Movie buzz: A 'Monster' hit

WHO Keirda Bahruth

THE MOVIE "Bob and the Monster"

THE DEAL This entry from the West Islip director won the audience award for best documentary at the first Gold Coast International Film Festival earlier this week. It focused on the alternative rocker Bob Forrest, who transformed himself from a drug addict into a well-loved counselor; the prize came with $30,000 in services from Deluxe. The audience award for best narrative, which included $60,000 in rental equipment from Panavision, went to the French film "My Afternoons With Margueritte," starring Gerard Depardieu. The festival, which was held in theaters around the North Shore June 1-5, included 42 feature-length films in competition.

WHO Ed Burns

THE EVENT The Long Island International Film Expo

THE DEAL The Valley Stream filmmaker is scheduled to accept a Creative Achievement Award on closing night of this festival, which has officially announced its dates, July 7-14. The festival, organized in part by the Long Island Film/TV Foundation and now in its 14th year, will be held in its usual spot, Bellmore Movies at 222 Pettit Ave. The full lineup of 115 features and short films is available at longislandfilm.com.

THE MOVIES "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy

THE DEAL Ahead of the June 28 release of the extended Blu-ray versions of Peter Jackson's fantasy films (15 discs and more than 26 hours of features in total; $119.98 suggested retail price), theaters around the country will hold special screenings of each installment (they're all on Tuesdays). The new home-video editions follow last year's release of the regular theatrical versions.

INFO The 7 p.m. screenings are of "The Fellowship of the Rings" Tuesday, "The Two Towers" June 21 and "The Return of the King" June 28. For local venues and tickets, go to fathomevents.com.