Blog written by Ann Michel, FLEFF internship coordinator and principal of Insights International.

The First Checkpoint for FLEFF 2011:

The 3 day visit by Albert Maysles, director of Salesman, Grey Gardens, and Gimme Shelter, to name a few.

Gimme Shelter played at FLEFF partner Cinemapolis to a sold-out, packed house. The audience  stayed to listen to Maysles'  stories about The Rolling Stones and shooting directi cinema, while the rest of the country watched the Steelers and Green Bay.

Maysles then spoke at free screenings of Grey Gardens and Salesman at Ithaca College, kicking off FLEFF's return to the screens and community of Ithaca.   If you weren't there, you missed it! 

A special shout-out to Professor Arturo Sinclair in the Television/Radio Department and the Roy H. Park School of Communications for all of their work to bring the Mr. Maysles, one of the pioneers of direct cinema, to Ithaca.

This screening of Gimme Shelter with Mr. Maysles was just a taste of what is to come: carefully curated shows, premieres, specially commissioned works with live music, and an active website.  

Stay tuned!