This year the United Film Festival is proud to honor two very special contributors to our industry. On April 26th at 7:30pm at the historic Vista Theatre, we will be honoring Oscar Nominated Director Mark Rydell and Emmy Award Winning Actor Dabney Coleman with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Both honorees will place their handprints in the cement outside the theatre, commemorating the immense impact they have both had on Hollywood throughout their careers. 

After the ceremony, in honor of both of them, we will be showing the classic film ‘On Golden Pond.’ This film was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Mark Rydell for Best Director. We would love to have you join us and celebrate the lives of industry legends. 

Click here to purchase tickets to the screening, and remember to join us April 26th, 7:30pm at the Vista Theatre for the ceremony. 

http://unitedfilmfestival.bigcartel.com/product/on-golden-pond

In a intense and dynamic look at the modern protest, 5 Days in Denver documents the story of a group called “Re-create 68.” During the Democratic Convention in 2008, this group set out to show American government that they wanted change. Staging protests in the self-proclaimed style of the 60’s, people spent 5 days in the city fighting against federal court orders and police action. What resulted was an extremely interesting display of citizens fighting for their right to speak out. 

In fascinating interviews with these modern protestors, people ranging young to old defend their right to the first amendment. It is interesting to witness people who are so different in age, race, and religion join together to defend a common cause. You will not want to miss this documentary, it will capture your attention instantly and make you truly question what you believe about modern political structure. 

5 Days in Denver will be showing at the United Film Festival - New York on Sunday, May 13th at 7:00pm. Buy tickets here:

http://unitedfilmfestival.bigcartel.com/product/5-days-in-denver

In an fascinating illumination of bipolar disorder, the documentary ‘Of Two Minds’ follows the lives of three different people living with the disorder and how they function day to day. It is apparent the film does not strive to dramatize the lives of these people, but rather unearth the immense struggle they endure living with a mental illness. 

The creators of the documentary have close ties to the disorder, which allows for even more heart and vulnerability within the film. Lisa Klein and Doug Blush are a husband and wife team that directed the film together. Lisa had a sister diagnosed with bipolar disorder who passed away in 1994. This film is dedicated to her sister, Tina, in hopes to show others suffering that they are not alone. 

Something amazing about this documentary is the raw emotion it portrays. Over a span of three years, these filmmakers dedicated their lives to telling the stories of these people. Rather than displaying a clinical perspective, it delves deep into the world of these people to make sure they are depicted as real human beings rather than test subjects. If you want to experience emotion in some of its purest form, watch this documentary. 

Click here to buy tickets to see ‘Of Two Minds’ at the United Film Festival!

http://unitedfilmfestival.bigcartel.com/product/of-two-minds

In a whirlwind of intrigue, ‘Stealing Elvis’ proves itself to be an interesting look at a wild plan gone wrong. After stealing $2 million dollars in the light of day, Frank and Danny decide to celebrate with a night on the town. They meet two young girls in need of entertainment, Kristina and Alice who eventually steal the money from them for their own satisfaction. The twisted plot unfolds as the girls attempt to keep the money, with Frank and Danny close on their tail. 

The movie is a unique and dynamic interpretation of a modern heist story. The only difference is the criminals don’t really know what they are doing. This makes for a humorous and frightening series of events when millions of dollars end up in the wrong hands. With both sides completely clueless as to handle an amount of money that large, chaos ensues. Kristina and Alice realize quickly that their attempt at adventure has gotten suddenly dangerous, and Frank and Danny are left attempting to clean up the mess they created themselves. 

The film is a fantastic example of independent films at their best. Shot in 7 days for only $5,000, ‘Stealing Elvis’ is a must see at the United Film Festival - London this June. Click here to buy tickets today!

http://unitedfilmfestival.bigcartel.com/product/stealing-elvis

Everyone has an opinion these days. To some, their opinion is the right one. To a debater, their opinion is the only one. In her documentary, ‘Fast Talk,’ Debra Tolchinksy follows the debate team from Northwestern University for a year, ending up with footage that will surprise any audience.

The intense pressure of the debate is something that becomes clear within the documentary. The amount of information that these young people attempt to impart each minute is almost unimaginable. Rhetoric becomes their life, and speed becomes the only way to live it. After winning the National Debate Tournament the year before the film was shot, Tolchinsky catches the team at a delicate time as defending champions. The stress that comes from that fact alone could be ultimately crippling to any team, especially one so highly regarded. 

‘Fast Talk’ will be showing at United Film Festival - New York on Sunday, May 13th at 12:00pm. Click the link below to buy tickets now!

http://unitedfilmfestival.bigcartel.com/product/fast-talk

In a completely original and genuine take on a romantic comedy, ‘The Pill’ offers a charming look at an unfortunate situation. When Fred and Mindy enjoy a night together after a chance meeting, the next morning brings havoc when Fred realizes she is not on the pill. Over the next twenty-four hours, Fred makes it his mission to ensure that Mindy consumes both morning after pills in order to circumvent the result of unprotected sex. Trying to avoid encountering his actual girlfriend, he spends the day on an unusual journey with Mindy, ultimately realizing there might be more between them than he originally thought. 

What is so appealing about this film is its realistic nature. The characters are so dynamic in their vulnerable, real life moments. Chaos ensues from everyday occurrences, an affect of life in general. The couple is taken on this roller coaster ride of emotions over such a short period of time, and an audience member is allowed into their world for a front row seat. 

The Pill is showing at United Film Festival - New York on Tuesday, May 15th at 9:30pm. Click the link below to buy tickets now!

http://unitedfilmfestival.bigcartel.com/product/the-pill

A tale of young adulthood in a time of confusion, ‘Falling Uphill’ documents the life of two strangers who move in together after posting an ad on Craigslist. Nicknamed a “a quarter life crisis” by the filmmakers, the characters experience a time in life that seems to have no rhyme or reason. When the real world seems to be too daunting to handle, these young people must learn to stay afloat amongst the fear of broken dreams and missed opportunities. 

Written and directed by Richard J. Bosner, the film encompasses the emotion felt by a new generation of young individuals. A self proclaimed lover of storytelling, Bosner illuminates an issue that seems to be mounting amount young adults currently; the in between period of establishing oneself as an adult and attaining security. With the unrest of the economy and the decreasing amount of jobs available, qualified young adults are ending up unemployed. This struggle to find oneself and achieve success while maintaing financial stability ultimately affects the emotional life of people in this stage. Beautifully crafted, ‘Falling Uphill’ unearths this issue and how it effects the relationships of people trying to find out who they are. 

‘Falling Uphill’ will be showing at the United Film Festival - LA on Tuesday, May 1st at 9:30pm at the Los Feliz 3. Click the link below to buy tickets, you will not want to miss this wonderful film!

http://unitedfilmfestival.bigcartel.com/

When your future literally hinges on one audition, can you handle the pressure? Some of the students from the incredible new documentary ‘New York Showcase’ won’t be able to. This film highlights one of the biggest events in the life of any actor, a showcase. The casting and rehearsal for a showcase leads to one goal, getting seen. Hundreds of recent graduates come to one place to perform for a chance to secure an agent and ultimately perform on Broadway. 

Reminiscent of many experiences expressed in the musical ‘A Chorus Line,’ this documentary offers a look into the lives of fresh talent with a dream to sing and dance for the rest of their lives. The trials, the fear, and the anticipation make for an extremely compelling 86 minutes. 

‘New York Showcase’ will be showing at United Film Festival - New York on Wednesday, May 16th at 9:30pm at Cobble Hill Cinemas.

http://www.garagefilms.net/web/new-york-showcase-trailer