The room has become so packed I can hardly turn around without spilling the cup of Cabernet I'm holding.

    Photographers have come out of all corners. I manage to flatten myself safely against the wall, where I've got a perfect view of the subjects of all the excitement. It's Michael Sergio and most of the principal cast of his movie UNDER HELLGATE BRIDGE which is due to be presented at 6:30 PM. I finish my Cabarnet, and head into the show. After the film, which included some excellent performances, most notably Jordan Bayne, there's a Q&A with Sergio, cast and crew.

    Drinks are being served at a post film cocktail and the Institute is buzzing.......