The Brooklyn International Film Festival (BiFF) officially opened at the Brooklyn Museum on Friday evening.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz introduced the event by speaking about the importance of Brooklyn in relation to the other 5 burroughs. Markowitz highlited Brooklyn's central location as one of the main draws to the event.

He told Manhattanites, "Welcome to the big time!"

This festival's friendly and laid-back tone distinguishes it from some of the other more notable film festivals. They provided gift bags for everyone (which you can see in one of the photos).

BiFF captures filmmakers at an early point in their career, predominately at the 1st or 2nd film stage and nurtures their work. "BiFF's mission is to discover, expose, and promote independent filmmakers and draw worldwide attention to Brooklyn as a center for the arts", says Marco Ursino, BiFF's director and founder. "With over 150 films from all continents, BiFF aims to enhance both the cultural diversity and the alternative thinking of the 190 ethnic groups that live and work in Brooklyn".

There will be a "drive-in" on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, in which you
can sit in provided cars in a special parking lot and watch some selected films.

All photos by Lisa Whiteman. (c) 2005 independentfilm.com