Manhattan Film Institute's Life-Changing Summer Program Kicks Off

GREENPORT, NY — There's magic happening at Brecknock Hall in Greenport this week, as the Manhattan Film Institute's two week program kicks off a transformational experience that former students agree has changed their lives in ways they never imagined.

MFI has been a veritable life force for the East End, transforming the sleepy landscape with a film program that reopened the Greenport Theatre during the winter months, producinga TV pilot,"Greenport" — and now, presenting the 2019 summer program, which kicked off Sunday and runs through July 21.

According to its website, "MFI is a film school that nurtures aspirations while enriching careers for both budding and established artists. We provide passionate, individualized instruction in our acting and directing courses, to inspire all filmmakers in a supportive, challenging and safe environment. Whether acting, writing, shooting, editing or directing, students work side-by-side with a faculty of industry professionals as distinguished for their accomplishments as they are for their dedication to teaching future generations of visual storytellers."

The two week program culminates with the heralded 8th Annual MFI North Fork Film Festival — and this year, for the first time, an international short film competition is added to the free screenings and programs offered.

The MFI North Film Festival runs from July 19 to July 21 and offers a cinematic arts experience in a three-day long event. This year's festival will consist of the first-ever International Short Film Competition, the Sunday Morning Showcase for MFI's Gold Program student films, filmmaker seminars, workshops, celebrity screenings, and a live performance and awards ceremony.

Admission is free to all events.

Celebrities who will host workshops include Academy Award- winning director Chris Wedge (“Ice Age”), two-time Emmy winning writer Bill Finkelstein (“The Good Fight”), and inspirational actor Geoffrey Owens (“The Cosby Show”), culminating with the screening of “Bullets Over Broadway”, with celebrated Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri.

This season, students will have the opportunity to learn from professionals with extensive film and television credentials, including Bob Krakower, Chazz Palminteri, Wendy Makkena, Bill Finkelstein, Shannon Goldman, and founder Tony Spiridakis.

Lives Changed, Futures Shaped

For the students enrolled in MFI's two week film program the experience is literally, a life-altering journey.

Patch spoke with graduates of the program whose heartfelt testimony spoke to the transformations that take place every summer as the program, shepherded by Tony Spiridakis, one of MFI's co-founders, as well as partner and co-founder Lisa Gillooly, and MFI business partner Shannon Goldman, gives talented participants wings to soar.

(Courtesy Ariel Eliaz)

For actor Ariel Eliaz, an actor and producer known for "Blue Bloods," "Homeland," and "Gotham," as well as many films, MFI literally worked miracles.

Born in Israel, Eliaz said he came back to New York at 6 years old and went to a professional performing arts school. But a troubled youth led him down a path pitted with painful struggles, including substance abuse and even homelessness.

Now celebrating many years of sobriety, Eliaz shares his story as one of hope and inspiration, traveling far and wide with his message — and says MFI was a critical turning point, a chapter in his life that led to his ultimate success and personal growth.

When he first embraced sobriety, Eliaz said he was told he should study acting. His father told him that the idea was "crazy — you'll starve to death."

His friend, however, pointed out that the fact that he'd survived was a testament to his inner grit. "He said, 'The universe is looking out for you,'" Eliaz said. One day, he said, he got an email from MFI; his mother helped him to attend the program — and the seeds for his future were planted.

"She told me, 'If you go and something happens, your life can change,'" Eliaz said. It was his mother's belief in her son, her faith in new beginnings, that sent Eliaz to MFI.

"I turned my life around," he said. "I went to the Manhattan Film Institute not knowing what was going to come out of it. I had no idea, no clue. But I made lifelong friends."

Since then, Eliaz attends the program every summer — "We're repeat offenders," he joked —and serves as a mentor to young aspirants, too — one individual he hasn't seen since the first year reached out recently. "You don't realize the impact you have on other people's lives," Eliaz said.

His MFI team has become a family, Eliaz said, with Spiridakis like a father and faculty member and acting coach Bob Krakower a lifelong friend who invites him to share holiday meals.

"The feeling of family in that place — you can't even imagine it," he said.

And then, Eliaz added, there is the immeasurable creative growth. "People held my hand through that experience. And when I left we had made 26 films!" he said.

Tears filling his voice, Eliaz describe what MFI has meant in his life. "That place has impacted me not only as an actor, but as a guy that came off the street and couldn't get a job, to someone now working on TV as a regular on a show in California."

The love and support imbued in the MFI experience are coupled with first rate industry tips and experience, including the creation of footage that can be used to gain professional footing, Eliaz said.

"You learn every aspect of filmmaking," Eliaz said, including how to use a steady cam and other technical lessons. "Anyone at MFI does a gazillion different jobs on a film set. Just because you're an actor doesn't mean the guy holding the boom is any less important than you."

Whether collaborating with the cameramen, celebrities including Chazz Palminteri or Joey Pantoliano, or MFI founder Spiridakis, "They are so human," Eliaz said. "The connection is real."

His career now booming, Eliaz believes in giving back; he and a business partner have created a non-profit that provides a scholarship for other students hoping to attend MFI. One young student he shepherded, Denzel Rodriguez, told Eliaz, "I wouldn't have been able to do this without you."

