The Gold Coast Arts Center’s 25th International Film Festival has seen an increased turnout from last year and high participation in other family activities and programs, festival Director Caroline Sorokoff said.

“We’ve had just a fantastic reception to the various films, comedy nights and special events we’ve been doing,” Sorokoff said in a phone interview. “We’ve been really happy with how things have gone so far.”

The festival kicked off Oct. 10, with three feature films screened at the Manhasset Cinemas: The Justice of Bunny King, i Mordecai and Hard Shell Soft Shell. i Mordecai Director Marvin Samel participated in a post-screening Q&A with the audience, which was met with a great reception, Sorokoff said.

This year the arts center, located on Middle Neck Road in Great Neck, also hosted the Long Island Comedy Festival Oct. 15, hosted by Paul Anthony and featured comedians John Ziegler and Art Schill. The festival’s “Art Explosion Family Day” Sunday had painting workshops, graffiti demonstrations, book signings, short films and more.

Wednesday evening’s screening of Karaoke, Sorokoff said, is something people should sign up to watch after the film has been well-received in other festivals throughout the county this year. 

“We’re thrilled that we were able to snag it,” she said.

Sorokoff also spoke highly of Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter, a documentary focused on a Chicago-based chef who died from a stroke in 2013 at 54. She also lauded the French film, Adieu Monsieur Haffmann (Farewell Mr. Haffmann), a historical drama based on an award-winning play.

Presenting a wide array of content and programs, she said, has resulted in films being nearly sold out.

“People seem to be responding really well to the content we’re putting out there, which is great,” Sorokoff said.

The Great Neck and Port Washington Libraries, she said, have partnered with the arts center to host their short film events, which are offered free to the public. Instructions on how to register for the short films and featured films are online at: goldcoastarts.org/film-arts-22/.

Sorokoff said this year’s attendance has increased from last year with masks and face coverings still being an option for those who feel comfortable wearing them. She expressed the center’s gratitude for this year’s attendees and encouraged others to support the arts and take part in the festival, which is going on until Oct. 25.

“We just wanted to say thank you from all of us at the arts center who work hard all year round to bring all sorts of arts opportunities to people of all ages,” Sorkoff said. “There’s not a lot of opportunities that people have to interact with other members of their community and the arts has always been something that has brought people together.”