Now celebrating its 5th consecutive year, The Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival returns to Martha's Vineyard September 9-12 with an amazing line-up of international features and documentaries from every corner of the globe and the distinction of being named one of the top 25 film festivals “worth the entry fee” by  MovieMaker magazine.

Opening Night at the MV International Film Festival
Before you settle into your seat, join in the exciting atmosphere at  the Festival's pre-party  taking place on the rooftop of the Mansion House with live music by Mike Benjamin, libations, and passed hors d'oeuvres. Then, it's showtime!

From halfway around the globe, Miao Wang's new film Beijing Taxi offers an intimate portrait of three average Chinese citizens riding the never-smooth road to modernization. The director “vividly portrays Beijing undergoing a profound transformation arch…through a humanistic lens,” says IndieWire. After the film, director Miao Wang offers post screening commentary.

Film & Filmmakers - Some of the 2010 Festival's most notable films are:

• 2010 Oscar winner, Juan Jose Campanella's EL SECRETO DE SUS OJOS (“SECRET IN THEIR EYES”) from Argentina. The film begins as a conventional crime thriller but then take off, delivering, as Paste magazine put it, “one of the most virtuosic chase sequences ever filmed.”
   
• The unique and funny DET RODE KAPEL (“THE RED CHAPEL”). Two Danish comics gain permission to enter North Korea by pretending they are a harmless vaudeville act . Director Mads Brügger, has other plans
   
• BEETLE QUEEN CONQUERS TOKYO, from Japan, sounds like a Godzilla-wannabe but it is a documentary exploring the island nation's fascination with insects. Promises to shift Westerners' perspectives on nature, life, and beauty,

• Winner of multiple awards at Cannes (and chosen Best Foreign Film by the Chicago Film Critics Association), DAS WEISSE BAND (“THE WHITE RIBBON”) raises serious questions in a compelling way.

• From Asia is MADEO (“MOTHER”),  the story of a mother desperately searching for the killer of a young girl who has framed her son for the crime. Winner of multiple awards (Asia Pacific Screen Award for best actress; Asian Film Award for best actress, screenwriter, and film). 

• BEIJING TAXI follows three cabdrivers in the lead-up to the 2008 Olympics. Powerful and uncensored, the film shadows the cabbies as they move through a rapidly changing city.  Just back from three months in China, film director Miao Wang will be on hand to introduce her film and discuss it with the audience.

• The 2010 Festival will host a juried International Short Film competition, selecting 10 finalists  for screening at the Festiva.l A cash prize will be awarded to the jury's favorite. Judges will be  Amin Matalqa, the writer/director/producer of last year's Festival hit CAPTAIN ABU RAED; Tim Miller, the Cape Cod Times entertainment editor; Susan Petersen, vice president of Shorts International; and Adam Roffman, program director of the Independent Film Festival of Boston .
  
  Click here for a PDF of the complete schedule

Popular Event Draws Film Lovers from Near & Far
Now in its fifth year, the Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival has become a destination in the Northeast for film fans, with over 50% of festival 3000+ attendees coming in from off island.

Filmmaking- a Global Enterprise
On Saturday, acclaimed actor and activist Matthew Modine will accept  the Festival's first-ever Global Citizen award. The award, created by Vineyard sculptor Barney Zeitz, will be presented in recognition of  Mr. Modine's new film “ The Trial,” directed by Gary Wheeler and to be released by 20th Century Fox. The film will screen at 7:30 pm at the Capawock Theatre, Main St.,  Vineyard Haven. The award presentation and a Q&A with audience members will immediately follow the screening.  Mark Freiburger, one of the film's producers/screenwriters will also be joining us for the screening.

Vineyard Haven Welcomes Film Festival
All of the Festival's films will be screened at various theaters, all within walking distance of Vineyard Haven's Main Street.  In addition to the films, numerous events have been planned in support of the festival.  "The festival succeeds because of this community," says Festival director Richard Paradise. "It's the unpaid volunteers, from the board members to the dozens who help out festival weekend, that make this happen."

Opening Night and Beyond: 
The opening night cocktail party on the Mansion House roof offers the island’s best harbor view and music by Island favorite Mike Benjamin. Sponsored by Mansion House Inn & Spa. Libations provided by French Rabbit Wines, Charles de Fere Sparkling Wine, Sapporo Beer, and Waters by San Pellegrino and Aqua Panna. All green products provided by ECO MV. Tickets: $30 (includes admission to Opening Night Movie at Capawock immediately following reception)

To celebrate and support local farmers, the MV International Film Festival is proud to launch our third annual REEL FOOD MV event. Mingle with Festival filmmakers and notables at the sumptuous restaurant Saltwater for local Island raw bar and a three-course dinner.

Richard Lee's Art Gallery (formerly Che’s Lounge) will be the nighttime hot spot. On Friday, after-party fun at the Film Festival Lounge will feature a "Buenos Aires" inspired tented area, Latin beats of samba, tango, disco and late night snacks inspired by traditional Argentina/South American cooking. On Saturday, an Asian inspired party featuring DJ sounds from the Far East and late night snacks from the Orient await.

The Festival continues through Sunday and wraps with 'Soul Kitchen' at the Capawock. From 6 -8 pm the Closing Night Party at the Vineyard Haven Marina rocks on with live bluegrass music by Ballyhoo, passed appetizers from Blue Canoe, Net Result, Il Tesoro, and libations by Festival sponsors. Tickets: $20 (includes ticket to closing night film at 4 pm at Capawock Theatre and closing reception)