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The United Film Festival is excited to announce the venue of our 3rd Annual United Film Festival – London. The new venue, Roxy Bar & Screen will host this year’s festival June 3rd-5th over the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Holiday.

Roxy’s dynamic energy and love of bringing people together make it the perfect home for the United Film Festival – London. Screenings begin at 7:00pm Sunday evening and 3:00pm Monday and Tuesday afternoon. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased in advance here:

http://unitedfilmfestival.bigcartel.com/

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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Every Thursday night, Marc Zicree proves the power of old school social networking. He is the pivot point where a group of aspiring and accomplished show business professionals meet weekly at a local restaurant sharing their current projects, needs, and resources.

“The Table” which screens at the United Film Festival – Los Angeles on April 30th and United Film Festival – New York on May 16th highlights Zicree, his 20 year journey with The Table, and the unique characters whose careers have benefited greatly because of The Table. Zicree is examined as the central character who has helped facilitate people’s dreams and is using this year to focus on one of his own.

As The Table continues to build the careers of others, will Zicree find the personal success he is looking for?

“The Table” screens at the Los Feliz 3 Cinemas at the United Film Festival – Los Angeles on April 30th and at Cobble Hill Cinemas at the United Film Festival – New York on May 16th.

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Today the United Film Festival is spotlighting ‘Act Naturally,’ which will be screening at the upcoming United Film Festival in both Los Angeles and New York this Spring. We love this film because it is offers a heartfelt peek into a world rarely discovered by filmmakers today, a nudist colony. The story follows the lives of two sisters who must immerse themselves in nudist culture after their father leaves them a colony as an inheritance. Young Naturists America called the film a “funny and compelling journey,” citing it as a “celebration of textile freedom.” It’s no wonder this film sold out the United Film Festival – Chicago last September. It is a quirky and genuine tale that anyone can appreciate, clothed or not.

Check out the ‘Act Naturally’ website to support them!

http://actnaturallymovie.com/

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Most people have enough trouble trying to make good decisions when it comes to their love lives. It is doubtful anyone would enjoy having to consult alternate delusions due to a personality disorder. In the quirky tale ‘A Schizophrenic Love Story,’ a young man struggles with three delusions; Mary the Mother of Jesus, Einstein, and a vampire because of his schizophrenia. He must then wrestle with doubt to decide whether a young woman who has come into his life is real or just his imagination.

An endearing look at the obstacles of relationships, however strange they may be, this film shows us that love can come in any form.

United Film Festival- Los Angeles is thrilled to be premiering this film Tuesday May 1, 7:00pm at the Los Feliz 3 Cinemas!

Visit the website for ‘A Schizophrenic Love Story’ and support them!

http://www.derekleenixon.net/content/schizo.htm

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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.

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