International Black Film Festival Line-Up

IBFFN announces details of this year’s events..

The highly anticipated International Black Film Festival of Nashville (IBFFN) has the city all a buzz. This past weekend they along with the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce honored legends in film, Melvin and Mario Van Peebles. The private reception was a true hit with 200 guests and surprise visit by celebrity actor Michael Clarke Duncan, best known for his starring role in the hit movie “The Green Mile” as John Coffey (1999).

IBFFN officially commences on Wednesday, September 30th and ends on Sunday, October 4th. The new festival host site will is the breathtaking Opryland Hotel and Convention Center and Regal Cinemas at Opry Mills. IBFFN has served many inspiring filmmakers by providing them with a venue to showcase their work and access to industry executives that help take their projects to the next level. With an estimated 2000 participants in 2008, the festival’s is gaining tremendous momentum and exposure as Nashville becomes the springboard for ideas, execution, showcase and distribution.

Filmmakers, industry enthusiasts, and movie-goers alike from around the globe will network and celebrate for four full days of exclusive feature and independent films, workshops, networking events and access to industry VIP’s. The wildly popular “Fast Pitch Session” where filmmakers have the opportunity to pitch their projects, in person, to top industry executives returns in the festival line- up for a second time. Nashvillian and Tennessee State University graduate, Alvin Moore, received a major DVD distribution deal from One Village Entertainment at the 2008 festival, for his popular stage play “A Mother’s Prayer” with release in stores scheduled for early fall. This will be Moore’s directorial debut, as he also stars in the production with a celebrity cast; Actress Robin Givens, R&B sensation Johnny Gil and R&B and Gospel Artist Shirley Murdock. “A Mother’s Prayer” will be premiere at the festival as the center piece film before its official release.

“We have a responsibility to create positive and accurate imagery in all that we do, as it will leave a defined blue-print for future generations, especially in the area of cinematic arts” says Debbie Allen, Honorary Co-Chair of IBFFN. “The stories we leave– our story, from a true and real perspective will be one of the most valuable gifts for all people, from one generation to the next.”

While plans for the festival are being updated daily, this year will highlight the exciting fusion of music and film with some of the foremost film and music industry experts and celebrities.

“From the makeup artist, the grip, to the director and starring actress, our goal is to provide relevant information and opportunity to everyone” says Hazel Joyner-Smith, IBFFN Executive Director. “Our team is excited and geared up to make this a memorable time for the Nashville Community and our global audience. “

The festival is made possible in part with the continued support of Delta Airlines, The Film House, The Documentary Channel, HCA, The Cultural Services of the French Embassy, One Village Entertainment, the Africa Channel, The Tennessee Arts Commission, The TN Film, Entertainment and Music Commission and The Screen Actors Guild. IBFFN would like to welcome their growing list of new sponsors, Gaylord Entertainment, Inc., Regal Cinemas, Comcast, TV One, Broadway Video, B-Side, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce. With the support of our corporate partners, the community and its leadership the International Black Film Festival of Nashville is on course to becoming one of the top festivals in the country.

Over the next few weeks please expect updates, highlights and exciting announcements. If you would like to setup an interview, obtain media credentials, and/or request information in regards to the bios, photos, and film synopsis, please contact Jessica Johnson at (615) 417-8306 or via email at sshanklin@vippcommunications.comor Sherlene Shanklin at (502) 295-0435 or via e-mail at jessica@ibffnasvhille.com.

Please check out our new website for up to the minute updates and information about the International Film Festival of Nashville at: www.ibffnashville.com.