FESTIVAL NEWS
2.23.10 2010 Festival Submission dates announced
This year’s Imagine Science Film Festival will begin receiving film submissions for consideration in May. The schedule and entry fees will be as follows:
- May 1st (Early Deadline): $25
July 1st (Regular Deadline): $30
August 15th (Late Deadline): $40
We look forward to seeing your work in 2010!
12.03.09 Video Pick Contest moved to Thursdays
Due to a delay in the Video Pick process (thanks to extensive work on a recent ISF Production!) the Imagine Science Films Vimeo Video Pick of the Week Contest was posted today instead of on Tuesday. The video will show for one week as normal, moving the new video posting day to Thursdays. We thank you for your patience while we work on some exciting new material!
You can check out this week’s pick, PCR Rap, right here.
1.9.10 New Vimeo pick posted!
After a brief hiatus, the Video Vimeo Pick of the week contest has returned! Be sure to check it out.
11.19.09 Vimeo Video Pick Contest resumes Tuesday
We’ve had a busy but fantastic run with this festival, and now it’s back to work! We’re please to announce that the Vimeo Video Pick of the Week Contest will be back to delivering a weekly dose of science-in-film and great science videos starting on Tuesday, November 24th. Don’t forget to check it out Tuesday night!
10.27.09 Award-winning films page added
This year’s festival was a great success! To learn about this year’s winning films and see what some of the 2009 ISFF participants had to say, please visit our newly posted webpage recognizing the Award-winning Films from the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival under THE FESTIVAL.
“As Leonardo da Vinci said ‘The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.’ This festival is most definitely a noble pleasure,’” says Leonardo Director Jim Capobianco. To read more, please visit ISFF 2009 WINNING FILMS.
10.10.09 Reserve and RSVP now!
With 5 days left till this year’s festival kick-off event, we’d like to remind you to check our TICKETS page for a full list of events with advance ticket sales and which will require RSVP to attend. Please note that only some tickets will be reserved for those who show up at the door for ticketed events. For prices and purchase, or to simply learn more about the events, please click here.
The Festival Press Kit is also available for download in PDF form here.
9.25.09 Film listings online!
Have you checked out our complete film listings yet? This year’s film selections are great science-in-fiction pieces from all over the world, including films from Bulgaria, Spain, the UK, Japan and Germany. We hope to see you on October 15, when we kick off with the short films 2000: a documentary science fiction, Chances Are, So Far and Soar, After tomorrow, Les Outils, Problems, Dharini, Inside Me, Extropy and Ginger, plus musical performances by LOVE LIKE DELOREANS.
9.10.09 Complete film schedule released
The official list of selected films for the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival is now available on the 2009 Festival Schedule! Complete film listings, with details on each of the films, will be added to the FESTIVAL section shortly.
9.2.09 ISFF 2009 Trailer posted
You can now check out the trailer for the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival! Animated by Dean Warner, the trailer hints at all the great things to come with the selection of science-in-film masterpieces to be shown at this year’s festival. Click the link above, or check it out under FESTIVAL. And don’t forget to keep an eye on our schedule page — ISFF is just around the corner!
8.24.09 New interview in Press
Barry Hudson of the New York Blog, part of Nature Network, interviewed ISFF Founder and Artistic Director Alexis Gambis.
“Imagine a film festival that was entirely about science,” writes Hudson. “Not only that, but also the films in that festival had credible scientific groundings. That is no longer science-fiction, but is in fact a reality in the guise of the Imagine Science Film Festival. After a successful first run last year, ISFF returns in October and promises to be bigger and better!”
To read the article, check out the online section of our PRESS page, or click here.
8.21.09 Have you seen our event photos?
Photos from the June 26th, 2009 Fundraiser Party at Kenny’s Castaways have now been posted on our website. Check it out here if you haven’t already!
If you missed our first pre-festival event, don’t forget that we’re having a screening benefit on September 9th, featuring music by TRANSIT and another great film screening.
8.17.09 Film selection notifications
The film submissions window for the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival officially closed when Saturday, August 15th came to an end. We are now deliberating over films we have received (or will receive) that are postmarked by August 15th, or which were submitted through Withoutabox by midnight. Filmmakers will receive notification on our decision on or before September 15th; we ask that entrants please refrain from contacting us before that time. Film submissions will reopen in 2010 for the 2010 ISFF at a date to be announced.
8.11.09 AAAS/Science post their news release
On August 3rd, AAAS made their thoughts on partnering with ISFF public by posting their news release, titled “AAAS, Science Join Partnership with NYC’s Imagine Science Film Festival.”
“Film is a really powerful medium for communicating scientific concepts, which is one of the reasons we’re so enthusiastic about working with Imagine Science Films,” says AAAS marketing director Ian King. “Our organizations share a core set of values, and we are proud to support their unique approach to making science accessible.”
