ALERT... We changed the film festival dates back to Oct 12 to 14, 2012. Two issues were responsible for the change: 1) Dante Hall became available Oct. 13 and 14; 2) The later date conflicted with the Cape May New Jersey State Film Festival. We like to be good neighbors. We appreciate your understanding.

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Downbeach Film Festival welcomes Dante Hall Theater as our primary sponsor for the 2012 Atlantic City Cinefest, at its new date, October 19-21. The theater, operated by Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, will also house a monthly summer film series in conjunction with the film festival. The first monthly date is set for July 14.

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People have until April 27 to register for the Walk for Williams and insure a pick of the correct size t-shirt. Register below or at http://www.walk4williams.org

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The annual Walk for Williams is set for May 19 in Ventnor. Registration is between 9 and 10 a.m. in the gazebo at Newport Avenue and the boardwalk. The walk begins at 10 a.m. on the boardwalk. Registration fee is $20 for an individual and $50 for a family of up to four.

Light refreshments will be served, courtesy of Resorts. The event will benefit both the film festival and the Williams Syndrome Association.

To register, visit www.williams-syndrome.org/downbeach-film-festival-walk-williams

About Williams Syndrome: The syndrome is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone. It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning disabilities. These occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music. WS affects 1in 10,000 people worldwide – an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people in the United States. It is known to occur equally in both males and females and in every culture.

For more information, please visit www.williams-syndrome.org.

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The festival expects to honor character actor, Paul Dooley, at the 2012 festival. Dooley, who wrote and starred in a short to be screened called "The Life Styles of the Rich and Fabulous," played Molly Ringwald's father in the classic, "Sixteen Candles."

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The 2012 wine tasting cruise aboard Cruisn' 1 is Friday. June 22, from 8 to 10 p.m. Mark your calendar. Stay tuned for details. Renault Winery will be back on board for the cruise. If you missed them this year, don't miss them again. The discussion and the tastings were excellent. Renault is a treasure.

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The annual Walk for Williams to benefit the Williams Syndrome Association and the festival will be held in May. Stay tuned for further details.

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We are going to work with area colleges to set aside Friday afternoon for student filmsl. If you know any college filmmakers interested, please let them get in touch with the festival at accinefest@downbeachfilmfestival.org. Submit films through downbeachfilmfestival.org

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Congratulations to Scott Rosenfelt and his wife, Victoria. In January, they became parents of twin boys: Max and Raffaele.

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Condolences to Scott Neustader for the loss of his father, Michael J. Neustadter.

 

 

Our sincere thanks also go out to all the participants of Downbeach Film Festival's 2011 Atlantic City Cinefest. Without the filmmakers, their cast and crew, none of this would have happened. On the other side, a heartfelt thanks to the extended family of volunteers from seniors like the wonderful Jean Kohl to grandchildren like the beautiful Bailey Brugger. Without them, this festival would not happen either.

 

Special thanks to Professor Ned Eckhardt, one of our devoted trustees, who won the Finders Award this year. His assistance is invaluable. And to our fabulous intern, Patrick Cyckowski.

 

We look forward to seeing you all in 2012. Submissions begin early in 2012.