Rising Independent Filmmakers Recognized at the Take Two Film Festival in New York City

New York, NY, May 02, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Manhole covers separate New Yorkers from a complicated underground world of tunnels, sewers, and utility lines. It takes a lot of pressure to force steam through to the surface and into plain view. That is, unless the cover is lifted. On April 5-7, 2013 the Take Two Film Festival and Theatre 80 St. Marks did just that for underground independent filmmakers, removing the cover hiding undiscovered artists and awarding ‘The Manny’ to ten winners out of 56 featured films from 14 countries around the world.

“Take Two provided an important opportunity for emerging artists to present their work at a top-notch event,” said festival founder Asher Bar Lev. “Now that I have a moment to step back and look at this list of winning films as a whole, it’s clear we were able to bring together incredibly talented, thoughtful and creative individuals who are poised to take the film industry by storm.”

“There aren’t very many festivals that give you that personal experience,” said Conor Stratton, director of Killing the Dog, which celebrated its world premiere in front of a sold out theatre during one of the more anticipated film blocks at Take Two.

Winners of ‘The Manny’ were selected by the Take Two staff based on technical quality and imaginative content. The 2013 honorees are:

• Paying For It – Lauren Lillie
• Laila – Yossera Bouchtia
• As Life Found You - Dietrich Brüggemann
• Street Epics #5 Starring Bon Jane and Street Epics #10 Starring Moira Johnston - Babak Andishmand
• Ramona’s New Dresser and Her Seat is Vacant - Bohdana Smyrnova
• Behind The Scene - Yousheng Tang and Alex Kurze
• Killing The Dog – Conor Stratton, Josh Evans, and Lauren McCune
• Speed Grieving – Jessica Daniels and Alysia Reiner
• Priceless Things - Sarah-Violet Bliss
• Lone Samaritan - Barak Heymann

For film synopses and future announcements from the Take Two staff, visit taketwofilmfestival.com.

About Salon Ciel

Salon Ciel is an alternative gallery that exhibits emerging photographers and visual artists with spunk. Our monthly events display adventurous + relevant works in relaxed environments.

At the salons, artists and guests spend an intimate evening together in a residential cocktail party atmosphere, viewing and discussing art while overlooking Manhattan. At our public events around New York City, we bring art to wider audiences while still maintaining the personal experience.

We welcome portfolio submissions from emerging artists. While our main focus is photography and visual art, we also encourage performing art portfolios and often flirt with collaborative multidisciplinary exhibitions. Please see our web site www.saloncielny.org.