Category: Press Release

Press Release: 2021 Great Lakes Christian Film Festival

We are pleased to announce our 7th annual Great Lakes Christian Film Festival, August 5-7, 2021, in East Aurora, New York, featuring over 50 faith-based and family friendly films from over 20 countries. We have several types of films, like features, shorts, student films, documentaries, music videos and even experimental. Genres include biopics, action, dramas, thrillers, historic, children, and many more. We will be screening select films at the legendary Aurora Theatre and Popcorn Shop, as well as in our Hub location, at i61 Ministries.

Greg Robbins

In addition, at #GLCFF2021 we will hold a variety of sessions and workshops. This year, Director Greg Robbins will hold his Robbins Stunt Team workshop. Actor, Director Cheryl Felicia Rhoads will hold a comedy workshop. Rhonda Parker will conduct a screenwriting session. An industry panel will be composed of producers, directors, editors, etc. PLUS, we are hosting private casting sessions for actors (space is limited). We end the festivities at the Roycroft Inn Saturday Evening, with an Awards Ceremony, where we will be presenting this year’s Honorary Actor Award for the late Gavin Macleod (Mary Tyler Moore, Love Boat, Secrets of Jonathan Sperry).

Gavin MacLeod, 1931 – 2021

The Great Lakes Christian Film Festival is the LARGEST faith-based film festival in New York State! This year, we are celebrating our seventh festival in East Aurora, New York (20 miles southeast of Buffalo), the gateway to the Great Lakes. East Aurora is a charming America village… from the famous Vidler’s 5&10, to the historic marquee, to the original brick on Main St., we have a lot to offer. There are a number of restaurants and historic sites like the headquarters of Fisher Price, the house of Millard Fillmore (the 13th US President), and of course, the Roycroft Campus.

Details on how you can buy tickets, download the schedule, and find locations are on our website: http://www.glcff.com.

For more information, contact: Shawn Patrick Greene (Executive Director), (716) 427-4608, glcffest@gmail.com.
Facebook/Twitter @GLCFF #GLCFF2021

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Press Release: 2019 Great Lakes Christian Film Festival

Buffalo to host 5th annual Christian Film Festival

Buffalo, NY (July 9, 2019) – From the humming shores of the Great Lakes comes the annual Christian Film Festival in Buffalo, New York returning for its 5th year. From Friday August 2nd through Sunday August 4th, 2019, the Great Lakes Christian Film Festival will screen films from around the world, at The Millennium Hotel, 2040 Walden Ave, Buffalo, NY 14225.

The festival organizers and judges have selected over 150 films and 20 scripts as the Official Selections. The projects represent over 15 countries. The Great Lakes Christian Film Festival screens an assortment of film projects: Animations, Music Videos, Student Films, Trailers, Narrative Films and Documentaries. Film lengths vary from two-minute shorts to two-hour features.

One of this year’s selections nominated for Best Feature include, the Buffalo Premiere of the award-winning film The Reliant, starring Kevin Sorbo, Brian Bosworth, Mollee Gray and Eric Roberts. Produced and directed by Paul Munger, The Reliant is a story of a 21-year-old lovesick girl struggling to care for her four younger siblings in a stretch of woods on the outskirts of their burning town, wondering why a good God would let this happen.

Another nominated selection includes Moses Olufemi’s movie Last Days, the story about a woman left with two children and no support, struggling to raise money needed for her lumpectomy, while questioning her faith in God. Last Days is directed by Biodun Stephen and filmed in Nigeria, and stars Susan Peters, Funsho Adeolu, and Vivian Metchie.

Also nominated selection is the documentary Russ Taff: I Still Believe, by award winning director Rick Altizer. The documentary chronicles the multi-GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning Gospel Recording artist’s musical journey and behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism. Altizer traces Taff’s four-decade career, as well as the childhood trauma he suffered at the hands of an alcoholic father and abusive mother.

Workshops and panel discussions are also scheduled, on a variety of speakers and topics, throughout the weekend, subjects like acting, directing, screenwriting, and fundraising. The festival is open to the public and offers an array of subject material for any viewer, from Action and Drama, to Animation and Biographies – something for everyone to enjoy.

Established in 2014, The Great Lakes Christian Film Festival was founded by current Executive Director Shawn Patrick Greene. The purpose is to inspire creativity and create an outlet for faith-based projects. Since its inception, over 700 films and scripts have been submitted in hopes of being selected and screened in front of the visiting guests and local Western New York attendees.

Buffalo, “All-American City” is not only known for sports fanatics, but also for having the “Best Food in America.” Buffalo has a growing world-class medical and research community. Innovative developments are happening around town such as Canalside, which is home to a collection of restaurants, shops and seasonal outdoor activities. Plus, Buffalo is just 30 minutes away from location of one of the 7 wonders of the world, Niagara Falls. In recent years, more and more Hollywood producers are using the Buffalo area as a backdrop for their film projects, such as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “Marshall” and “The First Purge“.

