Stony Brook Film Festival Kicks Off with Sold-Out Show

When Lynn Rein was a child, she would go to the movies and see cartoons, double features and short films all at once, at a cost of about 35 cents.

For Rein, the next best value is perhaps her ten-day Stony Brook Film Festival pass, which cost her $75.

"This is so unique because everyone who comes here is really vested in film," said Rein, who has attended the festival eight years in a row. "I love the idea that it gives people a chance to make a film that means something."

The 15th annual Stony Brook Film Festival kicked off its ten-day run Thursday night with screenings of two Dutch films, "The Storm" and "Bride Flight," and a reception following the two films.

"The Storm," which concluded with a question-and-answer session with actress Sylvia Hoeks and producer Alain de Levita, played to a sold-out crowd. So far two other movies, "Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story" and "," have also sold out their showings.

The festival has sold close to 850 ten-day passes, according to the festival's marketing coordinator, Julie Rulon Greene. Guests wishing to purchase passes after opening night should consult the festival's web site for availability.

A cocktail reception, where guests could schmooze with directors, producers, and actors, followed the screenings. A similar party will follow the closing night showings on Saturday, July 31, for which tickets can still be purchased.