PREVIEW

Film Fest New Haven 6:
More Than Just a Weekend

by Tony Corsi

Abortion rights protesters in a scene from Andrea Haas Hubbbell's 'Roots of Roe'

For the fifth year running Film Fest New Haven is proud to host the presentation of the CT Film Commission's "2001 CT Filmmaker" award at the opening night ceremonies of FFNH6 on April 27, 2001. This year's recipient is director/producer Andrea Haas Hubbell. With more than 10 years dedicated to creating high quality documentary films Hubbell personifies the young CT film professional.

Margaret Sanger in a scene from Andrea Haas Hubbbell's 'Roots of Roe'

She and her collaborators received Emmy nominations for "Black and White" (1990-91), concerning segregation in CT Public Schools as well as "Roots of Roe" (1996). Her research for "Roots of Roe" has led to many speaking engagements and a seminar in Human Reproduction and Public Policy at Yale University, 1994-95.

In 1995 she produced the film "The Amistad Revolt". As Producer with Captive Time Productions, she co-produced "Loop Dreams" and her latest work (producer/director) is "Global Village/ Global Pillage" (based on a book by Jeremy Brecher, and narrated by Ed Asner) which screened in November on CPTV.

Hubbell is no stranger to FFNH. Her "Roots of Roe", a history of reproductive rights issues in Connecticut, was screened at FFNH2.

Demonstrator in front of the original site of New Haven Planned Parenthood in a scene from Andrea Haas Hubbbell's 'Roots of Roe'

As CT filmmaker of the year, Andrea Hubbell joins notables Greg Johnson, (producer), Brad Anderson (director), Jeremy Leven (writer, director, producer) and St. Clair Bourne (writer, director, producer). (Bourne's recent film, "The Life and Works of Gordon Parks" was recently shown on HBO.)

FFNH 6, which will take place this year on April 27-29, is attracting an ever-increasing number of international filmmakers. This year's entries are coming from all corners of the earth, including Toronto, Vancouver, Saskatchewan, Montreal, Australia, Germany, Belgium, Yugoslavia, Iran, Italy, Israel, Lebanon, Brazil, and 27 states in the U.S.

"More than just a weekend" is the word for Film Fest New Haven 6: this year's program will see new venues and exciting special events, as well shows for families and children. For more information call: 203 776-6789 or check the website www.filmfest.org.

FILM FEST NEW HAVEN AT THE ACADEMY AWARDS®

Film Fest New Haven can claim two connections to the 2001 Oscar® nominations just announced.

SERAGLIO, which was screened last year in FFNH 5, has been nominated in the category for Short - Live Action. Woodbridge native Gail Lerner and her husband Colin Campbell directed the film, which won a Jury Award and an Audience Choice Award in the 2000 Festival. SERAGLIO is Ms. Lerner's first film.

During FFNH 6, which runs from April 27th through the 29th, 2001 in New Haven, audiences will be able to catch another 2001 Oscar® nomination. The animated short, REJECTED, created by Don Hertzfeldt, which will be screened in this year' festival, has been nominated for an Oscar® in the Short - Animated category. Mr. Hertzfeldt is no stranger to FFNH audiences, who have been lucky enough to see three of his earlier works FFNH 2,3, and 4.

Film Fest New Haven has an Academy Award winner in its history as well: in 1999, the documentary THE PERSONALS won an Oscar®. The film, directed by Keiko Ibi, screened at FFNH 3 in 1998 before going on to win many awards nationally.

Make sure to tune in to the 73rd Annual Academy Awards on March 25, 2001 - you might just see some Film Fest New Haven alums among the winners!