The more than 70 films shown at the fest was a lesson in indie film marketing, from the 15 people attending the world premiere of Loose Women, to The Adventures of Repo Man, starring Tony Curtis, who received the fest's Lifetime Achievement Award. 'I've made more than 110 films but I didn't play the PR game so my bout with drugs and drink caused a gap in films,' the actor told Moving Pictures. 'With Repo Man, where I play an actor trying for a comeback, and currently shooting for Alexander Rockwell's Louis and Frank, where I play a Broadway agent, I myself am returning to what I do best - playing roles where I can wear my own clothes.'

The festival opened with Scott Hicks' Shine, which was also rewarded most prizes, winning the Audience Award, Best Film and Best Actor for Noah Taylor who attended the event. Concluding film was Kevin Spacey's directorial debut, Albino Alligator.

Other winners included Best Director Lars von Trier, Best Actress Emily Watson (both for Breaking The Waves); Best Foreign Film Sicario by Jose Novoa; Best Independent US Film Sex and The Other Man by Karl Sloven; and Best Production Gentle Into The Night by Massimo Cristaldi.

At the end of the event, fest topper Gregory von Hausch confirmed that admissions were up again to 58,000 from 50,000 last year. Janet Fine