LOS ANGELES, March 23, 2007 – Withoutabox, the leading, worldwide online-media company dedicated to advancing independent film, will be honored with a Special Recognition Award at the 4th Annual San Fernando Valley International Film Festival. The award, to be presented during the Festival’s Gala Awards Dinner at Beverly Garland Hotel this Sunday, March 25th, recognizes Withoutabox’s unique contributions to the film festival industry.

“This award from the San Fernando Valley International Film Festival is a special distinction for us and one that we are very proud to accept,” said David Straus, co-founder and CEO of Withoutabox. “Festivals like San Fernando Valley serve as a valuable doorway to success for filmmakers and everyone at Withoutabox is delighted to be involved with this increasingly important event.”

“Withoutabox has a long-standing reputation in the film industry as an organization dedicated to advancing exposure for films, filmmakers and film festivals,” said Randy Salter, president of the San Fernando Valley International Film Festival. “From the International Film Submission System, to their social networking environment, Audience, and new tools for Scheduling, Ticketing and Judging, Withoutabox is one of the most innovative technology companies in the film space and this is why we at the San Fernando Valley International Film Festival have decided honor Withoutabox with this special recognition.”

This year’s Gala, themed “Lights, Camera, Animals!,” will also honor individuals dedicated to animal rights, including actress Betty White. Proceeds from the event will benefit the renowned animal rights organization Actors and Others for Animals, which strives to reshape public awareness of animals. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated for student filmmaker scholarships.

Scheduled from March 16th to 25th, the San Fernando Valley International Film Festival (VIFFI) was established in 2003 to promote and encourage the endeavors of the international creative community in all genres of media by providing exposure to their productions and writings, in the form of a film festival. Since Universal Studios opened its doors in 1915, the San Fernando Valley has been home to the largest concentration of filmmakers in the world, making an international film festival in this area long overdue. VIFFI fulfills that need. Thousands of writers, filmmakers, actors and industry support personnel began their careers in the San Fernando Valley (including the Burbank media district). Now VIFFI has established a forum in which many of these young creatives can demonstrate their craft to the industry professionals who may help them rise up within the highly competitive entertainment business.

About Withoutabox, Inc.
Withoutabox offers online tools and services that make it The Media Company for Independents. In operation since 2000, the company developed the proprietary Withoutabox Submission system, which connects more than 120,000 filmmakers, Distributors, and over 5000 festivals in over 200 countries around the world. It is now a powerful advocate for the independent film community, helping filmmakers maximize the value of their work. Withoutabox members consistently win film festival honors, have received dozens of Oscar nominations, and have won the Academy Awards many times. Last month, three Withoutabox members won Academy Awards and two additional members won Spirit Awards.