Long Island International Film Expo Goes Virtual This Year

WESTBURY, NY — In order to keep bringing new movies to the public, the Long Island International Film Expo is changing its format this year, screening movies in a drive-in style instead of in a theater, and will also screen films virtually.

The Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) is scheduled to run from Sept. 30 through Oct. 8, and will include two nights of drive-in movies at the Samanea Mall, at 1504 Old Country Road in Westbury. The drive-ins will be screened at 7 and 10 p.m. on Oct. 2 and 3.

The is the 23rd year of the festival, which is sponsored by the Long Island Film-TV Foundation, Nassau County, the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency and Gold Coast Studios.

Because of the coroanvirus restrictions that are still in place on movie theaters, the LIIFE had to move from its normal home at the Bellmore Movies.

This year, LIIFe will be honoring Port Jefferson’s Maurice DuBois, the Emmy-winning news anchor for WCBS-TV, who will be awarded the LIIFE “Excellence in Newscasting” Award. Actress Katherine Narducci (The Irishman) will be honored with an “Excellence in Film and TV” Award, and Director Jeremiah Kipp (Grave Discoveries) will be honored with a “Creative Achievement Award.” The ceremony, including appearances by presenters like Kevin Brown (30 Rock) and Brian O’ Hallaran (Clerks), and will be held virtually for participating filmmakers, sponsors, honorees and Gold Pass Holders during the virtual closing ceremony on Oct. 8 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets for the virtual screenings are $7 for a block of short films. Drive-in tickets are $25 per car online, or $30 at the gate. For a full list of screenings and to purchase tickets, visit the Long Island International Film Expo website.