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Press ReleaseConnecticut Film Festival Debuts in October; Independent Films to Be Shown in Cities Across the StateSix-day festival is October 3-8, 2006BETHEL, Conn., Aug. 3, 2006 -- This fall, independent film lovers throughout Connecticut and its neighboring states will welcome the debut of the first statewide film festival. Tom Carruthers, former executive director of the Bethel Film Festival, confirmed today the debut of the Connecticut Film Festival to be held in multiple cities across the state October 3-8, 2006.Carruthers said that the Connecticut Film Festival is a natural outgrowth of the very successful Bethel Film Festival. "After Bethel Film Festival was so well-received, we've taken the proven concept to a statewide level," said Carruthers, executive director of the Connecticut Film Festival. "We are taking a template that works and casting a wider net." Carruthers said plans are in place to screen more than 100 independent films in Bantam, Bethel, New Haven, New Milford, Norwalk, Westport, Waterbury and Stamford. The multiple markets of the 2006 Connecticut Film Festival were specifically selected, and the two-year plan includes expansion into downtown Hartford, West Hartford, Mystic and New London. This year's event kicks off October 3 and 4 in multiple venues in Westport and Norwalk and continues in the additional cities beginning October 5. "I'm thrilled that we are creating a brand new arts experience for Connecticut, one that residents and visitors alike can look forward to each fall," said Carruthers. "It's like six festivals for the price of one. This event will bring us to new heights in arts and culture, and will also bring in tourism and will have a long-lasting positive economic impact on the region. We're excited to welcome our filmmakers, film-lovers and guests come October." The slate of films includes feature-length films, short films and documentaries. A number of films have already been locked in, including "Dare Not Walk Alone" (an award-winning documentary about the struggle for civil rights in St. Augustine) "jumping off bridges" (written and directed by Kat Candler and featuring Emmy winner Michael Emerson, currently starring as Henry Gale on ABC's Lost), "Car Stories," "The Gold Bracelet" and "The French Guy." Tickets go on sale September 1. Prices for parties and other events vary; please visit http://www.CTfilmfest.com for updates and details. "Whether it's your first festival or your fiftieth, a team of experienced film festival directors and arts and entertainment marketing experts designed this event for true film-lovers," said Carruthers. "From the screenings to the parties to the panels, it's tailored for cinema afficiandos." Submissions are being accepted through August 31 for the Connecticut Film Festival through http://www.WithoutABox.com. In addition to Carruthers, the Connecticut Film Festival has tapped Jean Tait as the festival's programmer. Tait programs the prestigious Jacksonville Film Festival, and her background includes programming for the Sundance Channel. The Connecticut Film Festival launch dovetails with the release of new tax credits for the production of digital media and motion pictures in Connecticut. The legislation calls for a tax credit equal to 30% of qualified digital media and motion picture production, preproduction and postproduction expenses incurred in the state that exceed $50,000. The statewide 2006 Connecticut Film Festival will ramp up over a two-year period. In 2006, the festival screenings and events with will reach out to three of the five CT Dept. of Culture and Tourism regions. In 2007 and 2008, the Connecticut Film Festival will expand by premiering in the New London and Mystic area as well as the downtown and surrounding suburbs of Hartford. For the latest films added to the line-up or for more information, log on to http://www.CTfilmfest.com. Contact: Liz Morgan, Liz Morgan PR 904-608-3823 or liz@lizmorganpr.com Tom Carruthers, Connecticut Film Festival 203-247-4273 |
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