STONE OF DESTINY, the latest film from actor-turned-director Charles Martin Smith, will open the 2009 edition of the Palm Beach International Film Festival on Thursday, 23 April. The film, a US/Scottish co-production, retells the fascinating and true story of four young Glaswegian students who, in 1951, outwitted the British authorities in their successful attempt to take back the Stone of Scone - a beloved symbol of Scottish pride. The adventure comedy stars Robert Carlyle (TRAINSPOTTING), Peter Mullan (BOY-A) and Brenda Fricker (MY LEFT FOOT).

Director Smith won a fistful of international awards for his debut feature THE SNOW WALKER in 2003, after a prolific career as an actor in such well known films as AMERICAN GRAFFITI and THE UNTOUCHABLES. For his work on STONE OF DESTINY, the writer/director was nominated for a Scottish BAFTA Award, with the film winning the Audience Award at the Victoria International Film Festival earlier this year. The film had its world premiere at the Edinburgh Film Festival and was featured at a host of international events, including the Toronto Film Festival. The Palm Beach International Film Festival is fast emerging as a major showcase of American and international cinema with a reputation for enthusiastic audiences and welcoming hospitality for its visiting filmmakers. For more information on this year’s event, visit: www.pbifilmfest.com.

Sandy Mandelberger, Festival Online Dailies Editor