Gold Coast International Film Festival Kicks Off This Week

The third Gold Coast International Film Festival kicks off Monday, with a lineup of films, parties and panels.

Monday’s film is "The Genius of Marian," which provides a close-up look at the filmmaker's mother who at age 61 is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, and follows her as she works on a book celebrating the life of her own mother, artist Marian Steele. There's a panel discussion afterward, featuring filmmaker Luke White and North Shore-LIJ Health System experts who specialize in geriatrics, behavioral health and Alzheimer's research.  The event starts 6:30 p.m., at Soundview Cinemas, 7 Soundview Marketplace, in Port Washington.

Other festival highlights include:

Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.: How Sweet It Is (includes Q&A with Paul Sorvino), Soundview Theater, Port Washington

Wednesday, 6 p.m. Opening Night Gala honoring Susie Essman and Paul Sorvino. The evening will also feature the festival's head of comedy programing, Jeffrey Gurian, along with actress Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley in "Harry Potter"), Melanie Lynsky ("2 ½ Men," "Ever After") and Jason Ritter (Parenthood  The Space, 250 Post Ave, Westbury. 

Thursday, 7:30 p.m. "Comedy Warriors: Healing Through Humor,” Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd in Great Neck.

Saturday, 1:30 p.m.:  A Conversation with Jay McInerney," The author of "Bright Lights, Big City," will look back at the making of the film version of his novel. This event is free. Port Washington Library, 1 Library Drive, Port Washington

Saturday, 11 a.m.: "Running Wild: The Life of Dayton O. Hyde."  Come 30 minutes early and meet the live horses on site . Soundview Cinema 7 Soundview Market Place, Port Washington.

Sunday, 12 p.m. "A Star is Born: A Prudent Parent's guide to Getting Your Kid in Show Business," a free event featuring entertainment attorney Steven Beer, who helped launch Britney Spears) and Broadway star and Long Island native Nikki Blonsky of "Hairspray." Gold Coast Arts Center, 113 Middle Neck Rd in Great Neck.

For the full lineup and ticket information, visit the festival's website.