Walk-up registration begins at the Millennium Hotel on Friday August 2nd at 8 am. Cost is $35 for all three days or $15 for a single day. The event runs from 8 am to 11 pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Registration and tickets sales are open online now. Information for the entire festival (accommodations, tickets, schedule, sponsorship, volunteer opportunities, etc.) is on the official website: http://www.glcff.com

Downloadable  files:
Press Release PDF: http://dimedianet.com/GLCFF/2019/GLCFF-2019-pressrelease.pdf
Press Release DOCX: http://dimedianet.com/GLCFF/2019/GLCFF-2019-pressrelease.docx
High Quality Flyer JPG: http://dimedianet.com/GLCFF/2019/GLCFF-flyer-front-2019.jpg

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Press Release: 2018 Great Lakes Christian Film Festival, Buffalo, NY

Buffalo to host 4th annual Christian Film Festival

Buffalo, NY (July 19, 2018) – The 2018 “Great Lakes Christian Film Festival” will be hosted at The Millennium, 2040 Walden Ave, Buffalo, NY 14225 between Friday August 3rd – Sunday August 5th, 2018. The festival organizers have selected over 100 films as Official Selections and will screen over 80 films from around the world, representing over 15 countries, screening narrative feature and shorts films, documentaries, student films, and music videos, as well as, many up and coming film trailers. Workshops are also scheduled on Saturday afternoon with a variety of speakers on various topics. The festival is open to the public and offers an array of subject material for any viewer, from Action and Drama, to Animation and Biographies – there is something for everyone to enjoy.

This year 8 films were nominated for Best Feature Film, including “Summer of ’67”, the story of two sisters that surviving in the shadow of their mother’s suicide, struggling to live their lives and protect their loved ones in the face of the Vietnam War. This film, Written and Directed by Sharon Wilharm, is a fictional look at the Vietnam War based on the perspective of the wives, girlfriends, and mothers of those men aboard the USS Forrestal.

Also showing, the Buffalo Premiere of the award winning feature “A Heart That Forgives” – a great story of God’s love through the healing power of forgiveness, with an all-star cast including, Carl Anthony Payne (actor and producer, known for the Martin TV Series), Lorey Hayes (actress known for her work on Dreamgirls and NCIS), and Charles Malik Whitfield who has starred in dozens of prime-time shows and feature films, but one of his proudest professional moments so far is his leading role in the Emmy-winning mini-series, “The Temptations.”

The Great Lakes Christian Film Festival also brings an assortment of fantastic Documentaries of a wide range of topics and biographies, including the wonderful story of two women in China in “Song of the Wilderness”. 70-year-old Mother Xu travelled 200 km to the mountain area of Yimeng, Shandong province, far way from her own children. She lived in a cottage without a rooftop while taking care of Fan Jianxiu, a paralytic. Despite the sarcasm and ridicules, she persevered in looking after Fan for ten years as if it was one day. Yet still the sound of her praises spread out and rising from the wilderness.

The festival includes a diverse group of workshops, like one that special guest speaker Tina Marie Griffin will present called “Hollywood Exposed” – a behind-the-scenes look at the influences in today’s Pop Culture through entertainment and media, such as, Television, Gaming, Social Media and Music.

Buffalo is a city on the rise! An All-American City known not only for sports obsession, but for having the “Best Food in America”, as well as, a growing world-class medical and research community. Innovative developments are happening around town such as Canalside, which is home to a collection of restaurants, shops and seasonal outdoor activities. Plus, Buffalo is just 30 minutes away from location of one of the 7 wonders of the world, Niagara Falls. In recent years, more and more Hollywood producers are using the Buffalo area as a backdrop for their film projects, such as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”, “Marshall” and “The First Purge”.

The Great Lakes Christian Film Festival was created in May 2014 by Founder and Executive Director Shawn Patrick Greene. Since its inception, over 500 films have been submitted in hopes of being selected and screened in front of the visiting guests and local Western New York attendees. Over 100 films are Official Selections in this year’s film festival. Walk-up registration begins Friday August 3rd at 9 am and is $35 for all 3 days or $15 for a single day. Registration and tickets sales are open online now on the website.

Information for the entire festival, including accommodations, tickets, schedule, and sponsorship opportunities, is on the official website: http://www.GLCFF.com

Downloadable Press Release: [GLCFF-2018-pressrelease]

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Press Release: 2017 Great Lakes Christian Film Festival, Buffalo, NY

Buffalo to host 3rd annual Christian Film Festival

Buffalo, NY (July 21, 2017) – The 2017 “Great Lakes Christian Film Festival” will be hosted at The Millennium, 2040 Walden Ave, Buffalo, NY 14225 between Thursday August 3rd – Saturday August 5th, 2017.  The festival will feature over 40 films from around the world, representing over 10 countries, screening feature films, shorts films, documentaries, and music videos, as well as, many up and coming film trailers. The festival is open to the public and offers an array of subject material for any viewer, from Action and Drama, to Animation and Biographies, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

We are screening the Buffalo Premiere of the highly acclaimed feature film Because of Gracia starring Moriah Peters and Chris Massoglia featuring Ben Davies and John Schneider, the former Dukes of Hazzard teen idol. At age 16, Moriah Peters tried out for American Idol and was mocked by the panel of judges for her purity lifestyle. Now, she has a lead role in a faith-based film. John Schneider, who has appeared in several Christian-themed films of late, plays the school principal.