Not true, Eliaz said — the young man's innate talent astounds, and after MFI, Rodriguez now has a manager and, like Eliaz, is watching his professional career soar. "My resume can't even fit all the projects I've done since MFI," Eliaz said. "I had no idea what I was doing and they taught me and became amazing family. All of that comes from MFI."

(Courtesy Ashley Jordyn)

Ashley Jordyn, most well-known for her work on "Orange is the New Black," said she attended MFI's program when she needed time to step away from her life in the city and focus on something new.

"I'm an actor; I hadn't done intensive camera work. At MFI, I was responsible for all aspects of making a film," she said, adding that the footage created was invaluable.

Krakower, she said, "is one of the best. He's a wonderful person." And so, when she received a mailing about MFI from Krakower, she decided to apply.

Spiridakis, she said, "is absolutely lovely. He put together a group of really nice, passionate people"—a diverse group ranging in age from 15 to individuals in their 60s.

"Tony has put together sort of a camp. You feel isolated from the world and all you have to do is focus on what you're working. Everyone is there to guide and help you. And because of the diverse age range you get so many different opinions and points of view," she said.

As an actor, Jordyn said she learned about sound and was the assistant director on a film. "Everyone does everything," she said."I had three films I was in, and I also signed up to work on someone else's film." The program also included working on scripts, editing, and ultimately, "pumping out 22 short films in the course of three days."

While there are many to guide, Jordyn said students are actually doing the work. "Basically, they're doing what they do in film school but at film school you'd pay a lot more money and you wouldn't get as many films made in as short of a time."

One of the most fulfilling parts of the program, Jordyn said, is collaborating with all involved. "I loved it. The collaboration, it's an art form. Everyone is important and you are a collaborator. It's a great program."

Plus, she said, the memories of time spent in cabins and around bonfires, exhausted but exhilarated from days of creative fulfillment, are memories that will last a lifetime and form the foundation of all her future success.

"It feels like family, as opposed to school," Jordyn said. "It's like camp but for adults. It's an apprenticeship program — they're going to show you how this is done. Actors, directors, all aspects of filmmaking. It's a trade and we're tradesmen. It's just that our craft is meant to be physical and emotional. It's a trade, and the best way to learn it is through collaboration. They're giving you the tools and saying, 'Here's how you do it,' and then you can go out and do it on your own."

The experience, Jordyn said, taught her a lot. "It's a creative place. It's a tough business and very draining — trying to make it when everyone else is trying to make it can be depleting. You need a creative environment to fill yourself back up again so you have the spirit to move forward."

(Denzel Rodriguez)

Denzel Rodriguez, 17, learned about MFI through Eliaz, who helped him to secure a scholarship. Rodriguez, a member of the Open Hydrant Theater Company in Hunts Point in the South Bronx, said Eliaz came to one of his shows, "In the Heights," and recommended him for the scholarship.

Rodriguez, who attends Democracy Prep in Harlem and will be a junior in the fall, said he'd never been to the East End before. "In the beginning, I was the only Hispanic, black kid and I thought it was going to be weird. I didn't think I would fit in. But everyone was very nice, genuine. They treated me like one of their own. I felt like was in a family. It was a great experience."

Rodriguez spoke of working with Pantoliano, who directed one of the films he was in. "I learned to subdue things more for the camera," he said. "I'm a theater performer, but within film you have to be more realistic and natural. MFI taught me to be as natural as I can, to enjoy the character, and to be in the moment. Don't plan everything out."

Attending MFI helped him to grow, Rodriguez said. "I learned to be more open. It was so much fun to be able to wake up and see friends and the people you call your family."

His mother, Rodriguez said, was thrilled he was afforded the opportunity. Since MFI, he's signed with an agency. "I feel like MFI helped me with getting somewhere," he said.

When asked what he took away from MFI, Rodriguez said, "One, my resume looks good now. Two, just knowing that experience doesn't come only from words, it comes from performance."

He also learned that you have to know who your character is, and to tell the story right away. In addition, he said, it can take five hours to film five minutes. He's taken home the lessons imbued. Currently working on "West Side Story", he said, "How do I tell people the story? How do I make it more natural?"

Recently, Rodriguez sent a text to Spiridakis: "I just wanted to say thank you for the life-changing experience you guys gave me at MFI last summer. I’ve learned so much and since then I’ve grown as an actor/performer. I couldn’t ask for a better way to start my summer. You guys gave me a home and one of the best opportunities I can ask for. This weekend I am signing my first contract with an agency. I wanted to let you know because MFI has played a role into what I’m capable of today as an actor so again, thank you! And wish me luck!"

The bonds created at MFI last long after classes end. Spiridakis texted back to Rodriguez: "You made my day. I’m so happy and proud of you, Denzel. Always remember where you’re from and who you are, because you are special. Stay humble and kind (whenever possible) and work hard. Sending you tons of luck!"

(Rosario Rodriguez)

Rosario Rodriguez, 21, a SUNY Oneonta and Greenport High School graduate, the daughter of a North Fork farmworking family.

