Connecticut Film Festival Debuts In October; Independent Films To Be Shown In Cities Across The State -Six Day Festival Is October 3-8, 2006

BETHEL, CT (August 11, 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, 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 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 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.

Making its debut in October 2006, the Connecticut Film Festival was established to create a lasting cultural tradition for the state by celebrating the art of filmmaking by bringing independent and international film to the area.

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 www.CTfilmfest.com.

~~*~~
SUBMISSIONS are being accepted through AUGUST 31 for the Connecticut Film Festival through www.WithoutABox.com.

~~*~~
CONTACT: Tom Carruthers ~ Connecticut Film Festival ~ TWCarruthers-AT-cs.com ~ 800 655 0900 ~ www.CTfilmfest.com

~~*~~
PUBLIC RELATIONS: Liz Morgan ~ Public Relations and Special Events ~ 4070 Herschel Street Suite 5 Jacksonville ~ FL 32210 ~ 904-388-1650,ext. 15~Office 904-388-5109~Fax 904-608-3823~Mobile 866-375-1650(Toll Free).