By Isiah REYES

he very first film festival ever in the city of Glendale will have a number of independent film premieres from around the world at the MGN Five Star Cinema from Oct. 9 through Oct. 11.

This festival is dedicated to the memory of Scott J. Foster of Idyllwild, California, who was a writer, producer and humanitarian. Foster recently passed away. He was the inspiration for the creation of this festival.

“I think for people who have never been to a film festival, it is the most exciting thing because you can see films that you wouldn’t normally see,” said Velvet Rhodes, Festival director. “And it’s a great way for the filmmakers to show that work and to entertain the public. We’ve got a lot of really thought-provoking documentaries and student films which is another good reason to attend.”

The first day of the festival will be on Oct. 9, and it will be open from 4 p.m. to midnight. This day will feature a filmmaker welcoming party and also a screenwriting-reading where the screenwriters will read what could very well become the next big selling movie. No films will be shown on the first day of the festival.

The second day on Oct. 10 will have screenings from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. People will watch a block of about five films and can later discuss them with the filmmakers who will be present. The films include comedies, dramas and sci-fi movies. Food and drinks will be available.

The third day of the festival, on Oct. 11, will have screenings from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the awards ceremony taking place afterward from 10:30 p.m. to midnight. Some of the awards include The Scott J. Foster Award for Excellence in Filmmaking, Best Filmmaker in Glendale, Best Filmmaker in Burbank, Best Filmmaker in Pasadena, Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Web Series, Best Student Film, Best Actor, Best Screenplay, Best Documentary, Best Music Video and many, many more.

Attendees who purchase a ticket for one of the three days will be able to watch a block of films for $20. A two-day festival pass is $50, and a three-day festival pass is available for $75, which allows attendees to see all the movies and go to the awards show at the end.

“It’s going to be just as good as Sundance,” Rhodes said.

MGN Five Star Cinema is located at 128 N. Maryland Ave., Glendale. All tickets can be bought at www.mgnfivestarcinema.com. For the passes, visit www.velvetrhodesproductions.com. For more information, call (818) 247-4509.

  Isiah REYES