We’re just as excited to be working with AAAS. To read the full article, click here.
8.07.09 More press: interview with Alexis Gambis
Alexis Gambis was recently interviewed by Elissa Suh for an article in MovieMaker Magazine. Mr. Gambis, the Artistic Director and Founder of Imagine Science Films, speaks about combining science and film in his own life, and how that lead to the creation of the ISFF. He also gives a few details about this year’s coming festival! The article is available here on their website.
8.06.09 Press: NY Hall of Science venue announcement
The New York Hall of Science published an online press release on their website on August 4th, 2009. The article details the partnership with the Hall and its shared goals with the Imagine Science Film Festival. To read more about our 2009 partnering venue and its involvement with the ISF, please visit our Press section or click here for a direct link to the press release.
7.29.09 Film schedule announcement: Sizzle
The Imagine Science Film Festival has added another great film screening to its lineup with Randy Olson’s Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy (2008). The feature-length film examines the issues of global warming and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, exposing reality through humor in a style that fuses mockumentary with documentary. Sizzle will also be making its New York City debut at the 2009 ISFF.
“Worth seeing,” blogger Adam Welz writes. “Worth, particularly, discussing, as it raises issues about climate change and environmental communication that are often avoided, and it has some really good laughs.”
Sizzle will top off the final night of films at the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival, showing at 7 PM at the New School Tishman Auditorium on October 23rd.
7.27.09 Submission deadline extended due to outage
Due to the recent downtime of our website, the Film Submissions deadline will be extended to August 15th. Film submissions can be made through Withoutabox or by snail mail to our new Brooklyn address. For details, please click here.
7.15.09 Update: Quantum Quest Premiere Oct. 21st!
Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey (2009), a feature-length animated film by Dr. Harry Kloor, will be making its long-awaited debut at the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival on October 21st! As the Director, Writer and Producer of Quantum Quest, Dr. Kloor will be in attendance at the CUNY Graduate Center event. A panel discussion and reception will also follow.
This event is made possible National Academy of Sciences/The Science and Entertainment Exchange, the CUNY Science and Arts Program and, of course, Imagine Science Films.
7.10.09 New press releases added
Press releases featuring information on upcoming festival events and ISF’s new partnership AAAS can now be found under PRESS. Check them out!
7.08.09 Mark your calendars: Screening Benefit
Imagine Science Films will be having a screening benefit, hosted by the Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn, on September 9th, 2009 at 8 pm. Catch a musical performance by the collective that brings fresh new music to New York City, TRANSIT, and watch the extraordinary animated documentary, Animated Minds (2003).
Details can be found on the Upcoming Events page. We hope to see you there!
7.07.09 Updated schedule posted
Our festival schedule is gradually getting fleshed out as the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival gets closer. You can check it out here or under FESTIVAL.
We’re very pleased to announce a new partnership with Tribeca Cinemas, who will be hosting our Opening Night event on October 15th. They will also be hosting a screening on Monday, October 19th.
We can also tell you that our Opening Night event will feature a panel discussion after the PREMIERE of the highly anticipated animated film, Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey (2009), and that Director, Writer and Producer Dr. Harry Kloor will be present. It’s shaping up to be a great kick-off for the festival, so mark your calendars now!
6.16.09 Did we mention we’re having a party?
The 21 and over crowd is invited to celebrate with us as we prepare for the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival! Come to Kenny’s Castaways on June 26th for a night of music and film entertainment, sneak previews of the festival and musical performances by NYC band Audiometry.
Tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door. Whether you’re just purchasing a ticket or are planning to throw a few extra dollars our way, we appreciate your attendance and support! Don’t miss out on this great event. Please see Upcoming Events for more details.
6.5.09 ISFF venue announcement
Some of the venues for the 2009 ISFF, which will take place October 15th to 23rd, have been announced! As with last year’s ISFF, screenings will be held at The Bell House, CUNY Graduate Center, and The New School Tishmann Auditorium. We are also pleased to announce new additions, the Galapagos Art Space and the NY Hall of Science, to our venue roster!
For more details, please see our ISFF about page. Dates and other venues will be announced shortly.
5.1.09 ISFF 2009 is coming!
This just in: the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival is currently slated to take place from October 15th to 23rd! We’re expecting approximately double last year’s audience, now that ISF has entered into its sophomore year, and are already seeing some great film entries audiences are sure to love. Mark your calendars!
4.22.09 Video Contest Announcement on Vimeo
Our proud media sponsor, Vimeo, just featured us in a Staff Blog added to our Press section. The blog details our collaborative efforts with Vimeo to create our new contests using the ISFF Vimeo Video Group for entries. It’s already causing quite a stir!
4.16.09 Video Interview with Neil deGrasse Tyson
A new video hosted by Vimeo has been posted on Videos from ISFF! Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks about his excitement when he first heard there was a science film festival, and discusses its impact.
