Thursday, October 5----The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, officially listed in the Guiness Book of World Records as the longest film festival in the world, is coming of age this year. For its 21st birthday (the same age when residents of the state of Florida can legally drink hard liquor and go to nightclubs where alcohol is served), the Festival is pulling out all the stops, with a program of peerless cinematic delights, special events, VIP guests and other celebrations that will make it one of the Festival highlights of the Fall season.

Founded and still led by the indomitable Gregory Von Hausch, with programming support by Bonnie Leigh Adams and administration by former Palm Beach Film Festival topper Hal Axler, the Festival has announced an ambitious program of 200 films, including 9 World Premieres, 2 North American Premieres, 16 US Premieres, 3 Southeast Premieres and 72 Florida Premieres.

Gregory von Hausch and Bonnie Leigh Adams

With screenings held at the Festival's own year-round cinematheque, the well respected Cinema Paradiso, and other venues in and around South Florida, this year will be a unique celebration of independent and international cinema, for which the Festival has a reputation as one of the most important launching pads in the nation.

This year, International Media Resources and Fest21.com will be providing Online Dailies coverage of the event, including film coverage, directors' interviews, photos and video streaming of the Festival's legendary late night parties and special events. Stay tuned.

Sandy Mandelberger
Festivals Editor