2003 marked the debut of Queens County's first official gathering of filmmakers and movie fans. The brainchild of Marie J. Castaldo, the Queens International Film Festival who will be celebrating its 5th year in 2007, garnered international acclaim as an effort to make Queens a major contender in the film industry and for its cutting edge program of indie films, compelling documentaries, panel discussions including "Trends in Indie Filmmaking" and "Origins of Film Story", a youth initiative, a book signing, an art exhibition, a music concert, a great Hollywood restored classic, red-carpet gala premieres and many after-hour parties...

Some of the screened movies included "I am David", starring James Caviezel, premiered at the film festival before its national release; "Down to the Bone", Winner Best Dramatic Acting Sundance 2004; "Brooklyn Bound" Winner Tribeca Film Festival 2004; "Heavens Gate" a $400 million dollar Hollywood classic directed by Michael Cimino starring Christopher Walken and Kris Kristofferson.

Among the participants , Councilman John Liu opened the festival, The Ambassador of Bolivia and his spouse attended the closing night ceremony, Fernando Ferrer received a Humanitarian Award, Middle Weight Word Boxing Champion Danny Danico, Michael Wright and Martin Scorsese stopped by to see the closing night film, John Savage "Deer Hunter" led an acting seminar along with Chad Allen and Richard Vetere, Walter Alza took time out of his busy schedule to fly to Queens from Toronto, Gregory Cascante, Producer ("True Romance", "Prizzi's Honor", "Lawnmower Man") flew in from LA to enjoy all the festival had to offer. Again in the year 2005, the Queens International Film Festival has exciting plans for not only filmmakers from around the globe but area residents, weekenders and day-trippers who want a peek behind the scenes of moviemaking.