Even though New Hampshirites are still mourning the loss of their looming father in the sky, The Old Man in the Mountain, the states motto “Live Free or Die” continues. The patriotic slogan was such an important part of what the state stood for, that NHFX decided to make true the statement that impersonation is the sincerest form of flattery by adopting their slogan from the state motto into one of their own…“Live Film or Die.”

Filmmakers around the world can attest that their art is worth dieing for, so the “Live Film or Die” slogan is certainly one that these artists can relate to. Case in point…with over 70 films screening at this year’s festival, NHFX was beating submissions off with a celluloid stick after choosing a schedule of films that they felt outperformed their previous years’ schedules.

“We’ve managed to bring together a group of films that surprised even us here at NHFX,” says Co-Founder/Communications Director Dan Hannon. “That’s not to say that we weren’t proud of the film’s we’ve shown in the past, but the quality we’re seeing this year has just been more than we could have ever imagined.”

The smorgasbord of films includes a little bit of everything for a little bit of everyone. Comedies will screen alongside of dramas and documentaries will be projected with animated films not far behind. Both shorts and features will be abundant and the festival will be home to a number of Worldwide, US and New England premieres.

FISH WITHOUT A BICYCLE will be testing the festival audience as part of its first public display. The Brian Austin Green directed project is the brainchild of producer/writer and star Jenna Mattison. The comedic film stars not only Mattison and Green, but Ronnie Marmo (“Deuces Wild”), Jennifer Blanc (“Dark Angel”) and Brad Rowe (“The 70s” miniseries).

“I’m very lucky to be a part of this cast and to be working with such talented people behind the camera,” says Marmo in a recent phone interview. “To have it being tested at NHFX is very exciting and I’m looking forward to hearing a non-Hollywood perspective on the film.” Green, Marmo and Mattison will be in attendance for the test screening and will conduct a Q&A with the audience.

Marmo will in fact be pulling double duty at the festival, also appearing in the Boston-based crime drama, IRISH EYES with Daniel Baldwin. IRISH EYES was shot in Boston back in 2001 and will begin a limited run in theaters beginning late October. Director Daniel McCarthy is also expected to attend the screening of IRISH EYES with Marmo at NHFX.

Rounding out this year’s special guests is NH native James Lavallee, who’s attending a screening of the feature-length comedy COLD FEET. Lavallee executive produced the movie, which recently landed distribution and is now in most video stores.

When not taking in a film, those attending the festival should make time for the Tradeshow Expo on Saturday, October 11 and any of the NHFX workshops, which include their successful 4-Day Young Filmmakers Workshop. The Tradeshow is a venue for professionals and companies to exhibit their goods and services to festival-goers. This year’s other workshops cover high definition filmmaking, film law and business, important steps in screenwriting, the art and business of editing, getting into the business of acting, and the viability of shooting in NH.

The 2003 NHFX will take place October 10-13. The Adams Memorial Opera House in Derry, NH will again be the hub of NHFX's activities. The Opera House will be home to two screening rooms, the 400-seat Main Theater and the 50-seat "Green Room.” Opening reception and the closing awards ceremony will be held in the Main Theater Friday night and Monday night respectively.

NHFX is a non-profit, community-inclusive event, planned with an eye toward enhancing the arts and tourism aspects of New Hampshire. NHFX, New Hampshire's largest film event, features independent and student film screenings, hands-on workshops, a tradeshow expo, awards, prizes, live music, lots of free food and more!

For all things NHFX including the schedule, directions, ticket information and other important information, visit www.nhfilmexpo.com or call 603-647-NHFX.