From Washington, DC to Paris to London,
DCIFF showcases young, hot filmmakers in a
new summer series “New Directors, New Visions”

 (Washington, DC, June 10, 2005) – The Washington, DC Independent Film Festival (www.dciff.org ) announces its new Summer Series event, New Directors, New Visions, which will be launched at the American Film Institute/Silver on July 7^th and will be followed by a 2 week engagement (July 8^th -21^st) at the Cinema Arts in Fairfax, Virginia.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to reach out to young filmmakers and enthusiasts alike,” states Carol Bidault, DCIFF Executive Director and Founder. “We felt that we needed to continue our work throughout the year and to expand our reach to young audiences that live outside of DC.” She continues, “We hope that with this traveling festival, we can not only get audiences excited about independent films, but provide a unique opportunity for young local filmmakers to show their work at our ‘Open Screen’.  In September we will be going to Paris and London with this series”.

Starting July 8^th at the Cinema Arts, audiences will be able to attend moderated film sessions including: a session on a renown independent film by directors such as Coppola, Lynch, and Sayles; an “Open Screen” similar to an open mic where any local filmmaker from 16 years and up can showcase up to 10 minutes of the film to the audience and have immediate feedback; present panel discussions on film related subjects from editing software, to how to submit your films to festivals, to music in film; and our ‘piece de resistance”, the New Directors, New Visions showcase where local filmmakers such as, Tom Putnam’s Sundance film “Broadcast 23”; Keith Carter’s hilarious animation “Captain Amazing Lad”; Kevin Nibley’s funny short “Bert Prentice, CEO”; Andrew Silverstein’s clever” Skim Milk & 1 Sugar”; and a world premiere of the feature film “Trip Out” by Virginia filmmaker, James Hausler.

After the run in Virginia, the series will continue in Paris and London. “Having the opportunity to show talented young filmmakers both at home and abroad, is a dream come true,” beams Bidault. “Some of our films will resonate even more with European audiences that have a tradition of appreciating these personal stories.” “We look forward to sharing this experience with our filmmakers”.

“Our mission is to celebrate and educate with the classic independent showcase; provide opportunity to local filmmakers with the ‘Open Screen’ and ‘New Directors, New Visions’ session”. “Our goal with this series” adds Carol Bidault, “is to inspire young filmmakers to ‘just go out and do it’ and encourage the community to support local filmmakers.”

Who:              Washington, DC Independent Film Festival’s Summer Series
When:             July 7^th – 21^st
Where:             July 7^th / World Premiere at the AFI Silver
                         July 8 – 21 / Cinema Arts (9650 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia)