LONG BEACH ISLAND – Why just go see a movie, when you can experience it in virtual reality?
The Lighthouse International Film Festival (LIFF) runs from June 8 to 11 on Long Beach Island, and for the first time ever, is showing five of its over 85 films in virtual reality. Films being shown in VR Include:
- Chasing Coral: The VR Experience (Jeff Orlowski)
- Old Friend (Tyler Hurd)
- Mio Garden VR Experience (Tom Westerlin)
- The Night Cafe (Mac Cauley)
- The Rose and I (Penrose Studios)
If you’ve ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes of a movie or in the audition room, there will also be a special casting panel “How To Cast A Hit: Q&A Panel With Film & TV’s Top Casting Directors.” Attendees can ask questions to a panel of TV and film’s lead casting directors, including Allison Estrin (Still Alice, Billions), Henry Russel Bergstein (How To Talk To Girls At Parties, Mozart In The Jungle) and Paul Schnee (Spotlight, Winters Bone).
The LIFF will show 27 features and 55 short films in its 9th year, starting with a kick-off screening of King of Peking on June 8 at the Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts & Sciences, which LIFF Executive Director Eric Johnson describes as a “fun, funny, sweet” film. Set in 1990s Beijing, China, Johnson said, “It’s about a father who thinks the best way to bond with his 10-year-old son is to bring him into the family DVD bootlegging business.” The film’s director Sam Voutas will also be at the screening for a Q&A.
Another event to be on the lookout for is Breakfast with the Filmmakers on Saturday and Sunday, where many LIFF pass holders decide on which films to go see based on how directors talk about their movies and what piques their interest.
Created in 2008 by a group of filmmakers, film critics and film industry professionals, the Lighthouse International Film Festival celebrates three days of features, shorts, documentaries and family films from around the world in honor of Long Beach Island’s historic Barnegat Lighthouse.
An All Access Pass is needed to attend the virtual reality film screenings and casting panel. To purchase one, visit lighthousefilmfestival.org.