Screening at the film festival is the TV movie Heritage Falls starring David Keith, who plays Charlie Fitzpatrick, the ‘winningest’ high school basketball coach in Georgia history. While many of his players think of him as a father, he does not have a good relationship with his own “bookworm” son—Evan. So Charlie decides that the best way to connect and bond is to take his son and grandson to a rustic mountain cabin for an unforgettable weekend retreat.

 Unbridled, starring Tea Mckay and Jenn Gotzon features appearances by Eric Roberts and T.C. Stallings. Inspired by a healing ranch for troubled girls in North Carolina, Unbridled is a story that exposes the atrocities of abuse, neglect, and sex trafficking and the healing and redemption experienced by girls and horses who have suffered the same types of abuse.

Buffalo is a city on the rise! We are known not only for our sports obsession but for having the “Best Food in America” as well as a growing world-class medical and research community. Innovative developments are happening around town such as Canalside which is home to a collection of restaurants, shops and as well as seasonal outdoor activities. Hollywood has brought their projects to Buffalo, such as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Marshall” filming scenes around our city.

Festival Executive Director Shawn Greene created the Great Lakes Christian Film Festival in May of 2014. Since then, over 350 films were submitted in hopes of being selected. 45 films are official selections for this year’s film festival. Walk-up registration begins Thursday August 3rd at 10am $30 for all 3 days. Registration is open online now.

Information for the entire festival, including accommodations, tickets, schedule, and sponsorship opportunities, is on the official website: http://www.GLCFF.com

Downloadable Press Release: GLCFF-2017-pressrelease

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PRESS RELEASE: 2016 Great Lakes Christian Film Festival #GLCFF2016

South Buffalo to host 2nd annual Christian Film Festival

Butterflies-LighthouseBuffalo, NY (August 1, 2016) – The 2016 “Great Lakes Christian Film Festival” will be hosted at Bread of Life Church, 1638 South Park Ave, Buffalo, NY 14220 between Thursday August 18th – Sunday August 21st, 2016.  The festival will feature over 100 films from around the world, representing over 10 countries, screening feature films, shorts films, documentaries, and music videos, as well as, many up and coming film trailers. The festival is open to the public and offers an array of subject material for any viewer, from Action and Drama, to Animation and Biographies, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

TexasRein-WEBOpening Day sets the tone for the festival with a Country Western Night, encouraging anyone to dress the part in our first ever themed event. We are screening the Buffalo Premiere of the highly acclaimed feature film “Texas Rein” starring Beth Gouthro & Greg Perrow and is joined by a fantastic cast, with Don Hartman, Ben Davies, and Erin Bethea. Directed by Durrell Nelson.

forgiven_11x14b_copyFriday is our Day of Action Flicks including the feature film “Forgiven” starring Kevin Sorbo, Kelsy Sanders, and Jenn Gotzon, and directed by Kevan Otto. Saturday is our Courtroom Drama Themed evening screening the feature film “The Last Appeal” and the short film “The Trial Of Everett Mann”.

Hoovey posterThe festival ends screening the feature film “Hoovey” directed by Sean McNamara [Soul Surfer, Spare Parts] and includes an all-star cast including Lauren Holly and Patrick Warburton.

Buffalo is a city on the rise! We are known not only for our sports obsession but for having the “Best Food in America” as well as a growing world-class medical and research community. Innovative developments are happening around town such as Canalside which is home to a collection of restaurants, shops and as well as seasonal outdoor activities. Hollywood has brought their projects to Buffalo, such as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and “Marshall” filming scenes around our city.

Festival Executive Director Shawn Greene created the Great Lakes Christian Film Festival in May of 2014. Since then, over 200 films were submitted in hopes of being selected. 130 films are official selections for this year’s film festival. Walk-up registration begins Thursday August 18th at 10am $75 for all 4 days. Registration is open online now for $60.

GLCFF-on-twitter

Information for the entire festival, including accommodations, tickets, schedule, and sponsorship opportunities, is on the official website: http://www.GLCFF.com

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download the official press release here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bdhymv4051idu4k/GLCFF-2016-pressrelease.pdf?dl=0

Sponsored in part by INTEGRITY AUTO CARE, Buffalo, NY:Screenshot 2016-07-25 14.55.41 - Copy

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