‘Storytelling Through Art’ with Children’s Book Author Roxie Munro at Gold Coast Arts

Children’s book author/illustrator Roxie Munro at the opening of her exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” with curator Jude Amsel, gallery director of the Gold Coast Arts Center, Great Neck, NY. The exhibit is on view through early 2023 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Visitors to the Gold Coast Arts, in Great Neck, Long Island, were treated to a book-signing with the eminent children’s book author/illustrator Roxie Munro, at the October 16 opening of an exhibit of her exquisite art, “Storytelling Through Art,” on view through early 2023.

Children’s book author/illustrator Roxie Munro signs books at the opening of her exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Munro will be giving presentations and art workshops to visiting school groups during the exhibition, which was curated by Jude Amsel, Gold Coast Arts Gallery Director.

Munro has created more than 45 nonfiction STEM/STEAM and concept books for children, many that incorporate “gamification” – interactive games – to encourage reading, learning and engagement.

Children’s book author/illustrator Roxie Munro at the opening of her exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Great Neck, NY. The exhibit is on view through early 2023 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

Her latest book, “ABCity,” is an amazing alphabet book that integrates the letters into fantastical cityscapes. It integrates a maze, a seek-n-find game and giant fold-out, two-sided poster.

Original art from Roxie Munro’s latest book, “ABCity”featured in the exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The exhibit showcases her art from other prominent books, including the entire ABCity alphabet, plus many featuring the natural world from her books, “Anteaters, Bats &Boas: The Amazon Rainforest from the Forest Floor to the Treetops”; “Dive In; Swim with Sea Creatures at Their Actual Size”; “Rodent Rascals: From Tiny to Tremendous, 21 Clever Creatures at their Actual Size.” A really interesting puzzle-style book introduces children to the different genres of art, in “Masterpiece Mix,” where she actually reproduces in miniature some of the most famous works of art.

Children’s book author/illustrator Roxie Munro guides a young reader through her book, “Masterpiece Mix,” at the opening of her exhibit“Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

She also makes available many fun free activities, including mazes,  coloring sheets from her books; Activity and Students Guides; sets of bookmarks; how-to-draw videos at the For Kids Page at her website (https://www.roxiemunro.com/kids-parents-teachers.html).

Original art from Roxie Munro’s books are featured in the exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Original art from Roxie Munro’s books are featured in the exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Original art from Roxie Munro’s books are featured in the exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Munro’s books have been translated into French, Italian, Dutch, Chinese, and Japanese. She also creates oils, watercolors, prints, and drawings, primarily cityscapes, which are exhibited widely in the US in galleries and museums and are held in numerous private, public, and corporate collections. Fourteen of her paintings have been published as covers of The New Yorker magazine.

Children’s book author/illustrator Roxie Munro at the opening of her exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” with Gold Coast Arts Center founder and director Regina Gil. The exhibit is on view through early 2023 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

Born in Texas, and raised in southern Maryland, Roxie studied at the University of Maryland, the Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore), earned a BFA in Painting from the University of Hawaii, attended graduate school at Ohio University (Athens), and received a Yaddo Fellowship in Painting. She has been a working artist all her life. Clients included CBS, the Washington Post, and the Associated Press. She also lectures in museums, schools, libraries, conferences, and teaches workshops. (More information at www.roxiemunro.com).

Original art from Roxie Munro’s books are featured in the exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Original art from Roxie Munro’s books are featured in the exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Children’s book author/illustrator Roxie Munro at the opening of her exhibit, “Storytelling Through Art” at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Great Neck, NY. The exhibit is on view through early 2023 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Family Art Day

The author booksigning and exhibition opening was held in conjunction with a Family Film and Arts Day at Gold Coast Arts.

Children could take part in activities including: a demonstration by world-renowned graffiti artist Zimad; mask decorating; and a free showing of the ‘best of : Family Shorts, films from past Gold Coast International Film Festivals, as part of the ongoing Gold Coast International Film Festival.

The Blue Bus Project organizes a craft activity at Family Film and Arts Day at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Great Neck, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Pumpkin painting at Family Film and Arts Day at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Great Neck, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Showing off mask-making prowess at Family Film and Arts Day at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Great Neck, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

In addition, children could take part in special workshops ($20 per child for an all-access pass): a glass painting workshop, a pumpkin painting workshop, and a crafts project organized by The Blue Bus Project, a colorful, fully equipped alternative art space that travels into neighborhoods to host hands-on projects that enable children to explore their creativity.

