"Gigantic" Joins GenArt; NY Fest Rounds Out 14th Slate

A scene from Matt Aselton's "Gigantic." Photo courtesy of the Toronto International Film Festival.

The 14th Annual Gen Art Film Festival will commence April 1, 2009 in New York City, offering its unique format that showcases one feature and one short from emerging filmmakers for seven nights, each followed by an official party at a New York nightspot. The festival, which previously announced Derick Martini's "Lymelife" as its opener, has set the remainder of its schedule.

Closing the festival will be Julie Davis's "Finding Bliss," starring Leelee Sobrieski, Denise Richards, Jamie Kennedy, Matthew Davis and Kristen Johnston, while other announced features include Toronto International Film Festival alum Matt Aselton's "Gigantic," Jay DiPietro's "Peter and Vandy," which premiered at Sundance, David Lee Miller's "My Suicide," winner of the Crystal Bear Jury Prize at the Berlin Film Festival Gregori Viens's "Punching The Clown," which won the Slamdance Audience Award, and the World Premiere of Ole Schell and Sara Ziff's "Picture Me: A Model's Diary."

For a complete list of the shorts accompanying each film, as well as more information about the features, please visit the festival's website.

"After 13 successful years of the Gen Art Film Festival, we have cultivated one of our most appealing festival slates yet." said Jeffrey Abramson, Vice President of the Gen Art Film Division, in a statement. "People are re-evaluating what is important to them right now. In times like these audiences seek thoughtful and hopeful movies and a reason to come together. Our 2009 slate celebrates a wide range of powerful content, representing themes of growth, love, art and self-awareness Each film embodies the uncompromising art of independent filmmaking."

Entering its 14th year, GAFF introduces audiences to films by emerging North American filmmakers, awarding Acura Grand Jury Prizes for Best Feature and Best Short, as well as presenting audience awards for Best Feature, Best Short and the Stargazer Award honoring breakout talent for excellence in acting.

This year, the premieres will be taking place at the completely redesigned Visual Arts Theater on West 23rd Street between 8-9th Avenues in New York City.