3 Boys Productions announced today the program of films selected to screen at the 2011 Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival(MIFF). This year, the festival`s program comprises films from U.S. and international filmmakers selected from 238 entries. The 2011 MIFF runs September 9-10 in Melbourne, Florida at the beautiful Premiere Theaters Oaks Stadium 10.

“I`m particularly struck by the creativity in this year`s selections. These filmmakers are charged with telling compelling stories and engaging the audience and they really deliver” said Terry Cronin, the MIFF 2011 director of programming . “For 2011, we are pleased to be able to shine a light on Florida filmmakers who are making their way on the world-wide film festival circuit. We are particularly proud of the talent that has originated here in Brevard County.”

“On the heels of two sold-out showings at the Florida Film Festival, Melbourne native Andrew Kenneth G(a)y brings his feature film, A Beautiful Belly, to his hometown. Palm Bay`s Lee Thongkham brings his hypnotic feature, Tears of Remedy, for a special engagement on Friday. Orlando`s Jose Zambrano Casella will delight the horror enthusiasts with his suspenseful feature, The Sacred. MIFF alumnus Michael Baumgarten brings an after-hour s(e)xy Hollywood-produced thriller called Pretty Obsession which was co-produced by Melbourne`s Robin Krasny. And the short films will really knock your socks off, too! Whether its the dark humor of Matt Cantu`s zombie reality show The Zombie Factor or Devi Snively`s amazing short Last Seen on Dolores Street or the weather reality of Brevard County`s Chris Kridler and her short film Chasing Reality about passionate storm chasers, it`s all sure to be fun”

The films selected for the 2011 Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival are:

Features

A Beautiful Belly directed by Andrew Kenneth G(a)y

A warmly comic story of an aspiring but out-of-work children`s entertainer who gets his longtime crush pregnant on their first date: It`s engaging, entertaining, and hilarious.

Butterflies directed by Ester Brym

A feature documentary film following the lives of six young people that are prominent `weblebrities` on the video site YouTube. The film explores the new media, its power, and its future.

Pretty Obsession directed by Michael Baumgarten

A pretty eighteen year-old puts herself and her family in danger when she leads a double life as an erotic web cam model.

The Sacred directed by Jose Zambrano Casella

Five young people went on a journey, a weekend of fun, and what they found is the evil inside themselves. Sins come back to kill you!

Tears of Remedy directed by Lee Thongkham

Every teardrop comes with a story, one that endures beauty and pain, and mostly, love.

Palm Bay director, Lee Thongkham, tells a rich and enigmatic story about the power of tears.

Horror Films

Blinky™ directed by Ruari Robinson

Meet Blinky™. All he wants is a friend. The only problem is, he`s not very good at making friends.

Last Seen on Dolores Street directed by Devi Snively

In a hard-boiled town, a heartbroken woman says goodbye to an old pet and hello to a new nightmare. Sometimes, life`s a real bitch.

The Sacred directed by Jose Zambrano Casella

Five young people went on a journey, a weekend of fun, and what they found is the evil inside themselves. Sins come back to kill you!

The Zombie Factor directed by Matt Cantu

The zombie apocalypse becomes REALITY on The Zombie Factor, the most dangerous show on television.

Florida Shorts

This year`s MIFF features 18 films shot in Florida

The Adventures of Monty Moudlyn directed by Zach Hibbard

Monty Moudlyn is the friend who`s always `up`. The kind of eternal, insufferable optimist that you sometimes want to kill.

The Breakdown directed by Robby Sparks 

Stress relief never felt so good!

Burial Island directed by Ray and Migdalia Etheridge

Two friends set up camp on a deserted island in the Everglades which had once been an ancient Indian burial ground. (Plus preview of The Money Trail directed by Ray and Migdalia Etheridge)

Chasing Reality directed by Chris Kridler

Storm chasing is portrayed as an extreme sport on television, but the reality is dramatically different. In this documentary, storm chasers talk about life on the road, their peculiar relationship with their cars, and the frustration, smells and miles that go into those few moments of seeing a tornado.

