Mangus! Makes Its NewFest Premiere

Join NewFest on a trip to River City, Texas, where Mangus Spedgwick’s lifelong dream to star in the school musical, Jesus Christ Spectacular, ends in a freak accident. Mangus takes it all in stride… that is, until an archnemesis and queeny classmate steps into the role that is rightfully his.

Starring Ryan Boggus as Mangus, Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie 2, Best in Show), Deborah Theaker, John Waters, and Heather Matarazzo in a hilarious star turn as Jessica Simpson. Mangus! is directed by Ash Christian (pictured above.) ((Continued))

SATURDAY Screenings at NewFest

Dirty Girl. Director Abe Sylvia’s scandalous debut road movie. Join Danielle (rising star Juno Temple, pictured) and a gay buddy as they leave behind the dusty flatlands of Oklahoma for greener pastures. Leaving behind the small town, the friends realize more than a fake baby and a stolen Cadillac could ever teach them. But will they ever make it to California? Includes hilarious star turns from Hollywood luminaries Milla Jovovich (Ultra Violet, Resident Evil), Mary Steenbergen, William H. Macy, and Dwight Yoakum. Playing 10PM at the SVA Theatre in Chelsea. ((More))

Where else but a film festival can you see dozens of short films all in one place? Today NewFest presents not one, but four collections of shorts from these up-and-coming directors. Click any link for tickets and showtimes, or for more information. ((Keep reading))

Looking for relief from today’s 100 degree temperatures? You won’t find that at any of these sizzling hot Friday night films movies. Our theaters may be air conditioned, but these films guaranteed to steam up the cinema when they play NewFest TONIGHT. Consider yourselves warned. ((More))

NewFest has always been a little bit of rock-and-roll, but tonight, we’re a little bit of country, too! Join us at 7:30PM at the SVA Theatre in Chelsea when country music superstar Chely Wright headlines our Centerpiece screening of Wish Me Away, the new biopic about Wright by award-winning directors Bobbi Birleffi and Beverly Kopf.

Be sure to stick around after the movie, too. Wright, along with the directors, will be on hand LIVE to answer your questions, in a discussion panel moderated by NewFest’s own Kimberly Reed. Your $25 ticket also admits you to a reception in SVA Theatre lobby immediately following the presentation. Click here to purchase tickets, or to get more information about this must-see event!

With so many great films to choose from, deciding which ones to see can be tricky. Here are just a few of the movies screeening TODAY at NewFest you won’t want to miss:

Tomboy. Director Celine Sciamma’s latest pairs a razor-sharp script with a cast of remarkably skilled adolescent actors for an engaging look at gender roles. Laure, a 10-year-old tomboy, finds it so hard to adjust to her new surroundings, she reinvents herself as a boy. Playing Friday, July 22 at 3PM; and Sunday, July 24 at 7PM. Both shows at Cinema Village. ((More after the jump))