The 1st Annual Cinema at the Edge Independent Film Festival

Santa Monica, CA, May 14, 2013 --(PR.com)-- The 1st Annual Cinema at the Edge Independent Film Festival is proud to announce the Opening and Closing Night Films. Hosted by the Edgemar Cinema for the Arts, the 1st Annual Cinema at the Edge Independent Film Festival will take place from May 30th – June 2nd and will screen independent films of all genres that feature a distinct vision and a unique voice.

Opening Night will be feature film KNUCKLE JACK, written, directed and starring John Adams & Toby Poser, about a small town foul-mouthed drunk named Jack with an artistic gift for thievery. Haunted by a youthful tragedy, he passes through his days in a lonely haze, robbing wealthy weekenders' homes only to score more drugs, booze and bitterness. When Jack is asked to care for his 8 year old niece, Frankie, for one thick hot Catskill summer, his crooked patterns are challenged. But Frankie is navigating her own troubles and just may be the accomplice--and catalyst--Jack is waiting for.

Closing night will be filmmaker Rotimi Rainwater’s feature film SUGAR, starring Shenae Grimes ("90210"), Wes Studi ("Avatar") and Angus Macfadyen ("Braveheart"), about a 20-year-old homeless girl suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome on the streets of Hollywood and Venice Beach. SUGAR has been chosen to receive the inaugural 'Community Visions Award', for it's balanced and empathetic treatment of an issue that is close to the hearts of the residents of Santa Monica and Venice.

Artistic Director and Festival Founder Michelle Danner, states, “We’re delighted to give independent filmmakers an opportunity to screen their films in a community setting on the Westside. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, bustling restaurants, bars, retail shops and constant foot traffic, what the Westside has to offer filmmakers and cinephiles will be quite different from what you’ll find in Hollywood. Winners of the jury and audience awards in each category will be considered for acquisition by industry professionals working in international film distribution.”

The Edgemar Center will present four days of screenings, parties and artist programs that celebrate independent filmmaking. Films competing in narrative feature, documentary and short film categories will be eligible for Jury and Audience awards in which winners will have the opportunity to screen their film for industry professionals working in international film production and distribution.

“We’re thrilled to showcase independent films in a festival and community with such a great appreciation for art and cinema. Many films that screen at the larger film festivals don’t immediately catch fire and tend to fall through the cracks. We want to give these exceptional films another chance to connect with audiences and to gain exposure and additional opportunities for global distribution. Next we will be announcing our complete lineup which will include nine narrative features, nine documentaries and 25 short films,” Co-Festival Director Jason Chase Tyrrell states.

Additionally, ECA serves all facets of the Westside community and beyond by offering public arts programs. These programs include ticketed performances and educational outreach courses for children and senior citizens.