Pasadena’s First International Film Festival Comes to Close Today

The Pasadena International Film Festival comes to a close on Sunday and is capping things off with an awards ceremony for its dozens of entries, followed by a reception at the Vertical Wine Bistro.

It was the inaugural year of the festival, which showcased domestic titles including foreign entries from 13 different countries covering about every genre.

“We have a lot of directors flying in,” said festival organizer Jessica Hardin. “We have a director flying in from New Zealand. He’s never been to America before. We have filmmakers flying in from Brazil, all over the world.”

Hardin, who’s worked as an actress in New York City as well as in casting, said Pasadena’s appreciate for the arts inspired her to do the film festival locally.

“I lived here for few years and I loved it. … there’s always something going on,” she said. “And I noticed there’s like art night and a dance festival, Earth festival, music, it seems like there’s every single kind of festival.”

The awards ceremony, which starts at 8 p.m. At the Laemmle Playhouse 7, will feature nine categories, including “Best Short,” “Best Documentary” and “Best Comedy.”

Films will still be screened on Sunday through late afternoon.

There are several ticketing options that range between $25-$95. For more information on how to buy tickets and showtimes, visit the festival website at http://www.pasadenafilmfestival.org/#!screenings/c1mya