Starting on Thursday and continuing through the weekend, the Connecticut Film Festival is presenting a dizzying schedule of workshops and master classes in the areas of film education and digital/new media production. Aimed at both professionals in the field and rank amateurs, the intensives cover everything from new production techniques to innovative fundraising to the changing climate of film distribution. A special focus will be on screenwriting, with master classes taught by several veterans from the worlds of feature films and television.

"We've brought in an amazing group of industry leaders to share their knowledge and experience with local residents and visiting filmmakers", Marty Lang, the Festival's Education Coordinator stated. "This is like taking a film school course at a fraction of the cost and in a concentrated weekend."

Digital and new media is a strong focus of the program, showing fledgling filmmakers and experienced visual artists alike the new production and promotion tools that can help them do everything from find work to promote their latest projects through savvy social networking.

"We are looking to capitalize on the talents that already live in Connecticut and enlighten them about the tools that are readily available for them to create their projects and pursue their dreams", CTFF Executive Director Tom Carruthers said. "It is not just about Hollywood and New York anymore......creative talents everywhere now have the possibility of breaking through."

For a complete list of the Film Education and Digital/New Media programs at this year's Festival, visit: www.ctfilmfest.com

Sandy Mandelberger, Film Connecticut Editor