World-renowned graffiti artist Zimad gives a demonstration at Family Film and Arts Day at the Gold Coast Arts Center, Great Neck, Long Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Gold Coast Arts is an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the Long Island and greater New York community for over 25 years, dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. Since its founding in 1995, more than 100,000 people of all ages and backgrounds have taken advantage of its wide selection of classes in many different media and forms from art to dance, live performances including Comedy Festival, musical programs and year-round film festivals; workshops, and art exhibits.

Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021 (entrance from the Maple Avenue parking lot), 516-829-2570, www.goldcoastarts.org.

 __________________

© 2022 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com, www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin, and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to FamTravLtr@aol.com. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island Hosts Workshop in Solarplate Printmaking

Ron Pokrasso, Who is Pulling My Chain, 2019 , “Solar Impressions” exhibit, Gold Coast Arts Center, Long Island.

The Gold Coast Arts Center in Great Neck, Long Island is inviting budding artists to learn the innovative technique of Solarplate printmaking in a workshop being offered Sunday, March 15, 1-3 pm.

For teens and adults who are interested in trying a new art technique, this workshop requires no previous experience.

During this three-hour workshop, participants will learn a variety of ways to create unique plates and prints. The key innovation in the printmaking technique is that nNo harsh chemicals or solvents are involved; all you need is light, water and a bit of imagination.

Participants will transfer images with the Solarplate process using a thin steel plate coated with a UV light sensitive photopolymer.

The Solarplate process is the same technique used in all works in the current exhibition on view, SOLAR IMPRESSIONS.

Jude Amsel, “Temps,” (2018) which incorporates Solarplate, Polaroid transfer and pastel. Gold Coast Arts Gallery, Long Island, Presents “Solar Impressions: Contemporary Printmaking” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

This exhibition is a result of nearly a three decade friendship of gallery curator and artist Jude Amsel with artist and master printmaker Dan Welden, who developed the Solarplate  etching process in the 1970s. “He altered the art of etching… doing away with acids and solvents while keeping printmakers healthy by respecting the environment,” Amsel said.

The exhibition, Solar Impressions, brings together more than 40 artists, who together show how versatile and adaptable Solarplate is across media and art forms – from photography to drawing to painting. “Each of these artists represent an ongoing exploration of the Solarplate etching process.”

See more about the exhibit and artists: ‘Solar Impressions’ Exhibit at Gold Coast Arts Center Features Innovative ‘Solarplate’ Etching Process, Workshop

Printmaking workshops for adults will be offered at the Gold Coast Arts Center on Sunday, March 15, from 12-3 p.m. No experience necessary. (For information, visit https://goldcoastarts.org/event/solarplate-printmaking-workshop/)

But that’s not all.

Long Island Premier: ‘The Truth’ 

Gold Coast Arts Cinema Series, which is offered through the Gold Coast Arts Center, is presenting the Long Island premiere of  “The Truth” on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Neck Cinemas at the Squire, 115 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11021.

In “The Truth,” legends of French cinema Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche play a mother-daughter duo in this charming and wise tale of a family dynamic, which co-stars Ethan Hawke.

The film offers a relatable look at human relationships, featuring performances from its all-star cast. “The Truth,” tells the story of a stormy reunion between script-writer Lumir (Binoche) with her famous mother and actress, Fabienne (Deneuve), against the backdrop of Fabienne’s autobiographic book and her latest role in a Sci-Fi picture as a mother who never grows old.

Directed by masterful filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda, “The Truth” was well received at Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival in 2019. According to Owen Gleiberman of Variety Magazine, “Catherine Deneuve gives a magnificent performance: grand, subtle, lacerating and fearless.”

Tickets for “The Truth” are $15 Adults/ Seniors and $10 for members when purchased in advance. All tickets at the door are $20. Tickets can be ordered online at www.goldcoastarts.org or by phone at 516-829-2570.

8^th Annual Big Break Talent Competition

Also: there are still a few days left to submit to the 8th Annual Your Big Break talent competition, open to musicians ages 15 to 25.The deadline to email one MP3 song, one photo anda short bio to yourbigbreakny@gmail.com or to submit on Reverbnation HERE is Sunday, February 23.

