Lights, camera, action!  This Saturday March 27^th, the Second Annual Brookfield Film Festival (BFF) will showcase 10 independent films at The Brookfield Theatre for the Arts (TBTA) in what they are calling "Shorts and to the Point."  All of the films shown on Saturday are 35 to 60 minutes long, hence the festival's name. 

This evening of independent film is brought to the community through the Brookfield Film Festival, which operates under the Brookfield Arts Commission (BAC) and the Brookfield Friends of the Arts (BFA).  Local town residents Mary Daniel, chairwoman of the BAC, Lisa Piccolo, vice chairwoman, Ann Amorossi, treasurer, Ray Dori, Emily McPadden and Laura Schiavi all volunteer to bring art to Brookfield through film. Daniel has served as chairwoman for the last two years and prior to that was vice chair for eight years.  She has been involved in some capacity with the BAC for the last 20 years.

The BAC says the annual festival was "created to cultivate appreciation for independent filmmaking and to provide a local screening opportunity for residents to view independent films," according to their website.  The films will be showcased at two viewings, Saturday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.  It is intended for adult audiences and no one under the age of 17 will be admitted without a parent.

The members of the BFF meet monthly at Brookfield Town Hall because they do not have their own building.  Mary Daniel explained that there has not been any funding for the arts through the town's budget for the past two years, due to the economy.  They petitioned and received a grant from the State of Connecticut in order to host this event. They also rely on local merchants, community involvement and ticket sales in order to bring the BFF to Brookfield. What makes this festival unique to the town, in comparison to others held in Danbury or Kent, "is that it is not a competition" among the filmmakers, according to Daniel.  

The Commission holds the film festival at TBTA because they feel the theater is "such a charming jewel" in the community, Daniel stated.  Last year the BAC held a party to thank all those supporting their endeavor locally.  Daniel said that attendees "loved this evening of film art," and that is why they decided to bring the festival back again this year.  Local merchant Wines N' Such donated wine for the event last year and is donating again this year. 

Local groups have banded together to "get the word out," says Daniel.  The Brookfield Public Library, League of Women Voters, Chamber of Commerce, the Brookfield Board of Realtors and the Brookfield Education Foundation have all joined forces to publicize this event.  They have also gotten support from the Brookfield Craft Center, The Art Spot and the school libraries.  The BFF plans on holding a "Digital Workshop" to foster love of filmmaking with students in the community.  Western Connecticut State University and Dr. J. C. Barone partner with the BFF to plan and execute this digital media workshop.  The event will be posted at a later date on the BAC's website.

The $10 admission fee includes a free glass of wine and cheese will be served before the show and during intermission.  A local professional musician from Bethel, Andrew Ariaga, will be performing.  T-shirts made by local graphic artist Mark Ekstein will also be available.  All of the films to be featured have been nominated for or have received awards in the industry. These filmmakers are internationally known and have been chosen to be featured Saturday night because of the quality of their work.  Tickets may be purchased by calling Ann Amorossi at (203) 775-2895 or e-mailing her at ann.amorossi@gmail.com.