UPTOWNflavor

The smell of celluloid, the clacking noise made by film as it feeds through a projector, the ability to capture a single moment in time, these are the appeals of filmmaking to a passionate, dedicated filmmaker.

This Thursday, Harlem’s Magic Johnson Theatre will be the home to more than 70 films from all over the world featuring all genres of the medium. The only international film festival to take place in Harlem, the second annual Harlem International Film Festival (HIFF) will showcase films by established auteurs as well as up-an-coming filmmakers from around the globe.

One of the highlights of the festival is the 2006 Renaissance Awards Reception that benefits two youth film programs dedicated to developing the next generation of talented uptown filmmakers. The guest of honor will be Mario Van Peebles, best known for his film New Jack City. The event will take place in the beautiful Tribal Spears Gallery in Harlem where an elegant reception will offer hors d’oeuvres, international cuisine, a premium open bar selection and live music.

The films screened will feature favorites from the big and small screen, including Lou Diamond Phillips (El Cortez), Wesley Snipes (Hard Luck), and Vanessa L.Williams (My Brother). A number of the films focus extensively on music such as Scene not Heard, Dead Prez, Queens of Sound, and The Hip Hop Project. Harlem filmmakers will also be screening their shorts focused on Harlem including Home to Harlem, The Assassin of Saint Nicholas, and Cutting Edge.

The organizers of the festival did a great job of making sure that a variety of films from around the world were being showcased in this festival. International films will be shown from Jamaica, United Kingdom, Mexico, South Africa, Hungary, Canada, Germany, Cuba, Greece, Brazil, Spain, Australia, the Middle East and beyond.

The film festival, which has been extended an extra day, is running from October 5 through October 9. Check the website for details about purchasing tickets and film screening times.