Me, Steven Spielberg and a Dan DiNicola Film Fest

Recently, I found out about a new film festival in Schenectady honoring the late journalist and film critic, Dan DiNicola.  The Dan DiNicola Memorial Little Italy Film Festival

actually started last Saturday and runs August 1st, 8th, 15th and 22^nd.  They’re screening some classic films outdoors, behind Perreca’s Bakery in Schenectady (make sure you bring a chair).  It sounds like some great summer nights of cinema while remembering a local media legend.  This festival got me thinking about Mr. DiNicola, his legacy and the many times I would see him on WRGB or read his film reviews in the Schenectady Gazette while I was growing up.  I also remembered the time as a teenager when I wrote Mr. DiNicola.  The letter was a defense of a filmmaking hero of mine, Steven Spielberg.  Mr. DiNicola wrote a not-so-positive review of Spielberg’s latest film at the time, “Always.”  I wrote a passionate defense of my hero’s latest cinematic effort and what I thought was some unfair criticisms.  To my surprise I received a response. 

Mr. DiNicola wrote a letter defending his review.  This was years before email, so we’re talking typewriters and the post office.  He showed his passion for cinema and joy of talking with another “movie fan.”  In the end, Dan was right – “Always” is dull and uninspired.

 I have posted below the review, my letter and his response.  Enjoy.  

-Brandon B.
Host/Producer, TvFILM 

You're gonna have to squint a little, sorry.

Blame the misspelled name on the typist(my mother).

Last chapter of NEW Links!

This is the spot to find out news, music and tour dates for Molly Durnin!

Mike Feurstein is always working on new projects.  Checkout his webpage for the latest!

The director of "Thank You for Watching,"  John Glenn is also in the  Local518 band, Stellar Young.

Checkout some more art from Gregory Maxwell Dunn on his Facebook page.

Enjoy.

Another new episode, more cool links!

"Blog Zombie" filmmaker, Lawrence White, has his own blog.  He provided some more info on the BZ culture.

"Blog Zombie" stars the legendary actor and comedian, John Byner!  

Imani Peterkin and Darian Henry, the filmmakers that created "Inside The Ring" are both part of Youth F/X filmmaking program.

Have you missed some episodes of TvFILM?  We forgive you.  Catch-up here!

Wow, Cool! More interesting Links!

Here's some more info from our latest episode:

Bhawin Suchak, the director of "D22: Day of Eviction," is working on a feature-length documentary called, "The Throwaways."

Jim and Steve Powers have a film production company called West Field Media Services. 

Here's some other really cool people, places and events happening in our Upstate indie-film community.  Let us know if we missed anything!

Enjoy.