The 4th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF), South Carolina’s premiere event for independent filmmakers and film enthusiasts, would like to announce and congratulate its 2011 Official Selections! This year’s schedule of over 70 films from 9 countries was too much to contain to one venue.  

That’s right, the Charleston International Film Festival has grown to three venues with:

·      The vintage American Theater on King St. serving as the hub where the majority of the films will be shown

·     Cinebarre, voted Charleston’s best theater in 2011

·      The sizable and scenic Hippodrome will be hosting the very cool, locally produced film ANGEL CAMOUFLAGED by director Michael Givens on Saturday May 21st with an exciting soon-to-be-announced after event to follow. 

Most of the films showing in this year’s festival are from the U.S. with an exhilarating 20+ from filmmakers in the southeast region and the Lowcountry.  The official selections represent the pinnacle of independent filmmaking talent from around the world and range in categories from features, shorts, documentaries, and animations of all genres and can be found with story details and pictures, as well as this year’s screenplay finalists, at the Charleston International Film Festival's official webiste. 

 The spectacular Opening Night events will kick off on May 18th at 7 PM at the American Theater with:

·      The locally-made music video ROOFTOP, starring local musician Emily Hearn & local celeb Bill Murray, directed by Brad Jayne

·      Followed by the short film TWO FRIENDLY GHOSTS by UK filmmaker Parker Ellerman

·      And the feature film ALLEGED by director Tom Hines, a romantic drama based on events occurring behind the scenes and outside the courtroom of the famous Scopes "Monkey Trial" of 1925. 

Several films in this year’s festival are premieres or sneak previews and all films will be screened in blocks consisting of two or more films.  Attendees will also have the rare opportunity to meet and greet the filmmakers, directors, producers, actors and writers.

In addition to the film and screenplay competitions, there will be workshops and panel discussions with industry professionals.  More details on that to follow.  And along with excellent films and educational workshops, this year’s festival will also host the not-to-be-missed nightly after-parties, and will culminate on the fifth and final night at the Awards Gala to recognize the very best of filmmaking and writing displayed during the competition.

Tickets are available online at www.CharlestonIFF.com or by contacting the Charleston International Film Festival office at (843) 817-1617.  Price per screening block is $10.00, but special promotions and giveaways will be done through Charleston International Film Festival’s Facebook & Twitter pages. Festival passes are available good for access to all screenings, panels and parties (excluding the awards dinner) for $99.

About Charleston International Film Festival

Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission to educate, entertain, and inspire through the art and science of film. Co-founded in 2007, by film producer Summer Spooner Peacher and Charleston native Brian Peacher, the festival showcases over 70 short films, features and documentaries from around the world.  Attendees gather for five days May 18-22, 2011 to attend premieres, panels, special events and the Annual Awards Gala.  2011 Sponsors include: Stolichnaya Vodka, Cinebarre, The ArtInstitute of Charleston, Hendrick’s Gin, Milagro Tequila, Sailor Jerry Rum, PDA, Charleston Magazine, Rick Hendrick BMW, Blonde Bombshell Wine, Palmetto Brewery, Big Red Monster Wine, Renaissart, GameStop, Star, LLC, Bowen’s Island,OnlineWaterProducts.com and the SC Film Commission.