CANTON -- CSI actor and Ogdensburg native Mark Valley served as emcee as the St. Lawrence International Film Festival (SLIFF), which drew what event organizers are calling "a passionate crowd of supporters" for its first-ever gala fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 3.

The event raised thousands of dollars to support the organization’s mission of celebrating film while contributing to the cultural and economic development of the region.

More than 200 audience members gathered to watch an exclusive screening of the award-winning independent film “Here Alone” at SUNY Potsdam’s Performing Arts Center.

A panel discussion with the filmmakers followed the screening.

“Here Alone” director Rod Blackhurst (who also directed the upcoming Netflix documentary “Amanda Knox”), was honored with the 2016 Empire State Filmmaker Award, along with writer David Ebeltoft and producer Noah Lang, immediately following the discussion.

The filmmakers each received written commendations from Gov. Andrew Cuomo along with their awards.

“Here Alone” was produced entirely in upstate New York, with filming locations in and around Ebeltoft’s hometown of Corning.

SUNY Canton hosted a special workshop with the “Here Alone” filmmakers on Sunday, Sept. 4.

Titled “A Writer, a Producer and a Director Walk into a Bar: How to Make a Champagne Movie on a Beer Budget,” the educational session gave an insider’s view of how Blackhurst, Ebeltoft and Lang produced their thriller on a tiny budget.

“This incredible event embodies everything I love about the North Country—the strong community spirit and welcoming atmosphere that help make this region unique. I couldn’t be more grateful to our guests, our donors and our sponsors, upon whose support we rely, literally, to keep the lights on,” said SLIFF Executive Director Adam Paul.

Info: www.stlawrencefilm.com, www.herealonefilm.com.