Editor

For the very first time, CineFest will kick-off on tomorrow night (Thursday, April 7) with TWO opening night films: Exporting Raymond, and for the late-night crowd, The Catechism Cataclysm.

Exporting Raymond is a hilarious documentary about Phillip Rosenthal, creator of the hit TV show "Everybody Loves Raymond" and his calamitous adventures when he goes to Russia to work on their version of the popular show. With a small film crew in hand, Phil - encouraged by the success of such Russian versions of "The Nanny" and "Married with Children" - heads off to Moscow. What then unfolds is his hilarious fish out of water journey to a world very different than glitzy and efficient Hollywood.

The film will make its East Coast Premiere at CineFest, 6:30pm at the Ritz East, with Phillip Rosenthal in attendance.

Fresh off its premiere at Sundance, The Catechism Cataclysm is the second feature from Todd Rohal, named by Filmmaker Magazine as one of the "25 new faces of independent cinema. The Catechism Cataclysm tells the story of Father Billy ("Eastbound & Down's" Steve Little), a young priest who has lost interest in the church and decides to take a sabbatical. He tracks down his high-school friend Robbie (Robert Longstreet) who begrudgingly agrees to a canoe trip. On the water, the two men reminisce about Billy's days as the keyboardist in a Christian band and Robbie's as a guitarist for a metal band. When night approaches, they realize they have lost their way - and that's when things get weird.

With stars Steve Little and Robert Longstreet, director Todd Rohal and producer Megan Griffiths in attendance, the film will make its East Coast Premiere at CineFest, 9:00pm at the Ritz East.

Following the opening night double feature, festival goers will celebrate the start of CineFest 2011 with an evening under the stars at the marvelous Independence Visitor Center. With breathtaking views from the Liberty View Ballroom and Terrace on the historic Independence Mall, from 9:30pm-1:00am attendees will dance and celebrate the night away with a live deejay while enjoying the generously stocked bar provided by Blue Coat Gin, Smirnoff Vodka, Barefoot Wine and Smart Water. Discount voucher parking will be available for the underground lot at the Independence Visitors Center.

Combination Ticket (film and party): $35 public/$30 PCA & PSF Members. Party only: $25 Public/$20 PCA & PFS Members./ 21+.

SHORT FILMS ADDED!

Cinefest is pleased to present 3 short films from local film makers. Hockey Mom - Directed by Adam Scheiner - screening before Score: A Hockey Musical - Saturday, April 9, 2:15 PM and Monday, April 11, 2:45 PM at the Ritz East;  Folie Imposée - Directed By Louis Mansfield - screening before Cold Fish - Saturday, April 9, 2:15 PM and Monday, April 11, 2:45 PM at the Ritz East; and Beating Hearts - Directed by Matthew Garrett. - Screening before Womb - Sunday, April 10, 7:30 PM at the Ritz East. Come experience the passion of Philadelphian Film Makers! Visit  http://www.phillycinefest.com/ for more information!

TICKETS

CineFest screening locations include the Ritz East One and Two, the Painted Bride and the legendary Trocadero.

Avoid sellouts by planning your festival schedule ahead of time and purchase tickets early - or better yet, buy a badge! To check for screening updates and ticketing availability, call the Festival Hotline at 267.765.9700 ext. 3 to speak to a service representative. Tickets are also on sale at www.phillycinefest.com and at all Philadelphia area TLA Video stores (11:00am-10:00pm).

SHARE THE CINEFEST NEWSLINES WITH A FRIEND!

Screening information, celebrity guest updates, VIP event and party details - why keep all this knowledge to yourself? It's only fair to share these daily newslines with your family, friends, co-workers and the like. Have your favorite folks send an email to Eric Moore - emoore@tlavideo.com -  to sign up to receive the daily newslines. CineFest Newslines are a great way to navigate the festival's films and events, and stay in the loop with celebrity guests and sightings with our daily recaps. You can't be the only insider - let your friends get some VIP treatment too!

CineFest 2011  is made possible thanks to the generous support of dozens of sponsors.
Presenting Sponsors: Philadelphia Cinema Alliance, TLA Video, Visual Sound, Scrapple TV.
Official Sponsors: Positano Coast, DIVE, State of Pennsylvania, Wells Fargo, Pennsylvania Film Office, Pennsylvania Festivals.
Patron Sponsors: FilmThreat, PIFVA, TD Bank, The Trocadero, Opa, North Bowl.
In-Kind Sponsors: Bluecoat Gin, Glaceau/Smart Water/Vitamin Water Zero, independence Visitors Center, Barefoot Wine & Bubbles, Mexican Post, Smirnoff, National Mechanics, Triumph Brewery Company, The Legal Intelligencer, The Prime Rib, Stan Gym, 24/7 Comedy Radio, Lovash Restaurant.
Industry Sponsors: Sony Pictures Classics, Magnolia Pictures, Samuel Goldwyne, Screen Media Films, Mage Works Productions, Indomina Productions, Terry Hines & Associates, The Promotions Group Corporation, IFC Midnight, Allied Advertising.
Community Sponsors: French-American Cultural Foundation, Bryn Mawr Film Institute, Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival, Arden Theatre Company, The Philadelphia Film Society, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, City of Hope, Relache.