Follow Your Dreams directed by Sue Dontell

A man trying to follow his dream to be a singer is sidetracked by his wife`s illness.  He has to set his priorities in that his wife is the most important thing in his life.  The wife realizes the light is gone from her husband`s eyes in not being able to follow his dreams.  She realizes the importance of following a dream as things come full circle.
The Incredible Banana directed by Paulette King

No matter how hard you think you may have it, there is always someone who is less fortunate them you.

Life Lessons directed by Paulette King

A sister saves the day for her seven year old brother

Maybe directed by Kevin Shah

An average guy Jim trys to find a girlfriend. Jim gets “Maybe`ed” every time and there seems to be no hope, till he meets Rachel. This is a light-hearted take on dating, relationships and being average. A movie inspired by true events.

Melbourne, FL: December/January:

Home  directed by Craig Weinstein

A short nonfiction (mostly) collage of the filmmaker`s home of Melbourne over a winter holiday.

No Boundaries directed by Paulette King

Trusted neighbor is having an affair with her next door neighbor`s son.

The Red Shoes directed by Sue Dontell

“I cried because I had no shoes until I met someone who had no feet.`  A girl learns a valuable life lesson to be grateful for what you do have rather than to be unhappy about what you don`t have.  There is always someone in this world worse off than you.

Special Sneak Preview of “The Space Coast” directed by Lear Bunda

Starring Dana Snyder(Aqua Teen Hunger Force), Amber Freeman, Pat Martin, Dustin Harbin

Twilight of Youth directed by Jerald Fine

Brash, young stockbroker who despises the elderly contracts a strange virus that rapidly ages him.

Vestiges directed by Alex Sushil

Calvin Fields has an appointment with a dermatologist.

Extraordinary Shorts

Caught Short directed by Will Hall-Smith United Kingdom

A scatological romantic comedy.

Crossing Salween directed by Brian O`Malley Thailand/Ireland

In eastern Burma, a young girl named Ho Reh finds herself orphaned after the massacre of her village by the army. She must make the arduous journey to the Salween River that divides the horrors of Burma from the safety of Thailand.

Fumbling Toward Ecstasy directed by Gemma Faith Ireland

Offers comfort in its familiar Irish surroundings yet challenges stereotype, daring to explore female s(e)xuality in later stages of life.

Goliath directed by Ryan Daniel McKinney USA

After contracting HIV, a boy struggles with what is out of his control while his father tries to hold it together by looking to hold someone accountable.

Happenstance directed by Sandy Pranjic & Victoria Strehlau Canada

A cautionary tale.

Karate Wipe directed by Virginia Abramovich USA

A comedic exploration of one of the many challenges of fatherhood.
Loft directed by Gareth Chambers Ireland

A man and his pigeons live in fear of a young boy and his soccer ball…something must be done!

Manhood directed by Melanie M. Jones Canada 

Forced to flee to the woods when war strikes their cozy suburban neighborhood, Midge continues her quest to turn her husband Harold into a paragon of manliness with surprising results.

Ol` One Eye directed by Brain Folan Ireland

An old man gets a new glass eye, however this is not your standard prosthetic. To his amazement he discovers that he can in fact see with his new eye.

Orange Desespoir Directed by John Banana France

What happens when a small sad orange decides to leave for the other side of the shop to meet a bunch of fun dancing pineapples ?

Rest Stop directed by Melanie M. Jones Canada

Danny must make difficult choices and live with the consequences of his actions while hitchhiking through Northern British Columbia.
Signs directed by Vincent Gallagher Ireland

There is magic in what we see every day. Sometimes we just have to look hard enough.

Festival Sponsors

The 2011 Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival sponsors include: Celebrity Level Sponsors- A Cut Above Video, Premiere Theaters Oaks Stadium 10, Treasure Coast Dermatology; Leadership Sponsors-Browning`s, The Courtyard at the Oaks, Academy Award Sponsors- Against the Grain Tattoos, Bill and Karen Slover. Food sponsors include The Courtyard at the Oaks, Flo`s Catering, Freddie D`s, Forever Soul Ichabod`s, Island Pasta, Miyako`s, Mustard`s Last Stand, Nature`s Market, Pizza Hut, Shells, Skewer`s, Taste of India, Tijuana Flats, and Tropical Smoothie. The MIFF recognizes critical support from the Space Coast Film Commission, and our patrons- Better Bodies, Victoria Buckley, Paulette King, Tommy “Tricks” Loomis, and Sky Diary. The support of these organizations will help the charity Unconditional Love, Inc. In return, sponsorship of the MIFF provides these organizations with community exposure and unique access to MIFF attendees.

About Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival

Now in its 13th Year, the Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival prides itself on the promotion of independent filmmakers to the Brevard County community and as a destination for filmmakers worldwide. Each year independent films are screened to enthusiastic audiences and all the funds raised go to charity.

3 Boys Productions

In 1998, a creative group of friends (Terry Cronin, Jeff Hall, Bob Lizek,and Pat Martin) decided to form a production company to produce independent films in Melbourne, Florida. This group has evolved into publishing comic books and novels including the critically-acclaimed detective series “The Skinvestigator”. They continue to host the annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival and the Megacon Indie Film Expo in Orlando.

 For more info go to

http://www.3boysproductions.com

http://www.premieretheaters.com

or join us on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/#!/melbourneindependentfilmmakersfestival

Popularity: 14% [?]

Judyth Piazza chats with Andrew Warren, The Westcott House Bed and Breakfast, St. Augustine, Florida (Click to hear radio interview on The American Perspective)

The Westcott House Bed and Breakfast, built in 1880, will take you back in time to the Victorian Age. It is one of the few inns located directly on the magnificent Matanzas Bay and within walking distance of historic St Augustine. Each guest room is romantically decorated with period antiques, some with double Jacuzzis and fireplaces.

Whatever your desire, we will strive to make your stay a memorable one. We hope you will revel in the history of yesterday and create memories for tomorrow during your stay at the Bayfront Westcott House Inn of historic St Augustine, Florida.  Every morning, enjoy our delicious homemade hot breakfast on the side porch or the garden terrace and, for that extra special day, ask our friendly staff about breakfast in bed. In the evening, come down to the dining room for a complementary wine and cheese reception to help you relax at the end of the day.

In addition, ask about our romance Packages: have beautiful roses, iced champagne, fresh chocolate strawberries,  placed in your room upon arrival. Our staff is prepared to assist you in any way to make your visit to Florida unforgettable!

Our romantic, luxury, Victorian waterfront inn is filled with porches and courtyards and magnificent views.

The picturesque Matanzas Bay captures stunning sunrises over views of the Intercoastal Waterway. Sit on the front porch and watch shorebirds soar, turtles paddle up to the seawall, and playful dolphins and manatees swim by. Walk hand-in-hand along the sea wall past the beautiful Bridge of Lions to the historic Castillo de San Marco. Or take an easy stroll along any of the brick lined streets to the city’s historic sites, museums, art galleries, quaint shops and many fine restaurants. To view our second story deck click HERE

Voted “# 1″ in St. Augustine by St. Augustine and Jacksonville Residents. Featured in numerous magazines and publications referring to the Westcott House`s superior decor and service.

For More Information: http://www.westcotthouse.com

Phone: 904-825-4602 or 800-513-9814
Address: 146 Avenida Menendez
St. Augustine, Fl 32084

Popularity: 8% [?]

Recently, Canada’s Yellow Page Group, or YPG, has gone on somewhat of a buying spree. YPG, based in Montreal, is a directory publisher and has recently acquired several companies including Canpages, Restaurantica, Clear Sky Media, RedFlagDeals.com, PriceCanada.com, as well as, an ownership interest in and trademark use from 411 Canada. The largest of these acquisitions, Canpages and 411 Canada are believed to help print directories grow in the digital marketplace.

Yellow Pages Group is Canada’s foremost marketing and media company. By bringing businesses in front of customers through its digital, print and mobile methods, Yellow Pages Group assists consumers in making better decisions regarding what to purchase and where to purchase it. YPG also helps businesses grow and thrive by providing successful marketing techniques that result in authentic, effective lead generation. Yellow Pages Group also owns the trademarks of other companies: YellowPages.ca and YellowPages.ca directories.

