Calling all movie makers Local film society is looking for independent movies for first annual Back East Picture Show

The Hudson Waterfront Film Society, an organization founded by a group of New Jersey filmmakers, is currently seeking entries for the first annual Back East Picture Show, a film festival to be held in Hoboken from April 24 to April 28.

Founded by Anthony Costanza, the writer, producer and director of the self-financed independent movie Welcome to the Family, the festival will feature independent films made by independent people. The event will focus on self-financed films, documentaries and animation. Highlights will include a mob movie tribute, panel discussions and a series of films celebrating New York and New Jersey.

"We formed the Back East Picture show to provide a showcase for independents," Costanza explained recently. "As a fellow independent filmmaker, I realized that the marketplace for truly independent films has almost disappeared. At our event it doesn’t matter if our movies have distribution or not or if they have name actors. All we care about is a good story being told."

In addition, the event will celebrate the impact that New Jersey has had on filmmaking. For instance, the society used the term "back East" because the movie industry began in Thomas Edison’s Black Maria studios and many silent films, including the D.W. Griffith classic The Birth of a Nation, were filmed in this state.

During the festival, more than 30 works, including features, shorts and documentaries, will be screened at the Hudson Street Cinemas on First and Hudson streets in Hoboken. Organizers are also looking into possible venues in Jersey City. In addition, three gala celebrations are currently being organized, including the Back East Kick-Off Celebration, a Mob Movie Tribute Dinner and the Best of the Fest Awards Gala.

Presentation formats will be 35mm, 16mm, beta SP, DVD, and 1/2 VHS. There is a $50 submission fee for works of 60 minutes and a $35 for works under 60 minutes. The early submission deadline is March 1. Late entries – those received after March 1 and before March 31 – will be subject to a $15 late fee.

Submissions should be sent to 409 Washington St. PMB 202, Hoboken, NJ 07030-4805. For an admission form and information regarding eligibility and entry rules for the 2002 Back East Picture Show visit the Hudson Waterfront Film Society’s web site at www.backeastpictureshow.org or call (201) 239-1212. q

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