Festival Makes Film and TV Lovers' Hearts Go Boom-Boom
By Ricardo Kaulessar - I'm So Jersey City
Photos by Ricardo Kaulessar
The Jersey City International Television & Film Festival was back for its third year this weekend with 39 selections screening from Friday, Nov. 4 to Sunday, Nov. 6 at various locations around town.
Some of the highlights of the festival included a screening of the music video "My Heart Goes..." by local singer Giselle Bellas during Friday's opening night ceremony as well as Bellas performing several songs live, and screenings on Saturday of "Jersey City, the Wildlife and Me," by local resident John Dunstan, "Steps" by another local resident Eddie Harris, and "Dreadlocks Story."
The opening night red carpet event saw many pack into the Skyline Room at NJCU’s School of Business on Hudson Street, a few blocks from the Jersey City waterfront.
Guests were greeted by local blogger Lynn Hazan aka Chicpeajc as the festival's 2016 Brand Ambassador and other hosts, then being interviewed by Hudson County Freeholder Bill O'Dea, also the subject of a short film, "Who The Heck Is Bill O'Dea," that showed at the JCITFF.
The host for the evening, Michael Billy, talked about the JCITFF being started by Craig Goletz and his wife Maureen along with Michael Billy and Jarl Haugedal, and how the festival has become an outlet for filmmakers.
"We had this crazy idea to put together a film and television festival for Jersey City that would connect members of the community to professionals in the industry," Billy said.
He also thanked many people who had a role in the festival taking place.
One of them was Mayor Steven Fulop, who acknowledged the festival's board for their work, and the Goletzes for being involved in the community not just for the festival, but for also for being Jersey City residents.
Craig Goletz thanked the sponsors of the festival, the audience members and filmmakers, who he said was why the festival was put together in the first place.
This writer spoke to some of the people in the room.
Celeste Landa is a friend and manager of Giselle Bellas who also volunteered to help out at the festival. Landa has attended the festival the last three years and was impressed with this year's edition.
"I am very thrilled to be here at the Jersey City International Television and Film Festival for a third year," Landa said. "I have gone the past three years and I am happy to support Craig and Maureen Goletz."
Casey O'Donnell lives with his wife Rita Salpietro near Hamilton Park in the city's Downtown section. O'Donnell's music video for local band OWEL recent song, "Every Good Boy Does Fine," was chosen for the festival.
"I'm excited. To have a Jersey City-based band in my debut ... it was shot in Jersey City, cut in Jersey City," O'Donnell said.
Ricardo Kaulessar can be reached at [email protected].