New York festival adds music in return to Las Vegas

Kirk Baird

Wednesday, July 23, 2003 | 1:21 a.m.

Last year's New York Independent Film and Video Festival drew about 5,000 attendees in just its second year in Las Vegas.

The festival was so well received, in fact, executive director Stuart Alson opted to expand its scope to include music.

Hence the name: The New York Independent Film and Video Festival and the New York International Music Festival.

The eight-day festival, which opened Tuesday, takes place at Brenden Theatres at the Palms. More than 100 movies will be screened at one theater, while 150 bands are scheduled to perform in another.

For more information on tickets and schedule, go to nyfilmvideo.com or nymusicfest.com.

It was Alson's idea to have the bands and singers both play at Brenden Theatres. During the festival's April run in New York, many of the performers were unable to play in the clubs because they are under 21.

"Movie theaters are made for sound and they have stadium seating, like Carnegie Hall, so everyone can see the band," he said. "This is my first time to try this, so we'll see how it goes."

During the festival, Alson said several in the film and music industry will be in attendance, including representatives from Warner Bros., Interscope Records, Priority/Capitol Records and EMI Records.

"The purpose is to help the new filmmakers and singers showcase their work and meet industry people," Alson said. "And for the local people to get a taste of some of the new stuff before they (the filmmakers and performers) get famous."

Among the festival's film highlights:

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