2024 Naples International Film Festival
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Opening Night Film and Party
2024 Naples International Film Festival
Kick off the 16th Annual Naples International Film Festival in style with one of the greatest celebrations of the year. Walk the red carpet and help yourself to free soft drinks, popcorn and candy — then sit back and enjoy the opening night film in Hayes Hall.
Even after the final credits roll, the night has only just begun for Party ticket holders! Purchase a Party ticket and gain access to an illuminated Norris Garden, bursting with delicious hors d’oeuvres from numerous local eateries, free house wine, beer and a signature cocktail.
VIP ticket holders will enjoy exclusive access to the Baird Terrace on the third floor of The Baker Museum, where they will mix and mingle with NIFF filmmakers and enjoy a selection of premium hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and cocktails.
Red Carpet at 6pm
Film at 7pm
Film Only $40
Film and Party $125
Film and VIP Party $225
Red Carpet Arrival — 6pm
Film Presentation — 7pm
Opening Night Presentation
Opening Night Shorts: New Perspectives
Trapped
2024, NR, US, Drama, 15 minutes
Florida Premiere
Directors: Sam Cutler-Kreutz, David Cutler-Kreutz
Producers: Sam Cutler-Kreutz, David Cutler-Kreutz, Silvia Chen, Tara Sheffer
Writers: Sam Cutler-Kreutz, David Cutler-Kreutz
Cast: Javier Molina, Keith William Richards
A special jury prize winner at SXSW, Trapped follows Joaquin, a janitor at a prestigious high school, as he confronts a group of boys in the middle of a senior prank — putting him between the boys, his boss and his moral compass.
Favourites
2023, NR, Australia, Dark Comedy, 5 minutes
Florida Premiere
Director: Nick Russell
Producer: Nick Russell
Writers: Nick Russell, Nick Musgrove
Cast: Stephen Curry, Sibylla Budd, Maria Angelico, Tony Briggs
When their family camping trip in Australia’s desolate Outback turns deadly, two young parents are tested and must face an impossible choice.
Room Taken
2023, NR, Ireland, Drama, 18 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
English and Yoruba with English Subtitles
Director: TJ O'Grady-Peyton
Producer: Colmán Mac Cionnaith
Writer: Micheal Whelan
Cast: Brid Brennan, Gabriel Adewusi, Amy Conroy
When a man newly arrived in Ireland finds himself experiencing homelessness, he secretly takes up residence in the home of an elderly blind woman. As he tries to remain unnoticed, an unexpected and unique bond forms between them, reshaping both their lives in ways neither could have imagined.
Nate & John
2023, PG, US, Animation, 8 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Director: Jumai Yusuf
Producers: Todd Feldman, Michael Bickel, Jean Liu
Writer: Michael Bickel, David Bickel
John and Nate first meet in the 1960s, when John, a surly teenage hippie, is forced by his father to get a haircut. Nate, a young Black barber's assistant, obliges. From this ordinary beginning, a deep and enduring friendship blossoms between the two men over years of haircuts.
Anuja
2024, NR, India/US, Drama, 22 minutes
Florida Premiere
Filmmakers in Attendance
Hindi and English with English Subtitles
Director: Adam J. Graves
Producers: Suchitra Mattai, Krushan Naik, Michael Graves, Ksheetij Siani, Aaron Kopp, Devananda Graves
Writer: Adam J. Graves
Cast: Sajda Pathan, Ananya Shanbhag, Nagesh Bhonsle
When a precocious 9-year-old girl working in a back-alley garment factory is offered a rare chance to attend boarding school, she faces a choice that will determine the fate of her future and her family.
Night Session
2024, NR, US, Comedy, 11 minutes
Florida Premiere
Director: Ballard C. Boyd
Producers: Clara Peterson, Ballard C. Boyd
Writers: David Bizzaro, Ballard C. Boyd
Cast: Richard Kind, Joe Miles, Christiana Lopez, David Ebert
When a burglar runs into the resident of an apartment he just broke into, the burglary quickly morphs into an impromptu therapy session where the burglar assists the resident in processing his impending divorce — all while the resident assists the burglar in robbing his apartment.
Festival Presenting Sponsors Dr. Richard Lublin and Christine Lublin.
Opening Night Film and Party Sponsor
Generous support also provided by the Collier County Tourist Development Council.
