Editor

The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) proudly returns to Manhattan for eleven days of screenings, premieres, performances, panels and parties. The festivities kick off on November 11th at 7 p.m. with an opening night party at Club Spirit (530 West 27th Street) and runs through November 21st at the Village East Cinema (181 2nd Ave at 12th Street). The festival, which is now recognized as the largest event on the independent circuit, will showcase more than 350 features, shorts and documentaries from around the world.

NYIIFVF founder and executive producer Stuart Alson commented, "We are really excited about our line-up, which includes a slate of world premieres and independent films from all over the globe as well as a number of informative panels and after-parties at clubs around Manhattan. The festival represents a new wave of independent filmmakers and offers a unique opportunity for member of the film industry as well as delegates and attendees without the pretentiousness!"

Highlights in this year's fall event include, Picture This: Blondie and Debbie Harry: Documentary focusing on world-famous photographer Mick Rock as he shoots Debbie Harry (front woman for iconic punk/pop band Blondie). He shares their history through words and pictures of their relationship from the 70's to now. Documentary also includes a recent shoot with world-famous musician Michael Stipe (R.E.M.)

Making the Grade:Infatuated with her handsome teacher, a young student goes to extreme lengths to get what she wants. Dramatic short starring Tony Award winner Hugh Jackman (The Boy from Oz)

Hollywood Trash & Tinsel: A documentary about the making and marketing of the motion picture "Prey for Rock and Roll." Featuring Sopranos favorite Drea de Matteo and Shelly Cole ( Gilmore Girls )

Sleeping Dogs Lie: Excellent short about a Cincinnati native played by rock star musician Brad Wilk (Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine) who believes he's stumbled upon clues to a 30-year-old murder mystery in tiny Texas town. Along the way, he's haunted by phone calls from the victim. Also starring celebrated actor Ed Asner (Elf) and musician Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle).

What are the Odds: Offbeat, comedic short featuring a fortune cookie starring Steven R. Schirripa (Law & Order, The Sopranos) and Jon Abrahams ( Kids, Meet the Parents )

Freedom From Despair: Shocking documentary that reveals the true stories of the Croatian People's struggle to overcome oppression from communist Yugoslavia and the 1990's fight to save their war ravaged homeland. Narrated by John Savage (Summer of Sam) with voice-overs by Michael York (The Omega Code) and edgy Polish actress Beata Pozniak (The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones: Adventures in the Secret Service)

Worn Like a Tattoo: Dramatic short starring Kristanna Loken ( Terminator 3 ), Billy Drago ( The Untouchables ) and Sarah Rosenberg ( Foxfire )

Gums and Noses: This masterfully twisted South African satire asks very basic questions about creativity, drugs and corporate culture.

Pictocrime: Made in the style of an MTV video, PictoCrime blurs the boundary between live action and comic book fantasy when two brothers, Jerry and Larry, are caught up in a scheme to blackmail the devil out of his souls. PictoCrime leaps between chaotic events and double-crossing characters where everyone and everything leads to a priceless antique known as the "green."

In A Man's World: An emotional portrayal of survival, delivering a true insight into the unforgiving heart of the Scottish underworld.

Portraits of a Naked Lady Dancer: Visually stunning documentary by feminist Deborah Rowe depicting the struggles and realities of being a dancer in light of the current, more negative stereotypes. Quick-witted and smart, the documentary also shows that the all-women dancers are not afraid to poke fun at themselves!

NYIIFVF always attracts many global entries. Filmmakers will be attending from Australia, Baghdad, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Iceland, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and all over the US. The scope of the festival ranges from high profile to novice, so one experiences an array of films and individuals driven by independent movie making .

In addition to the film screenings and opening night networking party, NYIIFVF will also host post screening parties at a variety of premier locations all over the city. Daily panels will take place at the Village East from 10-11:30am. Topics include 'Leveraging media coverage for your film', 'From script to screen and 'Selling your independent film.