Toronto Film Festival Dailies

Monday, September 10----------HONEYDRIPPER, the latest film from indie icon John Sayles that is having its world premiere this evening in Toronto, will be the Opening Night Film of Independent Film Week, the annual celebration of American Independent Cinema sponsored by the Independent Feature Project (IFP). The jam-packed event includes the public FILMMAKER CONFERENCE, featuring a host of fun and informative panels and screenings; the prestigious 29th IFP MARKET for industry professionals; and the IFP AWARDS LUNCHEON.

HONEYDRIPPER features an all-star cast including Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Stacy Keach, Mary Steenburgen, Yaya DaCosta and Sean Patrick Thomas, with a major new talent, Gary Clark Jr. making an impressive film debut. Set in rural Alabama in 1950, the film tells the story of the owner of local juke joint The Honeydripper Lounge, who is desperate to bring in the crowds into his quickly declining club. When his efforts to get a famous electric guitar player to come to the club goes awry, he hatches a last ditch scheme to have a young runaway who claims he can play the new rock-n-roll be the evening's headliner. The film charts the origins of rock-n-roll as it moved from its rythym and blues black roots to a more mainstream acceptance. The film features dynamic musical performances and an authentic feeling of the pre-integration South. The screening will be followed by a reception celebrating the 15th anniversary of FILMMAKER Magazine, one of the leading film publications covering the world of independent film.

For more information on the IFP and Independent Film Week programs, visit: www.ifp.org

Sandy Mandelberger, Toronto FF Dailies Editor