The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) has announced the line up of films

The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival (NYIIFVF) has announced the line up of films, parties, and red carpet premieres. The eight-day extravaganza will run from February 28 - March 6 2008, all over Manhattan and will showcase a record number of international features, shorts, documentaries and animations from all over the globe. The opening night kick-off party will take place at China Club (268 W47th Street) on February 28th from 6-10pm. Festival screenings begin on Feb 29th at City Cinemas Village East (181 2nd Avenue at 12th Street) and The ImaginAsian Center (239 E59th Street).

In keeping with NYIIFVF's unique and successful formula of 15 years, over 250 eclectic films will be screened, covering every topic and country imaginable. Genres include, world cinema, art house, comedy, romance, drama, action, thriller, horror, gangster, noir, experimental, animation, mockumentaries, docu-dramas as well as a compelling slate of top notch documentaries. Over 50 countries will be represented including Ireland, the U.K., Germany, Spain, Canada, Burkina Faso, Egypt, Nigeria, Kosovo, Austria, Israel, Azerbaijan, Finland, Japan, Kuala Lumpur, Colombia, Serbia, The Philippines, Tajikistan and all over the U.S.

NYIIFVF's founder and executive producer, Stuart Alson commented, "Our goal is to give independent filmmakers an invaluable opportunity to showcase their films, meet members of the film industry, possibly win awards and give New Yorkers a chance to see a wide range of the latest movies on the indie circuit. I am particularly delighted with our international category, which has attracted a record number of well-made films. Some real gems will be discovered at this year's event. The internationalization of the festival is something I am really proud of. "

HIGHLIGHTS:

FIGHTING WITH ANGER

Starring Academy Award-winning country music legend Willie Nelson.

Ray, convincingly played by Kelli Fleming, is a young, beautiful and deadly assassin. Will (Nelson) is an aging, but very experienced hit man who acquires a peculiar interest in Ray after he assigns her to a new series of jobs. Their stories intertwine through the mysterious antique trade of the Korean government and the world of a paid assassin. When Ray's last assignment goes terribly wrong and an innocent woman is killed, she is faced with the pain of her past and a new nemesis that emerges from the shadows.

*Directed by Sam Um, 90min. Non-stop Martial Arts/Action, U.S.

LIME SALTED LOVE

Starring Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3, The L Word), Kate del Castillo (Trade, Bordertown), Jason Brooks (Days of Our Lives, Baywatch Hawaii) Billy Drago (The Hills Have Eyes, The Untouchables, Charmed).

This minimalist, surreal and visual examination of abandonment, guilt, abuse and psychic pain is set in the hipster enclaves of Los Angeles. The film, told in rippling flashbacks from its four main characters, flows out of the eyes of the institutionally confined,

*Directed by Danielle Agnello and Joe Halli, 86 min. Art house, U.S.

JOURNAL OF A CONTRACT KILLER

Stephanie Komack was a high-class hooker and assassin for the Italian Mob. Now working in London as a waitress, and single mother to her seven year old daughter, the Mob tracks Stephanie down and persuades her to do one last job. The hit goes wrong and Stephanie soon realizes the stark reality of her failure. They snatch her daughter as punishment, but didn't figure on Stephanie's capacity for revenge! Inspired by true events, JOURNAL OF A CONTRACT KILLER is the gripping story of a woman driven to turn on her paymasters with devastating consequences.

*Directed by Tony Maylam, 91min. Thriller, U.K.

THE FLIGHT OF THE EARLS/IMEACHT NA NIARLAI

Featuring Oscar-nominated Irish actor Stephen Rea (The Crying Game, V for Vendetta).

Documentary-drama about Hugh O Neill (Rea), the Earl of Tyrone, who traveled to Europe in 1607 with the cream of Ireland's political leaders to seek aid to regain his lands in Ulster. Also features Daniel Rea as the young Hugh O Neill. Shot in Ireland, Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy.

*Directed by Paul Larkin, 53min. Historical Docu-drama, Ireland

BYRD, THE LIFE & TRAGIC DEATH OF JAMES BYRD, JR.

