Get MIFF'd...

Melbourne, FL - October 29th, 2005

Selections have been made for the 7th Annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival, MIFF 2005. Each year film fans, filmmakers and celebrities travel to Melbourne, Florida to see films with the enthusiastic Melbourne audience and this year is no exception. An energetic and enthusiastic supporter of independent filmmakers, MIFF is also a fundraiser that supports local charities with all its proceeds.

This year over 300 silms were submitted with 76 ultimately selected for showing. Films to be screened during the festival, held November 10th, 11th and 12th 2005 include 23 international films from countries including Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, Japan, Korea, and Singapore. Sixteen animated films will also be shown.

A number of feature films will be shown as part of the Modern Classics program, including "Chance" directed by Amber Benson and starring James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the delightful "Saving Star Wars" directed by Gary Wood, "Vlad" directed by Michael Sellers and starring Brad Dourif and Billy Zane, and a special screening "Karla", a controversial work-in-progress recently banned from festival showings in Canada, directed by Joel Bender and starring Laura Prepon (That 70's Show)

MIFF 2005 is particularly proud to present 28 films by Florida filmmakers this year. "We have so many great people who come out to help the MIFF," said Terry Cronin, program chairman, "and we're so happy to have celebrities like Jerri Manthey coming to help us this year." Manthey (Survivor-Outback, The Surreal Life) will be coming to the MIFF to support a special screening of her new film "Widowmaker". Other notable attendees include James Best (The Dukes of Hazzard), film distributor Mike Broder, director of the Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum Mike Daniel, and entertainment attorney William Whitacre (The Blair Witch Project, Bubba the Redneck Werewolf).

MIFF 2005 begins Thursday November 10th with a free outdoor showing of family-friendly films at Da Kine Diego's in Satellite Beach. On the evening of Friday November 11th the venue moves to Premiere Theaters Oaks Stadium 10 where two programs will run -The Modern Classics and the fun and ever-popular "Fright Night Friday".

A Saturday matinee at the Oaks features the Florida Expo, the International program and the Mafia Matinee. The matinee also features educational seminars and a chance to meet the filmmakers.

Saturday night is the VIP reception and screening at the Henegar Center for the Arts and features live entertainment with renowned musical duo "Robin & Eddy" and magician Scott Barhold. The reception also features cuisine from the finest local restaurants.

Cronin encourages everyone to come out for what surely will be MIFF's best year yet!