The semi-finals take place Saturday, March 14 and Saturday, April 25th and the Finals take place Saturday, June 6. Artists must perform with a band, solo with acoustic guitar, or sing to backing music track.  (https://goldcoastarts.org/your-big-break/)

(See more Open Call for Young Musicians to Enter Gold Coast Art Center’s 8th Annual Your Big Break Talent Contest) 

Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) multi-arts organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. For a quarter-century, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the Long Island region. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and under-served communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts “Partners in Education” program and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd.,  Great Neck, NY 11021, 516-829-2570, www.goldcoastarts.org.

 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Long Island Premiere of Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel & The Museum to be Screened at Gold Coast International Film Festival

The film Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel, will have its Long Island premiere at the Gold Coast International Film Festival; it is one of more than 80 feature-length and short films at the festival which begins November 2 (photo courtesy of Menemsha Films).

LONG ISLAND, NY — Among more than 80 feature-length and short films at the 2018 Gold Coast International Film Festival includes the Long Island premiere of Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel, (Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, Jeremy Newberger | 2017 | 87 min | Documentary) winner of several festival audience awards, about the stirring underdog triumph of Israel’s national baseball team at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Director Jeremy Newberger will be on hand for an insightful Q&A after the film.  Heading Home will be presented on Sunday, November 11, at 4:30 p.m. at the Bow Tie Squire Cinemas, 115 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck.

Other films of Jewish and Israeli interest are the New York Premiere of The Interpreter (Martin Sulík | 2018 | 113 min | Slovakia | English subtitles | Narrative), a unique drama, layered with humor about two elderly men who embark upon a bittersweet journey to meet surviving witnesses of the wartime tragedy involving both of their fathers, one a Nazi criminal, the other a victim of the Holocaust. The Interpreter is Slovakia’s official submission to this year’s Academy Awards. The film is being presented on Thursday, November 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bow Tie Squire Cinemas, Great Neck.

The Museum (Ran Tal | 2018 | 74 min | Israel | English subtitles | Documentary), a fascinating documentary which delves into housing one of the world’s greatest collections of art and antiquities, will have its Long Island premiere during the festival. The Israel Museum poses for its complex portrait in this elegant and fascinating observational documentary. This masterful behind-the-scenes film seeks to explore the Israeli soul through its galleries, storerooms, and visitors.  A Q&A with Maureen Cogan, Co-Chair of the International Friends of the Israel Museum follows the screening, which takes place on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at 1 p.m. at the Bow Tie Squire Cinemas, Great Neck.

Other standout films being screened this year include:

• Diane (Long Island Premiere) which screens on Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. at the Soundview Cinemas in Port Washington. In one of the finest performances by an American actress this year, Mary Kay Place stars in this moving portrait and character study of a widowed older woman, who overextends herself trying to take care of her family and friends, while dealing with a drug-addicted son. The film, which was awarded “Best Narrative Feature” at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, is executive produced by Martin Scorcese and directed by Kent Jones, Director of the New York Film Festival. Following the presentation of Diane will be a Q&A with film critic and NYU adjunct professor Matt Prigge;
• Song of Back and Neck (Long Island Premiere), the charming romantic comedy starring (and directed by) Paul Lieberstein (Toby from “The Office”), who will join us via Skype for a Q&A after the film. Song of Back and Neck will screen on Saturday, November 10, at 7:30 p.m. at the Soundview Cinemas, Port Washington;
• Howard (Long Island Premiere), the intimate and moving tribute to legendary lyricist Howard Ashman of Disney, Hollywood, and Broadway fame. Ashman’s sister Sarah Ashman Gillespie, and his partner Bill Lauch will join us for a Q&A after the film. Howard will screen on Monday, November 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Soundview Cinemas, Port Washington;
• Budapest Noir (the Long Island Premiere), a classically styled film noir that reimagines the dark side of pre-war Hungary based on the internationally best-selling book. Noted film scholar and author Foster Hirsch will join us for a discussion after the film. Budapest Noir screens on Monday, November 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bow Tie Squire Cinemas, Great Neck.
• Sinatra in Palm Springs (New York Premiere), a warm, entertaining look at The Chairman of the Board’s attachment to his hometown of 50 years. Q&A with director Leo Zahn will follow the film. Sinatra in Palm Springs will screen on Wednesday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Bow Tie Manhasset Theater, Manhasset;
• Bathtubs Over Broadway, winner of this year’s Tribeca Film Festival’s “Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award.” This musical comedy documentary delves into the strange and hilarious world of industrial musicals — Broadway-style productions made for some of corporate America’s largest companies’ annual sales meetings. Film star Steve Young will join us for a Q&A after the film. Bathtubs Over Broadway will screen on Saturday, November 10, at 7 p.m. at the Soundview Cinemas, Port Washington.

