Bronx Stage & Film Co. presents BXFF

The Bronx Stage & Film Company will present the 7th Annual Bronx Independent Film Festival (BXFF) June 18 to 20 at Lehman Stages (Lehman College) showcasing narrative and documentary films and filmmakers from around the world. Visit http://www.bronxstage.com for the latest film schedule, credits and directions.

A century ago The Bronx was home to two well-known silent film studios, The Edison Studios on Decatur Avenue and Oliver Place (a few blocks from the location of the Film Festival) and Biograph Studios a.k.a. The Gold Medal Studios at 807 E. 175th Street. The Bronx Independent Film Festival was established to honor and revitalize the history of film in The Bronx and provide a new opportunity for filmmakers to submit work and a hub for audiences to appreciate it. BXFF showcases short and feature narrative, documentary, animation and experimental submissions from all over the world.

Edison Studios notable contributions to cinema included one of the first horror films, “Frankenstein,” released in 1910 and the first serial film, “What Happened to Mary” released in 1912. The 14-minute

BXFF coincides with Bronx Week 2009 and Lehman Stage’s Summerworx 2009, two other vital Bronx events.

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The Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture invites the community to a piano concert on Sun., Jun. 14 at 1 pm at the Society Meeting House, 4450 Fieldston Road, corner of Manhattan College Parkway.

Guest artist Sonia Marder will perform interesting short piano pieces. She taught at the Manhattan School of Music for 37 years.

Suggested contribution is $10; children under 12 free. All proceeds will benefit the society. For more information call (718) 548-4445.

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Maria Formosa will exhibit her art work at the Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture from June 1 through June 30, located at 4450 Fieldston Road.

Formosa uses botanical subjects as the main manifestation of her art. She grew up in Cuba where she was surrounded by tropical foliage all year long. She lived with vivid colors which to this day have been one of her strengths as she approaches her favorite subject: flowers.

For more information call (718) 549-4265.

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The Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture will show Stolen Children Sat., June 13, at 7 pm at the Meeting House, 4450 Fieldston Road.

Stolen Children is a small, flawless gem of a film, one whose ideas could not be more simply expressed or deeply felt. It recalls the power of Italian neo-realism to address political matters with enormous compassion without losing track of people. The people in this case are a shy, decent carabinieri and two children who have been placed in his care.

A donation towards the Film Club of $3 to $5 per person will be accepted at the door. For more information call (718) 548-4445.

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As part of Connecticut Open House Day, the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, CT, is offering free admission all day long, on Sat., June 13. Connecticut Open House Day is a state-wide program sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (CCT) that is designed to broaden awareness among residents of Connecticut’s exceptional cultural and tourism assets and encourage them to become ambassadors who share their newfound discoveries with visiting family and friends. Free admission to the Bruce Museum is being offered to Connecticut residents and non-residents alike. Other participating institutions may require CT identification. Bruce Museum hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Bruce Museum is located at 1 Museum Drive in Greenwich, CT. For information call (203) 869-0376.

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The Lehman College Community Band will give its first concert of the 2009 summer season, “Fun in the Sun” at 2 pm on Sun., June 14, outdoors in the Lehman Amphitheater. This event is free and open to the public.

The band will perform a variety of symphonic Pops, Big Band, Broadway favorites and more by Gershwin, Grainger, Goldman, Porter, Sousa, Webber, and other noted composers. In the event of rain or excessive heat, the performance will be held in the Lovinger Theatre.

Lehman is located at Goulden Avenue and Bedford Park Boulevard. For more information call (718) 960-8247.

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The Bronx Underground will host a free outdoor independent music festival on Sun., June 21 at Orchard Beach, from noon to 5 pm.

For more information contact Anita at BronxUnderground@gmail.com or (917) 804-3541.