After celebrating a major milestone in 2022 with the event’s 25th anniversary, the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) sets its sights to the future as it returns to Bellmore for its 26th triumphant year this Wednesday, July 19 through Sunday, July 23, highlighting the very best of cinema, both locally and from around the world.

According to LIIFE co-founder and Long Island Film TV Foundation President Debra Markowitz, the esteemed event offers attendees a fascinating look behind the scenes of the world of motion pictures, as well as allowing directors and producers from all walks of life an opportunity to showcase their features and shorts– from a variety of genres and styles – to a wide and discerning audience.

The 26^th annual LIIFE will be taking place at its long-time venue, Bellmore Movies and the Showplace,located at 222 Pettit Avenue, with the format remaining very similar to last year's extravaganza. However, while the 2022 Expo featured screenings of 124 different movies, this year LIIFE ups the ante substantially by screening a whopping 131 movies from all over the world, but with a large number of them originating from right here on Long Island as well.

“We have something for everybody. We have the more mellow films during the day, and as the day goes on, they get more ‘colorful," Markowitz, who is a writer and film director herself, said. “We have your typical dramas and comedies, but we also have documentaries and student films, horror films, humanitarian films, a student film section, features, shorts, music videos...you name it, we have everything you could possibly think of.”

One of the standouts amongst the diverse and extensive fare being offered at this year's LIIFE includes a documentary entitled For Satos Sake, a film that takes an intimate look into groups of animal rescuers who work to save many of the over 600,000 homeless dogs in Puerto Rico.

“The rescuers in this film fed the animals and gave them meditation attention, then fostered them until they were adopted. A lot of groups came together to make this happen, and that was really cool,” Markowitz said. “In honor of this film, we're doing a goodie drive, and we’re requesting treats and toys that we can then give to rescue people to disseminate to the dogs from Puerto Rico, the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, and other rescue organizations. We're very excited about doing that.”

Another standout is a documentary entitled Humanity Stoked, which is described as focusing on “the beauty in overcoming fear and other challenges facing humanity as seen by icons of pro skating, science, art, music, activism, and education, all of whom share experiences and perspectives shaped by their love of skateboarding.” Among those featured in the film include Tony Hawk, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lizzie Armanto, and more.

Returning events from previous LIIFE events include their patented “Midnight Madness” series of cult favorite films, in addition to a dedicated block focusing exclusively on horror movies; plus, the event’s long-standing tradition of holding numerous informative panels for its guests and attendees is slated to continue as well.

“We have many informative panels, including a Director of Photography Meet and Greet, where we'll have DPs and filmmakers will be able to talk to them, check out their gear and find out about the projects they do. This is great for independent filmmakers,” she said. “We also have a screenwriting panel, and a filmmaker's breakfast – which is always a lot of fun – where people can ask directors from all over the world questions about how they created their films. Plus, there are many more that are sure to be fascinating to anyone interested in filmmaking. Panels are free, but please reserve your space online."

Markowitz noted that after reaching a significant milestone with LIIFE last year – celebrating its 25th anniversary – she said that year 26 represents a step into the future and a dedication to the continued evolution that has propelled it to its current status as Long Island's premier showcase for local and international filmmaking talent.

“It's a great sense of accomplishment that we are still here. We're always evolving, and we are always trying to go with what the filmmakers themselves are looking for,” she said. “The event is similar year-to-year, but every two or three years a lot of things change. For example, we were doing virtual and live showings during COVID, but this is the first year without any virtual component. We really appreciate everyone coming out and supporting the Expo every year and making it the success that it is, and we look forward to showcasing talent during this cinematic juggernaut for many years to come.”

To find out more about the Long Island International Film Expo, and to read a list of all of the featured movies and to purchase tickets, please visit https://longislandfilm.com.