Burbank, CA – The 9th annual Burbank International Film Festival attracted over 5,000 filmmakers, actors, and guests during their 5-day Festival, from September 6th through September 10th, 2017. The Festival featured over 180 screenings of independent feature films, short films, and film revivals, along with artist tributes, cast and crew panels, parties, and special red carpet events. The Festival was hosted by the AMC 16 Theater in Downtown Burbank. The Burbank International Film Festival provides a platform for independent filmmakers to display their work, and attract the attention of industry professionals. Each year, the Festival showcases a wide range of independent films that feature up-and-coming film making talent from all over the globe.
This year’s opening night feature film was The List. The film stars Patrick Fugit (Oukast) and Jennifer Morrison (Once Upon a Time), both of whom received nominations for Best Actor and Best Actress at the Festival, respectively. The film also stars Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy I & II, Dr. Who), Aaron Staton (Mad Men), Gilles Marini (Switched at Birth) and Eddie Kaye Thomas (Scorpion).
The Festival also featured a 20th Anniversary screening of Starship Troopers. The screening was followed by an exclusive Q & A session with the cast, including Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and screenwriter Ed Neumeier (Robocop). The screening was held on Saturday, September 9th, 2017, from 6:00pm-9:00pm. The screening and Q & A is part of the Night of Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Horror, which includes an after-party with DJ, dancing, live music, and special guests.
Also featured at the Festival was a screening of the Rod Taylor biography movie “Rod Taylor: Pulling No Punches“. A
In addition to screening over 180 films, the Festival featured nightly red carpet appearances, after parties, and networking events. Many of the screenings at the Festivals were either premiere screenings or “pre-release” screenings, meaning this was the first chance for the public to see these films.
The Festival’s primary sponsors were:
Visit Burbank, the official destination marketing organization for the City of Burbank, California. Visit Burbank’s mission is to promote Burbank, for tourism and to improve the tourism business environment through the development and operation of a tourism improvement district and other programs and initiatives.
Downtown Burbank, whose mission is to promote Downtown Burbank as a vibrant entertainment and shopping destination with a dynamic street scene, enticing restaurants and an authentic urban vibe. This is accomplished by modernizing the physical infrastructure, keeping the district clean and safe, establishing a brand identity, and advocating for the best interests of businesses and property owners in Downtown Burbank.
First Entertainment Credit Union (FECU), who combine strength, safety, and growth to be the premier financial resource for those in the entertainment business. FECU manages more than $1.4 billion in assets and serves over 75,000 members. They have almost 400 companies & community partners, and a community charter which covers all of Los Angeles County. FECU has ten branches in the Los Angeles area (plus thousands of Shared Branching locations) and have grown their workforce team to over 200 strong.
The Festival also offered special thanks to Market City Caffe, who hosted the Opening Night Reception, and Urban Press Winery for supporting the Festival.