411 Canada is the most visited online search engine in Canada. Each month over 2 million locals search for local people and businesses. These searches cause local businesses to generate over 13 million inquiries monthly. 411 Canada showcases over 1.5 million businesses and uses frugal advertising methods that boost brand exposure and drive sales, resulting in business growth and success.

The agreement between 411 Canada and Yellow Pages Group allows the purchase of the 411 Canada brand and domain names; YPG also purchased an ownership interest in the company. The new alliance will allow both companies to influence online traffic between their sites, boosting both their advertiser’s publicity and user’s experience. Per the contract, YPG will have exclusive rights to use the 411 Canada trademark until the purchase of the remaining shares, which will likely occur within the next few years. The merging of two directory powers will make it almost effortless and trouble-free for businesses to attract new customers through the growing YPG network.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Sebastian Florida is gradually being discovered by vacationers as one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets. It is located just 12 miles north of Vero Beach and 18 miles South of Melbourne. 

Sebastian and its laid-back lifestyle is located amidst unspoiled subtropical vegetation and miles of rivers and beaches. Sebastian is becoming the Atlantic’s newest vacationer’s playground as a result of all of its water-oriented activities, fine foods, and fun for the whole family.

Lodging

One of Sebastian most well known resorts is the Oyster Pointe & Bay Resort, 150 U.S. 1, Sebastian, FL. While there, you will find that this is an exquisite vacation escape from the ordinary with an absence of crowded lobbies and check in delays.

They provide fully furnished apartments with a complete kitchen, dishes, linens and two bedrooms. Some of their amenities include cable TV, telephone and a private terrace. “We are a very family oriented place,” said Kathy Justus, assistant manager. Other amenities include a playground, lighted tennis courts, heated swimming pools, and relaxing Jacuzzis.

The seafood is abundant here with oysters, clams, and fishing for the aspiring angler. “During your stay with us you can be the captain of your own boat whereas we provide each guest with a 15 foot runabout motor boat to make their sport fishing enjoyable and easier” said Justus.

Area Attractions

A short distance from the resort is the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society and Museum.  While there you will experience the essence of the Age of Discovery from the late fifteenth to the mid-eighteenth centuries covering early European explorers’ exploits, their commerce, and the havoc they wreaked by both accident and design on the native inhabitants of the Americas all have their echoes in the artifacts in their collection.

Kids can explore the museum’s four ships, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita, both of which sank in a hurricane in 1622; The St. John’s Wreck , a vessel of exploration that carried conquistadors to the Caribbean in roughly 1560; and the Henrietta Marie, an English merchant slaver that sank off the Florida Keys in 1700.

After leaving the museum, you can make tracks in the sand across the street to the Bahamian Sandbar, and experience Capt. Hiram’s “Islandsphere.”

You can enjoy the river breezes and coconut palms while sipping on your favorite frozen drink or snack off their fabulous Sandbar menu, and you will be instantly transported to a tropical paradise.

The Sandbar at Capt. Hiram’s Resort features two full service bars, the beautiful Sandbar, which is undercover, and the all-new Coral Bar, both of which overlook the Indian River. The Grand Sand Bandstand accommodates the Sandbar’s extensive live entertainment line-up. You will be able to enjoy live entertainment daily. “Pete Harris, a Florida favorite appears regularly and is soon to be releasing his fourth CD,” said Jan Taylor, Director of Entertainment.

While dining at Capt. Hirams, make sure you try their Maryland style crab cakes, said Kym Cool, 36 a regular at Capt. Hirams.

For the nature lover, at Absolute Watersports & Kayak in Sebastian offers scenic tours of the Indian River Lagoon and Sebastian River Buffer Preserve, which are ripe with countless species of marine and land based wildlife. While there, you can experience intimate viewing of manatee, dolphin, armadillo, golden eagle, osprey, blue heron and many more.

A great way to end your vacation is with an adrenaline rush adventure. It includes a 13,500 foot Skydive with magnificent views of the Inter-Coastal Waterway & surrounding beaches while you experience the thrill and freedom of free fall skydiving safely harnessed to your instructor.

The sports minded angler will find Sebastian everything they have ever dreamed about and a little more.

Popularity: 5% [?]