The 2005 Newport International Film Festival, the 8th Annual event, is set to get underway Tuesday, June 7th – 12th, 2005. The Festival features films, informative symposiums, and, of course, those glamorous Newport parties. The Festival atmosphere is relaxed, yet filled with all the enchantment, energy, and excitement of Hollywood. The Newport International Film Festival draws filmmakers and celebrities from around the world. Past guests from all walks of the entertainment biz who have enjoyed Newport hospitality include Kenneth Branagh, Harvey Weinstein, Peter Gabriel, Michael York, Luke Wilson, Tina Fey, Rachel Dratch, Tony Roberts, Peter Riegert, Graydon Carter, Phillip Noyce, Billy Zane and Bobby Farrelly among many others. An equally stellar group of guests is expected this year..

This year’s Festival will continue to present the programs and events which have become so much a part of the Newport Film Festival experience: “First Call” panel discussions with the filmmakers; “Docuclub” (a unique on-site documentary project), Nortek-NIFF Golf Classic; the Rhode Island Spotlight showing the best from our local filmmakers; Premieres; Opening & Closing Night Galas, the juried film competitions with cash and in-kind prizes, the Annual Claiborne Pell Award for Artistic Excellence; and over 100 U.S. and International feature, documentary and short films. To enable the festival to handle this enhanced schedule, the Newport Art Museum has been added to the Festival’s venues.

Incorporating Newport’s long tradition of music with its jazz and folk fests, NIFF will again present the Music on Film program, screening the most interesting material from the marriage of the two genres, enhanced by live musical performances from some of music’s hottest stars. Also this year, the Political Film sidebar is back complete with engaging, topical films covering world events and issues.

This year, the Newport International Film Festival has received a wonderful grant for its Community Outreach Program. The grant enables the festival to reach out to local non-profit organizations serving underprivileged children in the area and to offer them tickets to their films, programs and events, allowing everyone to experience the excitement of the festival and the joy of the movies.

In seven years, NIFF has grown dramatically into one of America's leading regional film festivals. The Festival, which critics have called a "low key Cannes," has a reputation for stellar programming and has cemented its status as one of the most exciting and exclusive festivals of its kind. Annually attracting over 10,000 filmmakers, celebrities, journalists, and film enthusiasts of all kinds in a less frenzied, less commercial, and more intimate environment, the Festival has distinguished itself as one where art ranks before commerce. Membership subscriptions have grown exponentially, providing members with frequent updates and discounts on screenings. Subscriptions are critical to helping NIFF maintain a year-round presence and can be purchased online, www.newportfilmfestival.com or by phone (401) 846-9100, or at the box office.

The Newport International Film Festival is a unique celebration of cinematic arts, and strives to bring about a greater knowledge and appreciation of film through creative programming that educates, enlightens and entertains. The Festival, like Newport is relaxed but elegant and filled with the traditions of glamorous parties, exceptional music and great fun. The Festival shall take place in the beautiful City by the Sea, June 7-12th, 2005.