RO on the GO! : VAUGHAN FILM FESTIVAL 2015 - Placing Vaughan on the World Film Industry Map

Proving to be one of the biggest and most sensational events of the year, the 3rd Annual Vaughan Film Festival (VFF) presented its four-day movie extravaganza in pure Hollywood fashion. From May 25 - 28 jet-setting celebrities, renowned filmmakers and countless other industry professional filled theatres, mingled at exclusive after parties and greeted fans on the red carpet during the VFF Awards Show finale.

As Director of Media Relations for VFF I am extremely honoured to contribute to this world-class event which also supports the arts community by offering seminars and granting scholarships and bursaries to young filmmakers, students and educational institutions in the city of Vaughan. Thank you to founders Mark Pagliaroli and Antonio Ienco for bringing me on board!

Showcasing both Canadian and international short films, the festival also recognizes those who support the independent film scene. Headlining the VFF Awards Show and on-hand to receive the Independent Leadership Award was Hollywood actor, Michael Madsen who is best known for his roles in Donnie Brasco, Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill. Also in attendance was VFF Best Actress nominee Amy Jo Johnson of Flashpoint and the short film, Lines as well as Emmy-winning sound mixer, Frank Morrone.

www.vaughanfilmfestival.com

VFF Awards Show - May 28

VFF Co-founder Mark Pagliaroli, ET Canada's Rick Campanelli, Paul Lewis (Discovery Channel Canada), actor Michael Madsen, VFF Co-founder Antonio Ienco

Thanks Pizza Nova! Michael Madsen, Tony Monaco, Antonio Ienco, Amy Jo Johnson (Flashpoint), Mark Pagliaroli

ET Canada's Rick Campanelli

Andrea Trentadue and Ali Bidabadi of CHIN Radio/Television

VFF Red Carpet at Paramount Event Venue

Evy Ratcliffe, Tony Monaco, Andrea Trentadue

Celebrity Guest Michael Madsen

As VFF Media Relations Director I had a stellar time accompanying our guest, Hollywood actor Michael Madsen to his television and radio interviews. Michael received VFF's prestigious Independent Leadership Award and justly so. Starring in Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs he helped launched the unknown director's career. VFF looks forward to seeing Michael co-star alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell in Tarantino's upcoming flick, The Hateful Eight!

With the lovely Dina Pugliese from Breakfast Television Toronto

Breakfast Television Toronto

Tony Monaco - Z103.5 FM

Derek Dotto - Entertainment City

Roz and Mocha - KISS 92.5 FM

Waiting on the set

Signing autographs for fans

VFF Luncheon Copper Creek Golf Club

VFF's Executive Director Alessandra Piccolo did a stellar job of coordinating this elegant lunch for exclusive guests and festival sponsors. Thank you to Copper Creek and Executive Chef Gianpiero Tondina for a magnificent meal!

VFF Ocean's Four - VFF Co-founder Mark Pagliaroli, Executive Director Alessandra Piccolo, Media Relations Director Romina Monaco and Co-founder Antonio Ienco

Michael Madsen and Chef Tondina

Bruno Rosato, Evy Ratcliffe

Scotiabank Sponsors Jason Polsinelli and Joe Ercolao

VFF Industry Seminar - May 26

I had the great opportunity to emcee VFF's Industry Seminar involving special effects make-up. Our guest speaker was renowned Toronto television makeup/special effects artist, Matthew DeWilde. Thanks to all the students and film afficionados who attended this event!

VFF Spring Launch - April 28

What an incredible turn-out at VFF's Spring Launch at the Promenade. The energy was amazing!!!!! Our stellar host, YTV’s Carlos Bustamante, announced the film line-up for this year’s festival including submissions nominated for VFF Awards. A special thanks to Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua who presented VFF with a donation from proceeds raised at the annual Mayor’s Gala.

Carlos Bustamante YTV, Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mark Pagliaroli (VFF Co-Founder), Alessandra Piccolo (VFF Executive Director), Dolores Rotondo (VFF Advisory Board) , Antonio Ienco (VFF Co-Founder)

Me and the Big M

Carlos Bustamante (YTV), Fabio Gesufatto (NCIC), Tony Monaco (Z103)

Arts After Hours - March 26

Featuring original social media post:

Although I feel it's important to inspire those around me by living a life of purpose, I also find great inspiration by those around me smile emoticon This can't be any truer than my friends, Mark Pagliaroli and Antonio Ienco. Only 29 years of age they are ahead of the game, giving Vaughan something to be truly proud of - its very own internationally-recognized film festival! As founders of the Vaughan Film Festival (VFF), which is now in its third edition, Mark and Antonio were excited to announce the festival's celebrity guest at York Region Art Council's "Arts After Hours" event. Through a silver screen hanging within the walls of Vaughan City Hall, celebrated actor Michael Madsen told guests how happy he was to be attending the upcoming movie extravaganza. Starring in Donnie Brasco, Reservoir Dogs, Kill Bill and over 150 other films, Madsen will be joining us on May 28th for the VFF Award Show. Congratulations, Mark and Antonio! Love your passion and enthusiasm ...and so very proud of you both.