367. Bree Maniscalco: Executive Director of Cinema St. Louis

Published: Oct. 31, 2023, 1:28 a.m.

Bree Maniscalco, Executive Director of Cinema St. Louis, stopped by to speak with Nancy about the organization's happenings including the St. Louis International Film Festival, which runs Nov 9-19th this year.

The festival kicks off on Thursday, November 9th, celebrating\xa050 Years of Hip-Hop\xa0with a tribute to the Hi-Pointe Cafe's pivotal role in shaping hip-hop's history, showcasing the city's significant influence in its evolution. Attendees will be treated to a cocktail reception, engaging conversations, and a special screening of the 1990 film,\xa0"House Party,"\xa0directed by East St. Louis\u2019 own,\xa0Reginald Hudlin.\xa0

CSL\u2019s Executive Director, Bree Maniscalco, shared, "As we celebrate our first festival at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, we wanted to pay tribute to the Hi-Pointe neighborhood and honor those who made Hip-Hop what it is today.\xa0Mondays at the Hi-Pointe Cafe\xa0holds a special place in many people\u2019s hearts, and we\u2019re looking to bring it back to kick things off in style for this year\u2019s Fest.\u201d

This year's festival promises a variety of exclusive events, screenings, enlightening post-film Q&A sessions, and illuminating masterclasses dedicated to addressing industry-relevant topics. SLIFF received an impressive 2,419 submissions, marking the festival's 32nd anniversary with record-breaking enthusiasm. SLIFF's dedicated team of programmers, hailing from diverse backgrounds, meticulously curated a selection of 278 films that underscore the transformative power of cinema.

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