Stony Brook Film Festival to Open Thursday

When the 16th annual Stony Brook Film Festival opens Thursday at the Staller Center, moviegoers will be treated to 10 days of films that will include a few new elements and themes this year.

"The entries this year allowed for more comedy," said Julie Rulon Greene, a festival spokeswoman. "[Festival director] Alan Inkles has paired lighter comedy with more serious films, giving the festival a good flow. Films that will make you laugh are followed by emotional edge-of-your-seat movies."

Another new theme is the idea that women are taking a more active role in independent filmmaking. While many have been featured in festivals past, at least ten of the films being screened this year are from female directors, which Greene suggested could be a coincidence – or likely indicates "independent film is coming from women who are making filmmaking their careers – they've studied filmmaking and they are determined to make movies," she said.

What stands out this year is the addition of a bonus film for passholders, , and a free film for the community, .

Two of the films, and , are sold out before the festival has even begun.

And as usual, a lineup of directors, actors and other talent will be in attendance for question-and-answer sessions with the audience following many of the films. Gold pass holders and guests who have purchased tickets will have the chance to mingle with those special guests at opening night and closing night receptions.

This year, Inkles and his team received about 700 submissions and considered another 100 films for review.

In a welcome letter from Inkles on the festival's website, he describes the festival's schedule as an exciting mix of screenings featuring a number of powerful films.

"Whether you enjoy foreign language films, American independents or shorts from around the globe," he writes, "you'll be enchanted, challenged and amazed by the fresh and exciting movies my staff and I have assembled for the 2011 festival."