This year, the Gold Coast International Film Festival will again present the work of talented young filmmakers in grades K-12 as part of its Young Filmmakers Program, in partnership with Hofstra University.

Other special programs include: Making Memories with Music and Art, an ongoing, free monthly program for people with memory loss and their caregivers that features film clips and live music, with guided conversation.  Family Shorts returns on various days throughout the festival at multiple venues including Gold Coast Arts Center, Cinema Arts Center in Huntington and the Roslyn and Port Washington Libraries (many of these screenings are free). Family Film Day is an afternoon of family-friendly short films, hands-on art activities, and free lunch, and takes place on Monday, November 12 (Veterans Day). Free tickets for Veterans program is sponsored this year by Operation Democracy.

For tickets to all screenings and events, visit www.goldcoastfilmfestival.org, or call 516-829-2570. Tickets for most events are $15 adult/$13 senior/$10 members.

Since 2011, the Gold Coast International Film Festival has brought the latest Hollywood hits and Indie favorites to standing-room-only audiences throughout the fabled Gold Coast of Long Island and beyond. Add A-list celebrities and unforgettable events to the mix, and it’s easy to see why the Gold Coast International Film Festival has become the “go to” festival for film buffs and the public; (it is also the last major film festival on the East Coast before Awards season). The Gold Coast International Film Festival is produced by the not-for-profit Gold Coast Arts Center.

The Gold Coast Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the arts through education, exhibition, performance, and outreach. Located on the North Shore of Long Island, it has brought the arts to tens of thousands of people throughout the region for over 20 years. Among the Center’s offerings are its School for the Arts, which holds year-round classes in visual and performing arts for students of all ages and abilities; a free public art gallery; a concert and lecture series; film screenings and discussions; the annual Gold Coast International Film Festival; and initiatives that focus on senior citizens and underserved communities. These initiatives include artist residencies, after-school programs, school assemblies, teacher-training workshops, and parent-child workshops. The Gold Coast Arts Center is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Partners in Education program, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. More information can be found at www.goldcoastarts.org.

 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

 

Long Island’s Gold Coast Film Festival to Screen 80 Films, Host Q&As With Filmmakers Nov 2-13

Artist Edwina Sandys, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, discusses her grandfather at the Long Island premiere of “Darkest Hour” at the 2017 Gold Coast International Film Festival, Long Island, with Festival Founder and Executive Director Regina Gil and Diane Masciale, VP & GM of WLIW21 and Executive Producer of local productions at WNET. Sandys will be among the guests at the Gold Coast Arts Center and its Gold Coast International Film Festival gala honoring actor Robert Wagner, Oct. 24, kicking off this year’s film festival © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The 2018 Gold Coast International Film Festival is November 2 – 13 at various venues in North Hempstead, Long Island. The festival this year features 80 films over 10 days including:

• Dozens of DOCSincluding great films about Culinary Prodigies, Baseball Underdogs, Film Icons, Remarkable Inventions, Famous Fashion Designers, Broadway Legends, Racecars, the Israel Art Museum, and even Sinatra and the Beatles.
• COMEDIESfeaturing French Playboys, Unlikely Friendships, Aging Arabs, Family Adventures, Buster Keaton and even a film that finds unexpected humor in chronic back pain
• FOREIGN FILMSfrom 22 countries including Period Dramas, French Farces, Psychological Dramas and Film Noir
• DRAMASspotlighting Powerful Performances, Art World Masters, Gripping Holocaust Stories, and Iranian Refugees
• FAMILYPrograms including Family Film Day, Family Shorts, and Films to enjoy with your teens
• Plus lots of SHORTS

In addition to seeing new films and films that are only screened at festivals, the Gold Coast International Festival features dozens of Q&As with filmmakers and special guests special events, award-winning spotlights and premiere after premiere after premiere.

