FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Philadelphia, PA) - The 2nd Annual Philadelphia Independent Film Festival returns to Northern Liberties for another year of cinematic magic, Thursday, June 25- Sunday, June 28, 2009. This four-day event will showcase the work of filmmakers from around the region and the globe, and feature an incredible range of round table discussions, panels, and meet & greets.

Coming as it does at the end of June; the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival has a distinct advantage in differentiating itself by focusing solely on independent film making, minus the marquee names and niche programming. The festival makes use of non-typical venues, all within walking distance, such as a sound stage, skate shop, brewery, cafes and outdoor arenas, to screen films within the artist community of Northern Liberties. “It has been very exciting to see the support that the NoLibs area has provided the festival.  Local businesses have been extremely enthusiastic about being a part of this year’s event providing donations, screening space, and special offers for our filmmaking community” Leilani Goode, Festival Co-Director.

“Piff 2009 is an exciting summer event that spotlights Philadelphia as the place to see Independent Film. Our film community as a lot of great talent and it’s our honor to bring attention and introduce the international film communities to their next project, crew, director, producer and location shoot. We are grateful for the support Piff has received from the City, Film Office, Businesses, and our neighbors.” Steven Greenbaum, Festival Co-Director

This annual festival provides a global and local cultural exchange that encompasses, recognizes and celebrates independent film making as a flourishing art form here in Philadelphia and around the world. This festival embraces independent film making at its core, made by individuals who have a hunger and passion for film making and art.

First introduced to Philadelphia in 2008, the concept for the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival was born out of the need to enable and enhance the innovative, collaborative, and revolutionary potential of successful film making. In its inaugural year, PIFF showcased 151 movies to an audience of 1500 in 7 nontraditional venues throughout the historic and thriving arts community of Northern Liberties. 51 world premieres were screened, with over 60 filmmakers in attendance - from Canada, Bulgaria, England Japan, Holland, and even Argentina. Screenings were supplemented by speakers, meet-and-greet sessions, roundtable discussions, blog events and creative development sessions.  

With more film submissions and more screens to showcase film this year, the competition the 2009 Jury award winners are heating up and the winners will be giving distribution through Piff’s partner, Invincible Pictures a distribution company located in Philadelphia.

FESTIVAL DETAILS*

EVENTS (to date)  
•    Opening Night - North Bowl, 909 N.2nd St./ 10:30 pm – 1:30 am  
•    Happy Hours - 700, Standard Tap, Ortliebs, Druids Keep, Wineos, Abbaye, North Bowl
•    Filmmaker Dinner with Academy Award Nominated director John Dilworth- Honeys Eat and Sit

SCREENING VENUES:
Arbol Café, 209 Poplar St
Dave & Buster's, 325 N Columbus Blvd
City Fitness, 200 Spring Garden St
Exit Skate Shop, 825 N. 2nd Street
Philadelphia Sound Stage, 1600 N. 5th St.
The Piazza at  Schmidt’s, 969 N. 2nd St.
Yards Brewery, 901 N. Delaware Ave.
Video Smith, 200 Spring Garden St
941 Theatre, 941 N. Front St.


*Further festival details will be released in the coming weeks.


PARTNERS & SPONSORS
Sponsors: PSAV, Arbol Cafe, Exit Skate Shop, Philadelphia Soundstage, Yards Brewery, Tower Investments Piazza at Schmidt’s, Dave& Buster's, VideoSmith, City Fitness, 941 Theatre, , Invincible Pictures, Brownstone PR, Star Newspapers, Liberties Parcel, Now 97.5 Radio, Philadelphia Weekly Arcadia Boutique, North Bowl, UpcomingEvents.com, Honeys Eat & Sit, GPTMC, PCVB, El Camino Real, Abbaye, Rita's Water Ice, Two One Five Magazine, Jack's Firehouse, Peregrine Arts, Harry Litwack Productions, Philadelphia Gastroenterology, Mike Lemon Casting, Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Select Event Rentals/Main Line Party Rentals, Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, Sheraton Society Hill Hotel, Comfort Inn, Marriot Residence Inn, Brolik Productions, NLNA, NOLIBS, Reel Goode Productions, Philadelphia Film Market, Triumph Brewing Company, Plough & The Star, La Colombe Torrefaction, Huntington and Franklin Law Firm, Dessen, Moses & Rossitto Law Firm, Margate Bike Shop, Keswick Cycle, Laguinitas Brewing, PIFVA, Scribe Center, Rustica, Live Nation, Barefoot Wines, Whole Foods, Terry Hines & Assoc., Sony Classic Pictures, and Yelp.com.