NFS 2002

In 2002, the NFS held its first film screening in the second floor lounge of the Armani Café. By convening an audience of filmmakers, enthusiasts and students at a hip city nightspot and featuring live music, plush couches, candlelight and bar service, the NFS transformed a traditional film screening into an attractive night out. Attendees were encouraged to stay long after the films had ended to ask questions of the filmmakers and socialize with one another. Filmmakers used the opportunity to network with potential collaborators on current and future projects. Audience members relaxed with a drink and chatted about the films they’d seen. Subsequent screenings took place in the second floor lounge of Abe & Louie's on Boylston.

NFS co-founder Drew Myler (left) chats with filmmaker Steve Gentile at the October 2002 NFS. Gentile's featured animation piece, The Soldier, examines war's effect on life and love. Gentile recently served as co-producer, editor and director of photography on the Emily Dickinson documentary Loaded Gun: Life, and Death, and Dickinson, which includes interviews with actress Julie Harris and poet laureate Billy Collins. The documentary has earned strong national reviews, and was named "Best New England Film" by the Northampton International Film Festival 2002.

Filmmaker Dan Wasserman (second from right) celebrates with family and friends at the June 2002 NFS after the screening of his film, "Le Plumber." The youngest filmmaker to participate in the NFS, Wasserman is currently pursuing a film degree at New York University.

NFS co-founders Drew Myler (left) and Dave Rizzotto (right) pause for a picture with Shandor Garrison at the June 2002 Newbury Film Series, which featured Garrison's short film, No One's A Mystery. The film, which takes a brief look at the doomed relationship between a young woman and her older lover, won Best Performance at the 2002 New England Film and Video Festival, and earned Garrison the title of Most Promising New England Director at the 2002 Boston Underground Film Festival. Garrison screened his second short film, Freebox, at the 2004 Spring Screening.