NEWS about directions contact volunteer subscribe links tv ads
2008 FILMS TICKETS VENUES EVENTS PRESS SPONSORS SUBMIT SEARCH INDUSTRY

press

releases
coverage
registration

Press releases

Brooklyn International Film Festival 2003 - Personal Edition

Film Festival keeps growing: More films, more venues.

Brooklyn, New York (February 28, 2003) - The Brooklyn International Film Festival, the first international competitive film festival in Brooklyn, in its sixth year running, has expanded yet again. In addition to presenting 26 film programs (April 28-May 4) in the magnificent Brooklyn Museum, BIFF will screen 3 additional programs (April 30) at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) and 1 special program at the Brooklyn Borough Hall (April 24). BIFF's title sponsor this year is CAMPARI.

"Last year, we moved into BMA due to the fact that our growth and popularity had snowballed to the point where we needed to align ourselves with a larger venue and encompass more than just one Brooklyn neighborhood," says BIFF founder and director Marco Ursino. "We couldn't pass up the opportunity to also screen films at BAM and take advantage of BAM's devout following and clear niche in the art community. One of our goals for 2003 is to reach out to the whole of Brooklyn and share the wealth of talent in our film library," added Mario Pego, BIFF's programming director.

Through tremendous community support, a driven core production team and a progressively impressive and diverse program each year, BIFF has built upon each year's successes. BIFF exposes and promotes local and international filmmakers while feeding its audiences with the best indie film the world has to offer. "We are a truly independent film festival both in the program and in spirit."

"Moving the film festival from Williamsburg to the Brooklyn Museum of Art last year was a great success -- for the festival, for the Museum, and especially for Brooklyn film fans," said Mona Smith, Adult Programs Manager at the BMA. "As a collaboration, this is a match made in heaven. BIFF discovers fascinating and beautiful films, while the Museum provides a comfortable, easy-to-reach venue -- plus free access to our world-class art galleries. Last year, the festival attracted an enthusiastic, diverse audience representing every neighborhood in the borough. I have no doubt we'll do it again this year."

This year the BIFF has received 1,563 submissions from 73 countries. Since its conception in 1997, the festival has grown exponentially each year. The seemingly rapid growth of the festival has not caused a diversion from its mission in the slightest. "BIFF is the liaison between the filmmakers and the audiences, films and distribution companies, media and sponsors. In all of the elements we have proven to be a natural bridge, "said Ursino."The festival is founded on the simple basis of good taste, international curiosity, and respect for the natural progression of the independent film industry. We operate on a platform that is attractive to both the market and the art world".

Although BIFF's main program takes place April 28-May 4 at BMA, BIFF is giving a sneak peak at its film library as part of BMA's "First Saturdays" program - free to the public. BIFF also plans to showcase films in more of Brooklyn's neighborhoods as part of a "Best of Fest" tour this summer and fall. "We want to share our films and vision with our community as well as put Brooklyn on the map for its cultural prowess locally, nationally and internationally," says Ursino.

CONTACT:
Matt Heindl - press08

wbff.org
Tel.: 718-388-4306 - Fax: 718-599-5039

printable version

2008 FILMS VENUES EVENTS PRESS SPONSORS SUBMIT SEARCH INDUSTRY