Featuring Academy award-winner Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking, Thelma and Louise)

The story follows the life of James Byrd, Jr. who was brutally chained and dragged to death by three white men in Jasper, Texas 10 years ago. Documentary includes personal interviews with the children of James Byrd, Jr. as well as his friends, classmates and pastors in Jasper, Texas. Legendary civil rights activist Dick Gregory and Martin Luther King III appear in the film while Susan Sarandon, Sister Helen Prejean, and college students from around the world offer commentary on his legacy.

*Directed by Eric Brown and Ricky Jason, 38min. Civil Rights Documentary, U.S.

MOEBIUS REDUX - A LIFE IN PICTURES

Stunning HD trip that takes viewers inside the visionary mind of legendary French comic book artist Jean Giraud, best known as Moebius. Building on Giraud's compelling pictorial language and featuring a stellar cast of participants including Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, American comic book artists Jim Lee (X-Men) and Mike Mignola (Hellboy) as well as Alejandro Jodorowsky.

*Directed by Edda Baumann-von Broen, 70min, Documentary, France

DOWN THE BARREL

Featuring world champion surfer Kelly Slater (Surf's Up)

A present tense look at the sport of surfing. Four influential voices of the sport - Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Kalani Robb and Joel Parkinson explain how and why.

*Directed by Steven Lawrence, 93min. Sports Documentary, U.S.

MEET MARY PLEASANT

Narrated by 2008 SAG winner and renowned actress Ruby Dee (Roots, American Gangster).

This award-winning documentary reveals the daring story and impact of 19th-century African-American activist-pioneer. Mary Ellen Pleasant, now known as the Mother of Civil Rights in California. Using new research, a live one-woman performance based on Pleasant's own words, re-enactments, montage, period music and photos, and scholarly commentary, Bibbs uniquely brings Pleasant's story and achievements to life while revealing, for the first time, how Pleasant's great court battle changed modern-day civil rights law.

*Directed by Susheel Bibbs, 57min. Historical/Educational Documentary U.S.

HAPPY VALLEY - Starring Bart Johnson (High School Musical)

Doug (Johnson), a therapist at a small town chronic care facility, has an unusual attachment to one of his patients. When confronted with permanent separation, his obsession intensifies and leads to the unearthing of a devastating secret from his childhood that he as carried with him for decades.

*Directed by Tina Murgas, 88 min, Drama, U.S.

EAGLE TALON THE MOVIE - THE CHANCELLOR ONLY LIVES TWICE

Groundbreaking film that utilizes mainly Flash animation in Japan. FROGMAN, the king of tongue-in-cheek humor of the late night Japanese TV, attacks the whole entertainment industry with a nonsense comedy with a secret society whose silly conspiracy is never to come real. The film opens with a spoofed sequence from the world famous cyber-punk animation, which is actually rendered by the same 3D animator.

*Directed by Frogman, Flash Animation/Comedy, Japan

CHASIN' GUS' GHOST

Featuring John Sebastian (The Lovin Spoonful) and Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead).

Stellar music documentary that chronicles Jug Band Music from the 1920s to musicians such as the Grateful Dead, the Lovin' Spoonful through its present revival in Japan and the United States.

*Directed by Todd Kwait, 97 min. Documentary, U.S.

INTROSPECTIVE

In the second half of the 90's, The Wire magazine coined a controversial concept: post-rock. The term was used to define the music of some bands that didn't fit in any genre predetermined by the industry and market.

*Directed by Aram Garriga, 70min. Music Documentary, U.K.

A confirmed program of events as well as information on films, red carpet premieres and talent attending will be forthcoming. For all interview and review requests, please contact Briege McGarrity at (917) 783-4042 or via email at BMcGarrityPR@aol.com.

Media credentials can be obtained by faxing a request to 702-361-6309 on company letterhead no later than February 15th 2008. A Press Credential form is also available in the press room section of www.nyfilmvideo.com.

Single tickets are priced at $12 can be purchased through ticketweb at www.nyfilmvideo.com. Package tickets and all-access passes will also be available.

Keep visiting www.nyfilmvideo.com for all festival updates.

Official sponsors for the 2008 festival include global leader in electronics Samsung, dynamic distribution company ITN Distribution, Inc and Filmon.com, a popular new media website for downloading independent films.