High Falls Film Festival

Prominent Journalists, Actors, Activists and other notables will be appearing at the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival which begins May 13th, 2009.

Lynn Redgrave will receive the failure is impossible award for her lifetime of accomplishment in film and theatre. She is currently touring in her solo show “Rachel
and Juliet”. Redgrave will receive the Festival's Susan B. Anthony "Failure is Impossible" Award on Saturday, May 16th at 7 p.m. at Little One, prior to the screening of 500 Days of Summer, a new film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel.

Actor and Activist CCH Pounder will be presented her "Failure is Impossible" award by CBS' 60 Minutes star and RHFIFF Honorary board member Lesley Stahl on Friday at 7:15 p.m. at Little Theatre One with the film Easy Virtue, a romantic comedy featuring Colin Firth, Jessica Biel and Kristin Scott Thomas. CCH Pounder is one of the founders of ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa). Pounder has appeared in many films and television series since beginning her career in 1979’s All That Jazz. Pounder has, as an activist, increased awareness of HIV/AIDS issues in South Africa throughout the world. Pounder has created two Art Museums in Dakar and Los Angeles. Pounder recently completed a 3-D Imax film “Avatar” due for release in December 2009. Pounder is currently working on a television series Warehouse 13. For more information check out her website at www.cchpounder.com.

Journalist Lesley Stahl will be interviewed Saturday morning at the Memorial Art Gallery in the Auditorium by The Festival’s Artistic Director Catherine Wyler in "A Conversation with Lesley Stahl." Stahl has written one book, Reporting Live, which was published in 1999. Stahl is one of the founding members of wowOwow.com, a website for women to discuss culture and politics.

Susan Stamberg, the first woman to be a full-time news anchor on a nightly newscast and one of the first hosts All Things Considered will be present at the premier of the film Yoo-hoo, Mrs. Goldberg on the opening night of the film festival. The documentary about Gertrude Berg and her radio show "The Goldberg's" features Susan Stamberg. Stamberg is currently a special correspondent with NPR. Stamberg received the Edward R. Murrow award and in 1994 was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame (1994) and to the Radio Hall of Fame (1996).

Wavy Gravy, a cult icon of the 1960’s will be a highlight in an opening night screening at 8:45 p.m. at the Little Theatre of 'Saint Misbehavin': The Wavy Gravy Movie. He will appear with the documentary's director, Michelle Esrick.

The Festival's mission is to feature exceptional work of women in all areas of film, video and new media, highlighting Rochester's standing as the home of motion picture film (George Eastman) and the women's rights movement (Susan B. Anthony). This year the RHFIFF will present some 80 titles, including features, documentaries, shorts, children's and young adult programs, along with celebrity conversations, student filmmaking competitions, public parties at some of Rochester's most exciting new venues, and a host of free events.

Tickets now on sale at http://www.rochestermoviefest.com/