Nassau, Bahamas – The much anticipated opening of the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF), December 4-11, 2008, marks the fifth year anniversary of this Bahamian gem.   BIFF wants to make sure the celebration is shared among all Bahamians with its first-time GOLDEN TICKET TO CINEMA IN PARADISE contest allowing five lucky winners to get up close entry to behind the scenes discussions, parties, celebrity networking and possibly a walk on role in an upcoming film.   BIFF consistently wants to provide access to its buffet of culture to everyone and has created a way to do that for the contest winners. This isn't the only way to be a part of the festival but it is one fun way that people can participate.   BIFF offers many opportunities via parties, film screenings, and workshops to be a part of this global perspective to independent film right here on the island.

In partnership with Starbucks, potential contestants are able to enter one of 4 store locations (Harbour Bay, Palmdale, Mall at Marathon and Oakes Field) from November 28 - December 3, 2008 to see if they can make a lucky pick from the Golden Ticket Contest Box.   There are 4 ALL ACCESS pass Golden Tickets valued at $500 each allowing the winners to attend the Chopard/Versace VIP Reception, the opening night film "RAIN" (filmed right here in the Bahamas); the closing night gala film "Miracle At St. Anna" (from director Spike Lee); the Closing Night party at Luciano's; 48 screening vouchers and access to the filmmaker's lounge.   A live remote with Cool 98.7 will be broadcast from Starbucks’ Harbour Bay store on Saturday, November 29^th - everyone can enjoy a Starbucks’ FUN DAY with refreshments and watch trailers from select BIFF 2008 films.   The winners will be announced in The Tribune on Thursday, December 3, 2008.   "The contest is a part of our commitment to making sure that the local community will support BIFF events and screenings," comments BIFF founder and executive director, Leslie Vanderpool.   The fifth Golden Ticket winner will get a walk on role for an upcoming film shot here in the Bahamas.

Vanderpool feels it is important that "BIFF continues to be accessible to all of those who love movies and are interested in the film industry. In celebrating our 5th year, it is very important that we give back to the community that has brought it so much success in such a short period of time".   BIFF has also come full circle by showcasing a project, "RAIN", that went from a script at BIFF's 2005 Filmmaker Residency program to a recent premiere at top tier Toronto International Film Festival.   "RAIN", from Bahamian writer/director Maria Govan, stars Renel Brown, an eleventh grade student at our own C.V. Bethel High School.   At the BIFF Filmmaker Residency program, the script received much warranted attention – connecting director Maria Govan to producers who participated in the Residency program and who then helped open the door to funding and making the film a reality.   The star studded homecoming for "RAIN" is Thursday, December 4, 2008, as the opening night film for BIFF at the National Performing Arts Center, the old Shirley Street Theatre.  

This year, BIFF will showcase 80 films from 22 different countries, with $5 per film screenings at the National Performing Arts Center and the Galleria 6 JFK. The full BIFF program is now available in print or online at www.bintlfilmfest.com Tickets can be purchased online, over the telephone, or in person at BIFF box offices. The Festival offers advance ticket deals from now until December 4, opening day of BIFF 2008.

About the Bahamas International Film Festival

The Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing the local community and International festival goers with a diverse presentation of films from The Bahamas and around the world. In addition to showcasing films that might not otherwise be released theatrically, BIFF provides unique cultural experiences, educational programs, and forums for exploring the past, present & future of cinema. BIFF aims to raise the level of filmmaking, participation and education throughout the Bahamas and the world.