It all starts Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Rheem Theatre, in Moraga - the opening night of the 19th annual California Independent Film Festival. The evening will begin with a mixer that includes wine, beer, meat platters and gourmet cheeses from Cine CuvÇe of Orinda and also select sushi from Sushi Fighter of Moraga.
Following the mixer, the 2016 Slate Awards will be presented to filmmakers from around the world. Also, CAIFF will be presenting the 2016 Diamond Award to music legend Mary Wilson. The Diamond Award honors a female for her contribution to the entertainment industry. Who better to receive the Diamond Award than Wilson, cofounder of the Supremes who, as a Motown legend, paved the road for women in the music industry? In the 1960s there were three major rock and roll icons, Elvis, The Beetles and The Supremes. The Supremes had 12 number-one hits and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Wilson became a bestselling author in 1986, when she released her memoirs in "Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme." "Dreamgirl" remains the best-selling rock and roll autobiography ever published. The book was the inspiration for the Broadway hit, "Dreamgirls." In 2006, "Dreamgirls" made it to the big screen - receiving eight Oscar nominations and winning two: Jennifer Hudson for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role, and Best Achievement in Sound Mixing.
Wilson's humanitarian efforts are also supreme. Her lecture series, "Dare to Dream," has inspired thousands of young people to pursue their dreams and goals in life. She is an advocate for women's health in developing countries and has raised substantial funds for AIDS and HIV awareness. In 2003, she was named by then-United States Secretary of State Colin Powell to serve as one of nine Goodwill Ambassadors to the world.
Come join CAIFF at Opening Night as we honor Wilson with the 2016 Diamond Award.
Film & Filmmaker Spotlight - The 'Red Maple Leaf' and Frank D'Angelo
By Lindsay Pirkle, CAIFF Director
The "Red Maple Leaf" is an official selection at the California Independent Film Festival, screening at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10 at the Rheem Theatre, 350 Park St., Moraga.
The film is about the daughter of a U.S. Ambassador who is snatched from under the nose of her Secret Service detail in Ottawa. While the American authorities search for answers with pressure coming at them from every side, Canada and the U.S. fight over jurisdiction, while seasoned RCMP veteran Alfonso Palermo puts everything aside to find the missing girl.
Frank D'Angelo -a seasoned filmmaker and actor - wrote, produced, directed and acted in the film with a cast of outstanding Oscar-winning and nominated actors including Martin Landau, James Caan, Mira Sorvino, Kris Kristofferson, Paul Sorvino, Michael Parä, Armand Assante, Eric Roberts, Daniel Baldwin, Marc Blucas, Laurie Fortier and many others. The film is also dedicated to Robert Loggia and Doris Roberts, as it was the last film that both these two great actors starred in.
Actors from the film will be available for a meet-and-greet before and after the screening.
Tickets to the 19th Annual California Independent Film Festival and can be purchased online at www.caiff.org or at the Rheem and Orinda Theatre box offices.
See you at the festival!
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA