Stars shine at Queens World Film Festival

The stars came out for the Queens World Film Festival at the Museum of the Moving Image.

Opening night was held on Tuesday, March 5 and featured films from the borough and as far away as Belgium, Italy, Spain and Australia.

Organizers Katha and Don Cato welcomed the large audience of film lovers and encouraged the filmmakers present to continue making films.

“We have a lot to talk about or even argue about,” said Katha. “You must continue to tell your stories, it’s what binds us together!”

Before any of the films made its debut, the festival honored Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer as the 2013 Spirit of Queens Community honoree for his dedication to the community and the arts.

“If you do not believe culture and the arts sustain communities, you have to witness festivals like this,” said Van Bramer. “You don’t have to go to Manhattan to see world-class films.”

Although Academy Award nominated actress Karen Black could not be in attendance, she was also featured as a Spirit of Queens honoree and accepted her recognition through a pre-recorded video.

Saturday night, March 9, the awards presentation was held at Renaissance Event Hall. Among the winners was “Planet Utero” by Elmhurst’s Faiyaz Jafri, for Best Animation. William Cusick was another local filmmaker who took home an award for Founder’s Choice for his film “Welcome to Nowhere (Bullet Hole Road).” The Audience Award winner was “Mikeyboy,” which is set in Queens, by director Christopher Berkenkamp.

The festival came to an end Sunday, March 10 with encore screenings at the Secret Theatre of all the winning films.