Unfinished Symphony

Orphan

The Gentleman From Boston

Welcome to Nantucket!

When you come to The 6th Annual Nantucket Film Festival, you're in for a real treat! Whether you are drawn to this island festival setting for the intimacy of the film community when its on island or Nantucket's historical integrity, natural beauty, cultural offerings, world-class dining and shopping (bring your credit cards, but remember not all businesses take them), or just to relax, you won't be disappointed.

You can reach the island by ferry, airplane (our favorite from Boston is Cape Air, from Hyannis it's Nantucket Airlines), aircraft charters, private aircraft, or private boat. While you can bring a car (Steamship Authority Ferry, (508) 477-8600, reservations required and it's expensive), you are encouraged to leave your car at home. The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority Shuttle, (508) 228-7025, provides seasonal shuttle service from 7 AM to 11:30 PM from May 25th to September 30th; pass options are available. There is service to Surfside and Jetties beaches from June 15 through Labor Day. Shuttle buses are handicap accessible and are equipped with bicycle racks. Park and Ride areas are available along the routes. Designated Shuttle stops are conveniently located along each route; look for the gray posts with red and maroon stripes. Taxis are readily available and fairly reasonable.

Your first visit could be to The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce, located in the heart of downtown Nantucket, at 48 Main Street. There all your questions can be answered and you can peruse an extensive brochure rack that includes maps and information about island businesses, activities, events and more. Here you'll learn where you can rent a bicycle if you didn't bring one with you.

One of the best ways to get around Nantucket and see the sights is by bicycle. The island is just 14.5 miles by 3.5 miles, and its possible to get around the entire island in a day. More leisurely trips can be made from town to several beaches, to the village of 'Sconset on the Eastern Shore, and Madaket on the island's western tip. Check out the islands famous Lighthouses. Just remember to obey all street signs, especially all one-way signs and wear a helmet, it's required by law for all children 12 and under. Mountain Bikes and Mopeds have their special rules and laws. Nantucket has approximately 9,000 year-round residents. The number swells to 50,000 - 60,000 during the summer months, so it's important to be conscientious about laws and island concerns and customs.

Respecting Nantucket promotes everyone's enjoyment and safety. The goal of preserving Nantucket's unique natural resources is shared by all. So please keep these requests in mind. Protect fragile dunes, grasslands, and hearthlands. Keep vehicles and bikes on well-established roads and paths. Leave wildflowers for all to enjoy. Respect private property. Be aware of one-way streets. Avoid excessive noise. Dress appropriately, especially in town. Dispose of litter properly. And visitors are advised to travel with their pet's current rabies vaccination certificates, tags and licenses. Dogs should be kept on leashes at all times.

There isn't anything you can't find out about Nantucket on the Net. Visit their web site at www.nantucketchamber.org.

The Nantucket Film Festival since its inception in 1996 is dedicated to the concept that the writer's contribution is at the core of all good filmmaking. To honor these unique voices, the NFF has established itself as a premier U.S. film festival that continues to present an intimate forum for screenwriters, producers, agents and development executives to enjoy the many notable films that will screen on the island. Daily events include: Morning Coffee WithÉhosted by Rolland Legardi-Laura, Staged Readings of original screenplays performed by noted stage and screen actors and co-produced by Naked Angels Theatre Company and Industry Panel discussions with featured guests and nightly parties.

The festival kicks off on Wednesday, June 20 with Paramount Classics' AMERICAN DRHAPSODY , which was written and directed by Eva Gardos. Eva will attend the screening and be there for a Q & A following the presentation on opening night. The film stars Nastassja Kinski and Tony Goldwyn. Celebs Stanley Tucci (BIG TROUBLE, AMERICA'S SWEETHEART), Frank Pugliese, Brian Williams (NBC & CNBC), Arthur Penn (LITTLE BIG MAN, BONNIE & CLYDE), Tate Donovan (WEST OF HERE and he was engaged to Sandra Bullock) are planning to attend.

A special screenwriter's tribute presented by sponsor NBC will be given to Oscar nominated screenwriter Walter Bernstein. Amidst topics like the digital age and technology's impact on filmmaking, Walter Bernstein's filmography (THE FRONT and THE MOLLY MCGUIRES will screen at the festival) stands out as human and important. His work investigates common bonds - from social movements to creative ambition and ultimately leaves us with a sense that something more willful than fate unites us. Born in Brooklyn, he was educated at Dartmouth. Brian Williams will host this special event Friday night and you just never know who will show up.

Two themed sidebars will be presented this year: Spotlight On New England and Featuring India. Spotlight on New England will focus on filmmakers from the New England area and Featuring India will focus on Indian filmmaking. The New England spotlight shines on ORPHAN written by Thomas Murtagh and directed by Rich Moos, THE GENTLEMAN FROM BOSTON jointly written and directed by Michael J. Connolly and John Stimpson, DINNER AND A MOVIE written and directed by Lisa Kors, and UNFINISHED SYMPHONY written and directed by Bestor Cram and Mike Majoros.

Mornings at the Festival kick off at the Atlantic Cafe, where film professionals and film lovers ease into the day with a cup of coffee and casual conversation about any and all aspects of movie-making. This event has moved from the Cambridge Street CafŽ to a larger venue this year because of this event popularity. In years past too many festivalgoers were left outside the screen door straining to get a glimpse or hear a word.

Each morning from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Roland Legiardi-Laura, filmmaker and poet, moderates and informal hour of conversation with some of today's most talented writers, directors and producers. Expect the unexpected in this lively mix of shoptalk and bagels. There's Q&A and plenty of hot coffee. Come early to get a seat!

An impressive group of writers and writers' advocates will examine the creative, political, and personal issues that drive their writing and their careers. Join our distinguished panel as they discuss their experiences working with creative teams to shape the process of filmmaking. Don't miss them, they're scheduled at 3 PM the afternoons of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Bennett Hall.

For the latest details visit www.nantucketfilmfestival.org.