Event draws film fans to Ulster County
KINGSTON, N.Y. (April 3, 2012) – A popular film event will return to Ulster County again this year. Asbury Shorts, New York City’s longest running short film exhibition, will present its acclaimed touring program of international award-winning films known as “The New York Short Film Concert” at the historic Rosendale Theatre in Rosendale at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4.
The New York Short Film Concert combines classic, award-winning shorts from the past with new international film festival honorees, providing the public a rare opportunity to see world-class films in a theatre rather than on a computer or iPod.
“In a short period of time the New York Short Film Festival Concert series has made Rosendale a destination for film buffs,” said Ulster County Executive, Mike Hein. “We are incredibly proud of the efforts of the organizers to bring this high quality event to Ulster County and look forward to many years of success.”
Ulster County Tourism is also enthusiastic about the return of this event. “This is an outstanding event, a unique event, that again has the potential to draw film aficionados from all over to Ulster County,” said Richard J. Remsynder, Director, “This event is great for local businesses, shops and restaurants. Rosendale is an emerging tourism destination and the Rosendale Theatre is simply an outstanding venue for this event.”
In all there will be a dozen short films in the lineup along with live music. “It’s as fast-paced a program as possible to entertain the audience,” said Doug LeClaire, director of the New York Short Film Concert. “This is not a film festival; there is no formality about it. It’s simply a great night out of fun, laughter and short-film entertainment.”
Academy Award nominated director, Jason Reitman (“Juno,” “Up in the Air,” “Thank You for Smoking” and the most recent “Young Adult”) calls the event: “The best short film show I’ve ever seen.” The fast-paced showcase includes the best in live action comedy, drama and outstanding animation. Highlights of the May 4th show include:
- “Our Time is Up,” 2006 Oscar Nominee for Best Live Action Short Film from Los Angeles director Rob Pearlstein. A pretentious therapist, played by acclaimed actor Kevin Pollack, discovers he has six weeks to live, which changes his whole approach to his patients.
- “Autobank,” a classic comedy quickie from award winning upstate New York director Matthew Ehlers. A bank teller attempts to perfect his customer greeting at the drive-in window.
- “La Linea,” 2011 Winner of the DC Shorts Festival’s “Audience Choice” Award and screened in Times Square for the HBO Latino International Film Festival. Director Evan Buxbaum shows three Mexican men attempting to smuggle themselves across the U.S. border in this uniquely clever and surprisingly humorous film.
“It is truly a pleasure to bring Asbury Shorts New York back to Ulster County this spring,” said LeClaire. “We’re a huge supporter of the history of theatre and very honored to be working with the Rosendale Theatre Collective. I think what they’re doing with the theatre is tremendous and we’d love to make Ulster County a hotbed for short films.”
Asbury’s “Short Film Concert” has been presented at The Lake Placid Center for the Arts, The Lake Shore Theater in Chicago, The Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Royal Festival Hall in London, The Paramount Theater in Asbury Park, N.J., The Aero Theatre in Los Angeles, Summer Stage in Central Park and The Director’s Guild Theater in Manhattan to name just a few of the venues where audiences have enjoyed Asbury’s eclectic and hilarious “concerts.”
General admission tickets cost $10. The Rosendale Theatre is located at 401 Main Street in Rosendale, N.Y. For all info please go to: www.rosendaletheatre.org or call 845-658-8989.
About Rosendale Theatre Collective
The Rosendale Theatre Collective is dedicated to preserving the historic Rosendale Theatre and enhancing the cultural life and economic vitality of Rosendale and Ulster County through film, the performing arts and educational programming. RTC provides a dynamic forum for presenting and producing world-class films and performance, arts and education programs. With an emphasis on supporting local and regional artists, RTC works together with other arts organizations to sustain diverse cultural activities and exchanges for a wide audience, enhancing the economic and business development in our community.
About Ulster County Tourism
Ulster County, located less than 90 minutes from midtown Manhattan, has 250,000 of forever-wild acres encompassing 35 peaks and 350 miles of hiking trails. From biking to hiking, from kayaking to wind surfing, from hitting the sweet spot on one of our 12 golf courses to horseback riding and fly-fishing, it is truly a four-season recreation area. The county’s rural vistas provide beauty for each one. Learn more at www.UlsterCountyAlive.com
