Friday, March 16----The 10th edition of the Bermuda International Film Festival opens this evening, with a series of film premieres, including screenings of  Paul Verhoeven's World War II epic BLACK BOOK, the Mexican drama THE VIOLIN (which just won the Grand Jury Prize at last week's Miami International Film Festival), the Cannes Film Festival Camera D'Or winner 12:08 EAST OF BUCHAREST, Bosnian director Jasmila Zbanic's acclaimed debut GRBAVICA: LAND OF MY DREAMS, and a special midnight screening of  SHORTBUS, director John Cameron Mitchell's eccentric and controversial sex-fest.

Festivities continue at the legendary  BIFF Launch Party, held at the BIFF Front Room at #6 Passenger Terminal on Front Street in Hamilton, the capital city of the island of Bermuda. Revelers will have a wondrous view of the bay and the marina, with music entertainment featuring Bermuda's most eclectic DJ ,  Jon Legere, spinning a mix of indie rock, dance beats and a few noises from outer space. The gala evening will also feature a live performance by Montreal urban legend  Andy Williams, known for his mix of jazz fusion, afro-beats and straight-out funk. The Launch Party is one of Bermuda's most anticipated cultural events of the season, and a great kick off to a 10 day marathon of film premieres, special events, information seminars and, yes, more parties. 

Sandy Mandelberger, Bermuda FF Online Dailies Editor