Here is a run-down:

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2

DECONSTRUCTING THE BEATLES:
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR FILM & CONCERT- Long Island Premiere

Friday 11/2, 7:00PM – Great Neck Squire

Sponsored by the Atria and Little Neck Beverage

Sean Gallagher & Justin Drobinski | 2018 | USA | Documentary

Enjoy an unforgettable night of everything Fab Four! In 1967 the Beatles produced a free-wheeling, largely-improvised television special that married their pop sensibilities with countercultural experimentalism. This new filmed multimedia lecture from expert Scott Freiman takes fans behind the scenes during the production of the film and explores the creative process behind the songs. Q&A with Musicologist, Scott Freiman, followed by a Beatles celebration at the Gold Coast Arts Center featuring a concert by Beatles cover band Penny Lane, dessert, drinks and more!

 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 6

MAKING MEMORIES WITH MUSIC AND ART

A SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH MEMORY LOSS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS

Tuesday 11/6, 11:30AM – Gold Coast Arts Center

Pay tribute to our Veterans and military personnel with a special Making Memories program that includes clips from your favorite military themed films and a live music sing-along of patriotic favorites led by award-winning musician Roberta Fabiano.

Making Memories is a series of FREE monthly arts programs at the Gold Coast Arts Center for people living with memory loss and their care partners led by Marcy Rhodes, a certified special education teacher and licensed master social worker. Includes light refreshments. RSVP required.

 

FAMILY SHORTS

Tuesday 11/6, 1:00PM – Bryant Library (Roslyn) – FREE

 

THE LAST SUIT

Tuesday 11/6, 7:30PM – Soundview Cinemas

Pablo Solarz | 2018 | 93 min | Argentina/Spain | English subtitles | Narrative

A bittersweet story featuring an 88-year-old Jewish tailor who embarks on a long, transcontinental journey to try and find the man who saved him from certain death during the

Holocaust. Heartfelt and charming, with a wonderful comedic flavor, the film reminds us of the importance of family, friendship, and keeping your word. Festival Programmer talk following the film.

 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 7

FAMILY SHORTS

Wednesday 11/7, 1:00PM – Port Washington Library – FREE

 

GREAT SHORTS 1

Wednesday 11/7, 1:30PM – Great Neck Squire – FREE

 

THE CHARMER– New York Premiere

Wednesday 11/7, 7:30PM – Soundview Cinemas

Milad Alami | 2017 | 100 min | Denmark/Sweden | English subtitles | Narrative

A psychological drama about Esmail, a young Iranian refugee who is desperately looking to meet a woman who can help secure his stay in Denmark. As time is running out he meets the whip-smart Sarah, an Iranian-born Danish citizen, and more than one person ends up getting hurt as his deception catches up with him.

Q&A with Dr. Jamsheed Akrami, Iranian Film Scholar

SINATRA IN PALM SPRINGS– New York Premiere

 

Wednesday 11/7, 7:30PM- Manhasset Bow Tie

Leo Zahn | 2018 | 92 min | USA | Documentary

Sponsored by AARP Long Island

A warm, entertaining look at Frank Sinatra’s deep attachment to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, his primary home for almost 50 years. Featuring revealing interviews with Barbara Sinatra, Mel Haber, Tom Dreesen, Nelda Linsk, Bruce Fessier, Trini Lopez and many others who knew and played with Frank Sinatra. Q&A with Director Leo Zahn, Moderated by Prof. Stanislao Pugliese

 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8

DIANE – Long Island Premiere

Thursday 11/8, 7:30PM – Soundview Cinemas

Kent Jones | 2018 | 95 min | USA | Narrative

In one of the finest performance by an American actress this year, Mary Kay Place stars in this moving portrait and character study of a widowed older woman, who overextends herself trying to take care of her family and friends, while dealing with a drug-addicted son. Executive produced by Martin Scorsese. Winner – Best Narrative Feature at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival. Q&A with Matt Prigge, NYU Film Professor and Critic 

 

In one of the finest performance by an American actress this year, Mary Kay Place stars in “Diane,” a moving portrait and character study of a widowed older woman, who overextends herself trying to take care of her family and friends, while dealing with a drug-addicted son. The film, executive produced by Martin Scorsese, was the winner of Best Narrative Feature at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival and will have its Long Island Premiere at the 2018 Gold Coast International Film Festival, Nov. 2-13.