Please visit the Videos from ISFF page to view the video in full size.
4.14.09 Film Release: Sleep Dealer
Director Alex Rivera’s feature film, Sleep Dealer, is coming to theaters. Sleep Dealer was a part of ISFF 2008, during which Mr. Rivera also participated in a discussion of science and film.
About Sleep Dealer:
“SLEEP DEALER will be in theaters THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 17th in Los Angeles and New York.
“SLEEP DEALER is a Sundance award-winning sci-fi thriller that looks at the future from a perspective we’ve never seen before: from south of the border, looking at America from the outside.”
- The New York Times
“Exuberantly entertaining — a dystopian fable of globalization disguised as a science-fiction adventure…. Mr. Rivera — a brilliant young director — takes his audience into a future of ‘aqua-terrorism’ and cyberlabor that I wish I could dismiss as implausible.”
-A.O. Scott
WIRED MAGAZINE
“…impressive, eye-opening…a timely message, deftly delivered… like Blade Runner and other big-brained sci-fi flicks, it’s about ideas… Sleep Dealer serves up a radical vision of a troubling tomorrow…”
-Jason Silverman
INDIEWIRE
“A dazzling journey! True originality and artistic verve!
“‘Sleep Dealer’ is a film with something to say about humanity and its relationship with technology. This sense of humanity, more than its numerous mind-blowing fantasy images is what ultimately sets ‘Sleep Dealer’ apart.”
-Steve Ramos
A video interview with Mr. Rivera at the 2008 ISFF is also available for viewing here. For more information and reviews, please visit http://sleepdealer.com.
4.07.09 A New ISFF Contest: Vimeo Short Film
Imagine Science Films now offers an online short film contest hosted by Vimeo! Short films uploaded to the ISFF Vimeo Group (see news entry below or click link) are eligible. Winners will be uploaded to the ISFF Short Films Channel in mid-August, and may have the chance to compete for prizes in the 2009 ISFF in October! Be sure to check out our ISFF group if you haven’t already, and see the Vimeo Short Films Contest page for entry details.
4.06.09 Brand New: ISFF Video Group on Vimeo
The Imagine Science Film Festival now has its own group through our sponsor, Vimeo! The group is also tied in with the Video Pick of the Week channel through our new Vimeo Video Pick of the Week Contest. The Imagine Science Film Festival Group on Vimeo and the ISFF Video Pick of the Week Channel are both great places to get your daily dose of science videos. Be sure to check it out!
3.23.09 Press Posting: The Origins of ISFF
In the Fall 2004 issue of Bardian, a publication of Bard College, a feature was printed on future Imagine Science Films Founder & Artistic Director Alexis Gambis. Gambis, a 2002 graduate of Bard College, speaks of combining art and science in the article — a glimpse into the past and what would lead to the creation of the Imagine Science Film Festival.
Read the 1-page article here.
3.10.09 Updates to Film Submission Policy
- An updated version of the 2009 Film Submission Checklist and Form is now available on the Film Submission page.
- Films may now be submitted via mail or through the online service Withoutabox.
- The submission deadline for the 2009 Imagine Science Film Festival has also been extended to July 31st.
3.03.09 Two New ISFF Videos
The video What is a Scientist? from Imagine Science Films (hosted by Vimeo) has been added. Directed by Izabel Hoyos and produced by Imagine Science Films with Associate Producer Nikki Saint Bautista, Science & Art asks ISFF panel and audience members about the combination of science and art.
The video Science is a Story has also been posted. Be sure to check out the newly redone Videos from ISFF page for all the available footage in full size.
3.02.09 ISFF Award Winner The Wormhole Posted
Jessica Sharzer’s 2008 Nature Scientific Merit Award-winning short narrative, The Wormhole, can now be viewed right here on imaginesciencefilms.com.
The film is 21 minutes long and tells the story of a little boy who, hearing his physics professor grandmother speaking about wormholes and thinking he could use one to solve all his problems, begins a search for a wormhole of his own — in the garden.
3.02.09 New “News”
ISFF has gotten some more media attention, this time from the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting, ScienceBlog’s Living the Science Life and (for the special screening events) Nature Network.
We also have the brand new Press page for comprehensive listings of media coverage, plus your usual guide to ISFF 2009 in the media, IFF ’09 IN THE NEWS.
2.21.09 Watch the ISFF Award Winning Film In Vivid Detail
Director Dara Bratt’s short narrative In Vivid Detail, winner of the ISFF 2008 Nature People’s Choice Award, can now be viewed right here on the ISF website!
A love story with an unusual twist, In Vivid Detail tells the tale of Justin (The Sopranos’ John Ventimiglia), an architect who cannot recognize faces due to a neurological disorder, and his relationship with Leslie (Coyote Ugly’s Piper Perabo).
