New York, NY (November 7, 2005) – The Second Annual International Film Festival Summit
(IFFS) ( www.filmfestivalsummit.com ) will take place December 5-6, 2005 in New York City.

The Second Annual IFFS will present two days of panel discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions addressing the most pressing issues facing the film festival industry. Topics addressed include festival funding, revenue models, capitalizing on technology, measuring the economic impact of festivals, selling sponsorships, festival programming, acquisitions, and distribution.

“After the launch of the IFFS three years ago, the feedback we have received on the importance of an event like IFFS is invaluable” said Todd Brockman, Chairman of the IFFS.

The IFFS will bring together film festival professionals from around the globe. Participants include Seattle International Film Festival, Newport International Film Festival, GenArt, Variety, Screen International, Austin Film Festival, AFI FEST Presented by Audi, Eastman Kodak Company, Samsung, Tribeca Film Festival, Hamptons Film Festival, Octagon Worldwide, The Creative Coalition, Universal Pictures, Philadelphia Film Society, Porchlight Entertainment, FileMaker, Right Angle Studios, Cardiff Screen Festival, and the Avignon Film Festival.

The featured keynote will be delivered by Christian Gaines, Director of AFI FEST Presented by Audi. Mr. Gaines will share his perspective on the robust growth of a now established segment of the film industry, and he will offer his vision on what film festivals can do to sustain that growth.

“An occasion where film festival organizers can gather, share ideas and help each other to see and shape the future of this growing industry segment is sorely needed and warmly welcomed. This is simply the best way for film festivals to first recognize and then set the standards that will best serve filmmakers and audiences” said Christian Gaines, Director of AFI FEST.

“The IFFS will provide a platform for industry professionals to collaborate, network, share ideas, and walk away with knowledge where they can realize immediate results” said Waco Hoover, Managing Director of the IFFS.

A featured panel will be hosted by the Creative Coalition entitled “The Politics of Giving and Getting”. It will be followed by the opening party, sponsored by Samsung, at the Time Warner Building.

About International Film Festival Summit (IFFS)
The International Film Festival Summit is the largest gathering of professionals from the film festival industry. The IFFS is a place to dialogue with your peers, share insights and gain knowledge that will help you grow your film festival and keep it thriving or help understand the value of festival sponsorship opportunities and the impact on economic growth in communities. The IFFS is dedicated to providing resources, information and avenues of communication for industry professionals, vendors, & anyone committed to the Film Festival Industry.

SOURCE: International Film Festival Summit New York City