THE INTERPRETER– New York Premiere

Thursday 11/8, 7:30PM – Great Neck Squire

Martin Sulík | 2018 | 113 min | Slovakia | English subtitles | Narrative

In this unique drama, layered with humor, two elderly men embark upon a bittersweet journey to meet surviving witnesses of the wartime tragedy involving both of their fathers, one a Nazi criminal and the other a victim of the Holocaust. Slovakia’s official submission to this year’s Academy Awards. Film Programmer talk following the film

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9

BECOMING ASTRID– Long Island Premiere

Friday 11/9, 7:30PM – Roslyn Bow Tie

Pernille F. Christensen | 2018 | 123 min | Sweden | English subtitles | Narrative

This gorgeous period drama chronicles the character-forming period in the young life of the  astonishingly unconventional Astrid Lindgren (author of Pippi Longstocking), who would go on to worldwide fame as one of the most beloved children’s authors ever. A warm and lively film featuring vibrant performances and stunning set design. 

YELLOW IS FORBIDDEN– Long Island Premiere

Friday 11/9, 7:30PM – Great Neck Squire

Pietra Brettkelly | 2018 | 94 min | New Zealand | English subtitles | Documentary

Sponsored by Neiman Marcus Roosevelt Field

Celebrated Chinese couturier Guo Pei is perhaps best known for designing the brilliant gold gown Rihanna wore to the Met Ball in 2015. But Guo’s quest to be recognized by the gatekeepers of Paris haute couture goes beyond the red carpet and taps into global power dynamics and the perpetual tension between art and commerce. An eye-opening, behind-the-scenes documentary.

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 10

GENERAL MAGIC – Long Island Premiere

Saturday 11/10, 1:30PM – Manhasset Bow Tie

Sarah Kerruish, Matt Maude | 2018 | 92 min | UK/USA | Documentary

A tale of how great vision and epic failure can change the world. In the early 90s, the world’s largest electronics corporations formed a secret company tasked with developing the ‘next big thing’. The company was General Magic and their invention took a thing of sci-fi fiction to reality – a handheld wireless personal communicator. The fascinating story of the rise – and fall – of the pioneering tech company that created a product years ahead of its time. 

 

GREAT SHORTS 2

Saturday 11/10, 2:00PM – Soundview Cinemas 

 

306 HOLLYWOOD – Long Island Premiere
Saturday 11/10, 4:30PM – Manhasset Bow Tie
Jonathan Bogarin & Elan Bogarin | 2018 | 82 min | USA | Documentary
Do objects retain a spark of life from their owner after that person dies? This question catapults a dynamic brother-sister filmmaking duo on an epic odyssey to excavate their deceased grandma Annette’s unassuming Newark home of 71 years. A Sundance Film Festival hit!
Q&A with Film Subject, Marilyn Ontell 

 

CHEF FLYNN

Saturday 11/10, 5:00PM – Soundview Cinemas

Cameron Yates | 2018 | 83 min | USA | Documentary

A disarming and candid documentary about culinary prodigy Flynn McGarry. At 10, he transformed his living room into a sophisticated supper club; at 13, he was working under

some of the world’s most celebrated chefs and by 16, he was featured in a cover story of The New York Times Magazine. A uniquely comprehensive portrait of a young star’s rise as seen from the inside.

BATHTUBS OVER BROADWAY

Saturday 11/10, 7:00PM – Soundview Cinemas

Dava Whisenant | 2018 | 87 min | USA | Documentary

A musical-comedy-documentary! Comedy writer Steve Young’s assignment to scour bargain-bin vinyl for a Late Night with David Letterman segment becomes an unexpected, decades-spanning obsession when he stumbles upon the strange and hilarious world of industrial musicals.

Q&A with the star of the film, Steve Young

 

SONG OF BACK AND NECK– Long Island Premiere

Saturday 11/10, 7:30PM – Soundview Cinemas

Paul Lieberstein | 2018 | 85 min | USA | Narrative

In this charming romantic comedy, nice-guy Fred (Paul Lieberstein, Toby from The Office) rarely gets through the day without falling to the ground with crippling back and neck pain, and is not taken seriously by anyone at work. But as he discovers unexpected love and a rather unique talent, it is just the start of the unpredictable happenings coming his way.

