IndependentFilm.com

New York, NY October 31, 2005 -- The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) announces its return to Manhattan for eight days of film screenings, world premieres, musical performances, industry panels and after-parties. The festival, known as the voice of independent film, will showcase 300 film features, shorts and documentaries and host filmmakers from more than 30 countries. The festivities kick off on November 10th with an opening night networking party for filmmakers, musicians and artists at legendary Chelsea hotspot Avalon and runs through November 17th at City Cinemas Village East.

NYIIFVF, passionate about exposing films and documentaries of emerging filmmakers from all over the globe, is “the place to have your projects seen and reviewed by the best of the best”, comments Editor Dave Sardella (Micro Cinema Magazine). “This world-renowned festival can be the launching pad to a successful career for aspiring directors, producers, and musicians.” This year’s festival features filmmakers from all corners of the world: including Australia, Baghdad, Canada, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russian, Sri Lanka, and the United States. The scope of the festival ranges from high profile to novice, so viewers experience an array of films driven by the passion of independent movie-making.

NYIIFVF founder and executive producer Stuart Alson commented, "Our festival represents a new wave of independent filmmakers and offers a unique opportunity for members of the film industry, delegates and of course, our loyal New York audiences, to see great movies from all over the world, go to parties and attend panels without the pretentiousness! We are really proud of our filmmakers and our Fall line-up and delighted that a record number of screenings have sold out in advance. "

Highlights in this year’s fall line-up:
Karen Blixen - Out of this World, This documentary featuring Meryl Streep, is the story of the incredible life of author Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen) who penned the novel Out of Africa. The film is a story just as dramatic as her own fantastic tales. Blixen herself contributes through old footage. Directed by Marcus Mandal and Anna von Lowzow. Screens on Saturday 12th November - Theater 7 (4pm)

Somebody's Child:The Redemption of Rwanda, If you've ever wondered what happened after Hotel Rwanda...then this powerful documentary is a must see! CBS News Veteran Felicia Middlebrooks took a film crew to Rwanda, 10 years after the genocide, to see what had become of the survivors. See for yourself, how an entire nation of people forgotten by the world, are moving toward restoration, wholeness and forgiveness. Directed by Felicia Middlebrooks. Screens on Saturday 12th November - Theater 7 (4pm)

Ganked, Comedic feature about an aspiring songwriter who will stop at nothing to get the credit he deserves for coming up with a huge hit! Starring Kel Mitchell (co-host of UPN's, 360 and star of Nickelodeon's All That and The Kenan & Kel Show). Directed by Kenneth Michael. Screens on Thursday 17 November – Theater 6 (6:10pm)

The DIG, Short drama about a lonely archaeologist who discovers objects buried in a riverbank that lead her on a journey to unearth glimpses of the lives and deaths that lie within them. Starring Sabina Sciubba, lead singer of the internationally acclaimed band Brazilian Girls, Kim Chan (Kundun, Lethal Weapon 4) and Megan Wyler. Directed by Joshua Van Praag. Screens on Saturday 12th November - Theater 7 (6pm)

I Will Avenge You, Iago!, Shakespeare’s words aptly come to life in a comedy about the on-and-off-again stage dramas of actors starring Larry Pine (Melinda and Melinda) and Carolee Carmello (Mama Mia). Written and directed by acclaimed Russian filmmaker and film professor Zhenya Kiperman. Screens on Saturday 12 November – Theater 7 (8pm)

Video Out, 'A half-inch videotape changed my life...the signal is the religion.' Avant-garde artists and club-land VJ's tell the story of live video art over the last 30 years. This documentary stars a slate of World famous VJs including Bill Etra, Steina Vasulka, Woody Vasulka and Kurt Ralske. Directed by Paul Vlachos and Meredith Finkelstein. Screens on Friday 11 November - Theater 6 (8:10pm)

Smile for the Camera, Surreal, suspenseful thriller/comedy that follows two artschool students on an adventure to a strange backwoods town where they encounter a mysterious cult of "boxheads" who use antique cameras to capture the souls of their victims! Filmmaker, Jordan Galland wrote the screenplay and theme song, along with Sean Lennon. Screens on Saturday 12th November - Theater 7 (6pm)

Seeking Fear, This dramatic feature follows the crimes of two rapists and the lives that were influenced as a result. Starring model turned actress Lisa Ray. Directed by Robin Webb. Screens on Sunday 13th November - Theater 6 (8:10pm)

Something Sweet, Explores the razor edges of Hollywood culture and the inner struggle of a musician standing before a callous industry, imploring and beseeching him to sell his soul. Music Performed by: The After Midnight Project (MTV's Osbourne Show, winner of Battle of the bands 2005). Also featuring Briana Evigan (Linkin Park Video Numb Feature), Nina Kaczorowski (Austin Powers 3, Minority Report, 6 Feet Under), and Carley Corbin (Goo Goo Dolls). Directed by Sammy Smith. Friday 11th November - Theater 2 (6:05pm)

The Super Fight: Ali vs. Marciano, "Who was the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time?” The Super Fight is a fascinating documentary that focuses on the creation of the event which has been forgotten for the past 35 years. In interviews with boxing experts and advisors to the original film, the story of the Super Fight is told and the fight seen once more. Re-mastered from the sole remaining copy. Directed by Mike Delisa Screens on Thursday 17th November - Theater 7 (4pm)

NYIIFV DETAILS: The opening night Networking Party at Avalon from 7- Midnight (662 W21st Street at 6th Ave.) will feature a trade show, valuable networking, and a chance to preview over 100 film trailers. Festival screenings commence on November 11th at City Cinemas Village East (181 Second Avenue at 12th Street). The official schedule of films is available online at www.nyfilmvideo.com.

Box Office Information - Tickets are priced at $11 and can be purchased by logging on to the festival web site at www.nyfilmvideo.com. Tickets will also be available at City Cinemas Village East box office starting November 11th.

As always, the NYIIFVF will also host post-screening parties in association with Soho entertainment company The Stop Group owned by nightlife mogul Ruben R. Cabrera. The parties will take place at a variety of hip locations all over Manhattan including Select, 17, Deep and Au Bar. Daily panels will take place at a conference room at the Roosevelt Hotel (Madison at 45th Street). Topics include: “Leveraging Media Coverage for Your Film”, “From Script to Screen” as well as insider tips on "Selling Your Independent Film”.