A scholarship recipient, Rodriguez said the MFI experience taught her all about how to direct short films, edit, and safely handle camera equipment, as well as the physical fundamentals of production.

"My end goal is to be a filmmaker or a content creator for the Latino community," she said. She's inspired to shape her work and give voice to the Latino community.

"I’m a big believer in representation," she said. "This is a great way to help people understand and remove stigmas and stereotypes in the community. Storytelling, filmmaking is one of the great ways to expose people and show what our community is like — our struggles and triumphs, as well."

Rodriguez is currently working again with MFI as an intern, learning every aspect of production coordination and helping other students.

She said one exceptional thing about MFI's film festival is that it's free. "MFI is doing a really great job to be very involved in the community. The film festival is free — unlike other film festivals that charge. Not everyone can afford those prices. MFI's film festival is free, it's all inclusive, and I love that about MFI. Regardless of your background they always make you feel very included. Not being part of the majority, feeling included makes you continue to thrive, to work harder and become even more motivated."

The demographics of Greenport, Rodriguez said, reflect a burgeoning Latino community. "A lot of there are first generation and MFI shows us, this could be our future. This could be a career. This is how you make a life."

Having worked with MFI, taking part in the summer program in 2017 and interning last summer and presently, she said: "It's truly a blessing. I would never have thought two or three years ago that I would get the opportunity to do that. I have a lot of gratitude. They're really great people."

Goldman, she said, has served as her mentor and his experiences in Guatemala resonate. "I said, 'Shannon, do you think you could mentor me?' What I've learned at MFI is that at least you try. The worst thing that can happen is that someone says no, but at least you tried."

Goldman, she said, has taken her on commercial shoots and opened her eyes to her new career path.

"MFI has helped me to grow personally and professionally. The two-week program is intense, you're learning the fundamentals — it brings you all together in one small town, one space. You can be with others that have that same vision and motivation to get that vision done. The experience has helped me to become more focused and to understand what I want to do in life."

Ultimately, Rodriguez hopes to be an ethnographic documentarian; MFI, she said, has taught her every aspect of film production. "Whether I become a content creator or a filmmaker in the Latino community, MFI has helped me to understand that I want to learn everything, to be versatile — and to have that solid foundation. I'm big on foundation, so what you have doesn't crumble. It's solidified."

Discussing this year's film competition, Spiridakis said winners will receive awards for their work.

Describing the allure of MFI, Goldman said all involved just keep coming back for the magic. "What we wanted to do at MFI was what Tony (Spiridakis) did" at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, he said.

Spiridakis said that the film competition signifies the beginning of the notion of trying to expand programming at the Greenport Theatre during the winter months, which could include films, workshops, live performances and readings.

Spiridakis said, of the selection of short films that have been submitted for this years premier competition, "They're all amazing, amazing films."

In a past interview, Spiridakis said, of MFI: "Hosting the program on the North Fork means that we get to bring world-class artists to our idyllic corner of the world." Spiridakis grew up spending summers in East Marion. MFI, he said, "makes us feel that we are something back to the place we call home."

MFI's Upcoming Schedule

Friday, July 19

Celebrity Panel Discussions

Brecknock Hall, Peconic Landing

10 a.m.: Bill Finkelstein, Emmy Award Winning Screenwriter (The Good Fight, L.A. Law, The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call)

11:30 a.m.: Chris Wedge, Academy Award Winning Director (Ice Age films, Robots, Founder of Blue Sky Studios)

2 p.m.: Geoffrey Owens, "The Inspiration and Reality of Acting" (The Cosby Show, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphi

CELEBRITY SCREENING

Community Center, Peconic Landing

7:30 p.m. Bullets Over Broadway followed by a Q&A with star Chazz Palminteri

SATURDAY, JULY 20

2019 Marks the first year MFI will add an International Short Film Competition to its July Festival, featuring awards for Best Short Film, Best Animated Film, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best MFI Spirit.

AUDITION WORKSHOP
Community Center, Peconic Landing

10 a.m. Chazz Palminteri, Academy Award Nominee (A Bronx Tale, Bullets Over Broadway, The Usual Suspects)

SCREENINGS, LIVE PERFORMANCE, AWARDS CEREMONY
Greenport Theatre

2:30 p.m. International Short Film Competition (Animation Block)

4 p.m. International Short Film Competition (Live Action Block)

7:30 p.m.: An Evening with Chazz Palminteri, performing a scene from A Bronx Tale, his iconic original one-man show; plus, anecdotes about his rise to fame by the master storyteller

8:30 p.m.: Awards Ceremony: Lifetime Achievement to Chazz Palminteri, Civic Leadership to Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, Winners of the International Short Film Competition

9:30 p.m.: MFI Fundraiser After-Party at Peconic Landing's Brecknock Hall ($25 donation per person)

SUNDAY, JULY 21

Experience the heart and soul of MFI’s Gold Program: 25 actors + 25 directors + 2 weeks = 25 short films all written, directed, acted, shot, edited and produced on the North Fork.

SUNDAY MORNING SHOWCASE
Greenport Theatre

10 a.m. MFI's Gold Program Screening

For a full schedule of events, click here.

To reserve tickets, click here.