Q&A via Skype with Director & Star, Paul Lieberstein 

 

ON BORROWED TIME – New York Premiere

Saturday 11/10, 8:00PM – Manhasset Bow Tie

Yasir Al Yasiri | 2018 | 93 min | United Arab Emirates | English subtitles | Narrative

Sponsored by AARP Long Island

Four grumpy old men in a Dubai retirement home get a new lease on life when one of them receives a windfall inheritance. Dotted with tender moments, this feel-good comedy about aging, friendship and new directions moves along with a sprightly energy that can’t help but make you smile.

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 11

HAPPY

Sunday 11/11, 11:00AM – Soundview Cinemas

Roko Belic | 2013 | 76 min | USA | Documentary

Sponsored by Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Health

What makes you happy? Money? Kids and family? Your work? Academy Award® nominated director Roko Belic’s film explores the secrets behind our most valued emotion. From the bayous of Louisiana, the deserts of Namibia, the beaches of Brazil and the villages of Okinawa, Belic goes in search of what really makes people happy.

Special activities before and after the screening include:
• Q&A via Skype with Academy Award nominated filmmaker Roko Belic

• A discussion of the role of mindfulness, yoga, and meditation in helping you live a vibrant, healthy, and happy life led by distinguished experts from the Katz Institute for Women’s Health; • Mandala making in the theater lobby;
  • Special giveaways from local businesses 

 

YOUTH FILM DAY

Sunday 11/11, 12:30PM – Soundview Cinemas

Sponsored by Hofstra University

Come meet the next Scorsese, Spielberg or Bigelow! Support the next generation of filmmakers at this special FREE event that is one of the most talked about events each year.  We’ll screen the best short films selected from the hundreds submitted to our 2018 Young Filmmakers Program by kids in grades K-12. 

 

THE MUSEUM– Long Island Premiere

Sunday 11/11, 1:00PM – Great Neck Squire

Ran Tal | 2018 | 74 min | Israel | English subtitles | Documentary

Housing one of the world’s greatest collections of art and antiquities, the Israel Museum poses for its own complex portrait in this elegant and fascinating observational documentary. This masterful behind-the-scenes film seeks to explore the Israeli soul through its galleries, storerooms and visitors. Q&A with Maureen Cogan, Co-Chair of the International Friends of the Israel Museum

 

THIS BUSINESS OF AUTISM– World Premiere Encore Screening

Sunday 11/11, 1:30PM– Soundview Cinemas

Stephen Mackey | 2018 | 102 min | USA | Documentary

Sponsored by Spectrum Designs

A fascinating look at the economic and societal benefits of employing young adults with autism, and specifically the success story that is Spectrum Designs, a custom screen-printing and embroidery business based in Port Washington, New York. 75% of Spectrum’s employees are on the autism spectrum. Q&A with Director Stephen Mackey and other special guests 

 

THE LAST RACE

Sunday 11/11, 4:00PM – Soundview Cinemas

Michael Dweck | 2018 | 75 min | USA | Documentary

Long Island is the birthplace of American stock car racing, but today, only one racetrack remains: Riverhead Raceway, established in 1949 on an initially rural part of Long Island.

This transfixing documentary explores the issues of class divide and corporate interest that have impacted both the racing industry and region as a whole in this beautiful, visceral, mesmerizing ode to a dying American tradition. Official selection of the Sundance and Hamptons Film Festivals 

 

HEADING HOME: THE TALE OF TEAM ISRAEL – Long Island Premiere

Sunday 11/11, 4:30PM – Great Neck Squire

Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, Jeremy Newberger | 2017 | 87 min | Documentary

The stirring underdog chronicle of the unexpected triumph of Israel’s national baseball team at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. With their Mensch on the Bench mascot by their side, the team laughs and cries as they discover the pride of representing Israel on the world stage. A home run for audiences of all ages. Q&A with Co-Director, Jeremy Newberger

 

GREAT SHORTS 3

Sunday 11/11, 5:00PM – Soundview Cinemas 

 

RETURN OF THE HERO

Sunday 11/11, 7:00PM– Soundview Cinemas

Laurent Tirard | 2018 | 90 min | France | English subtitles | Narrative

In this playful French period comedy, Elisabeth is principled, honest, and clever. When her sister’s new husband, the pompous Captain Neuville (Academy Award-Winner Jean Dujardin The Artist), heads to war and forgets about his wife, Elisabeth writes letters on his behalf to cheer up her sister. Her elaborate web of white lies comes crashing down when the Captain returns from the front. Festival Programmer talk following the film.

