Bellmore Movies to Host Annual Film Expo

For the 10th straight year, Bellmore Movies will be home to the annual Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE).

The cultural showcase is scheduled from July 17-25 and will feature 146 films from around the world. There will be films from 18 countries with 36 of the movies screened having Long Island ties. It’s the 16th annual LIIFE event, which was held in Malverne Cinemas for the first seven years before relocating to Bellmore.

“Nassau County has always been a supporter of independent and studio films, and it’s our pleasure to bring this type of entertainment and cultural opportunity to our constituents,” said Nasaau County Executive Mangano said in a statement.  “Nassau County is quickly becoming the Hollywood East of the film and television industry.  LIIFE provides an opportunity for filmmakers to come and see the types of filming locations Nassau County has to offer whether it be our beaches, mansions, suburban areas and, of course, Gold Coast Studios and Grumman Studios, which are all New York State approved production studios.”

LIIFE begins with a traditional film festival warm-up on Wednesday, July 17, and kicks into high gear on Friday, July 19 with the opening night feature, Wet behind the Ears, by past LIIFE winner Sloan Copeland. The late Friday block is anchored by Fred Carpenter’s Send No Flowers starring Sean Young, Tony LoBianco, Robert Clohessy and Gianni Russo.

LIIFE also has panels on scriptwriting, film distribution and financing, a filmmaker’s breakfast panel, and an opening night reception.

The closing night party and awards ceremony celebration on July 25 is complete with a buffet, celebrities, winners clips and filmmakers from all over the world. This year’s honorees include William Sadler (Iron Man 3) and Ally Sheedy (Breakfast Club).  Presenters include Federico Castellucio (The Sopranos) and Robert Clohessy (Blue Bloods) with more signing on daily.  Celebrities appear scheduling permitting, and the line-up could change before the festivities, according to county officials.

Bellmore Movies is located on 222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore. For more information on the 16th Annual Long Island International Film Expo, visit www.longislandfilm.com or call 516-571-3168.