 

THE INVISIBLES– Long Island Premiere

Sunday 11/11, 7:30PM – Great Neck Squire

Claus Räfle | 2017 | 110 min | Germany | English subtitles | Narrative

In 1943 when Berlin was declared “Judenfrei” (“free of Jews”), there were still 7,000 Jews secretly residing there who survived by hiding in attics, warehouses and sometimes disguised in plain sight. This gripping docu-drama details the inspiring resourcefulness and courage shown by teenagers and young adults living in dire conditions with an uncertain future. 

 

MONDAY NOVEMBER 12

FAMILY SHORTS

Monday 11/12, 12:00PM – Cinema Arts Center (Huntington) – FREE

 

FAMILY FILM DAY

Monday 11/12, 12:30 – 3PM – Gold Coast Arts Center

While schools are closed for Veteran’s Day, the Gold Coast International Film Festival is open for you! Enjoy an afternoon of short films hand-selected for a family audience plus fun, hands-on movie themed art activities. Includes free lunch.  All ages welcome! Every child must be accompanied by an adult.

 

HOWARD– Long Island Premiere

Monday 11/12, 7:30PM – Soundview Cinemas

Don Hahn | 2018 | 90 min | USA | Documentary

Sponsored by AARP Long Island

An intimate and insightful tribute to a once-in-a-generation talent, the legendary lyricist Howard Ashman. His impact on Broadway, movies and the culture at large is incalcuable. His hits include Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors.

Q&A with Bill Lauch & Sarah Ashman Gillespie

 

BUDAPEST NOIR– Long Island Premiere

Monday 11/12, 7:30PM – Great Neck Squire

Éva Gárdos | 2017 | 95 min | Hungary | English subtitles | Narrative

A beautiful young girl is found dead and no one wants to investigate except a crime reporter who has a gut feeling that things are not what they seem. Based on the international best-selling novel, a classically-styled noir film that reimagines the dark side of pre-war Hungary.

Q&A with Professor & Author, Foster Hirsch

 

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 13

THE GREAT BUSTER

Tuesday 11/13, 7:00PM – Soundview Cinemas

Peter Bogdanovich | 2018 | 105 min | USA | Documentary

A celebration of the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most prolific and influential filmmakers, Buster Keaton. Includes stunning restorations of archival works that bring Keaton’s magic to life on the big screen, plus interviews with his friends, family, collaborators, and a broad array of artists influenced by his singular vision, including Mel Brooks, Bill Hader, Cybil Shepherd and Quentin Tarantino. Q&A with Professor Rodney F. Hill, Film Scholar

 

EGON SCHIELE: DEATH AND THE MAIDEN– Long Island Premiere

Tuesday 11/13, 7:30PM – Soundview Cinemas

Dieter Berner | 2018 | 110 min | Austria | English subtitles | Narrative

At the beginning of the 20th century Schiele is one of the most provocative artists in Vienna. This is the story of two of the most influential women in his life and how they reveal a man unfazed by scandal who is prepared to go beyond his own pain to sacrifice love and life for his art. Q&A with Professor and Art Historian, Martha Hollander

 

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 14

CELEBRATE THE FESTIVAL WINNERS AT AWARDS LUNCH
Wednesday 11/13, 11:30AM – NM Café, Neiman Marcus Roosevelt Field

Be the first to find out the winners at this year’s Festival and toast all the many great films and filmmakers of the 2018 GCIFF! Join the Festival team, filmmakers, sponsors and VIP Pass Holders for lunch at the NM Cafe at Neiman Marcus Roosevelt Field to honor this year’s Audience Award Winners for Best Narrative and Best Documentary Feature Film and Audience and Jury Award Winners for Best Narrative and Best Documentary Short Film. (A limited number of tickets are available to this event.)

 

This is also the time of year to join as a Gold Coast Film Society member to get a free ticket to the festival, among other perks that include: first chance at tickets to GCIFF screenings; member discount screening price of $10 ($5 savings); free film screening ticket; and Official GCIFF Program guide mailed to your home.

Tickets go on sale to members on Oct. 15 and on Oct. 17 to the general public. Visit http://goldcoastfilmfestival.org/membership/.

More information from the Gold Coast Film Festival, 113 Middle Neck Road, Grat Neck, NY 11021, 516-829-2570, email info @goldcoastarts.org, http://goldcoastfilmfestival.org.

 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures