Jackson, WY - April 7, 2008 - Today, the Jackson Hole Film Festival (JHFF), presented by the Jackson Hole Film Institute, announced its programming selections for its 5th annual Festival taking place June 5 - 9, 2008. The milestone event has been a year in the making with the programming staff taking a worldwide journey on the film festival circuit to bring 100 films, representing 30 countries to JHFF. Eighty-one films will compete for Cowboy Awards and more than 80 films will be seen for the first time by audiences in Jackson, with 12 films making their world premieres at the event.

“Our commitment to creating a platform for experiencing film and presenting a global perspective in the hope of inspiring audiences and moviemakers alike continues to be the driving force of all the programs the Jackson Hole Film Institute presents,” said Eben Dorros, president and chairman, Jackson Hole Film Institute, presenter of the Jackson Hole Film Festival. “This year’s Festival continues that tradition and celebrates the unique ability of independent film to transport audiences to different cities and cultures they might not otherwise experience.”

JHFF Programmers Bring the Best to Jackson
In preparation for this year’s Festival, the programming team took to the international film festival circuit viewing films and meeting with filmmakers. As a result, the Jackson Hole Film Festival experienced a 20 percent increase in films submissions over last year and more than 80 films will screen to the audience in Jackson for the first time.

"The last year of travel on the international film festival circuit gave our entire programming team an incredible opportunity to discover new filmmaking talent," said Melanie Miller, artistic director, Jackson Hole Film Festival. "We can't wait to introduce these amazing filmmakers and their films to the audience at our 5th annual Festival."

International Representation Expands
The Festival’s commitment to present a platform for global inspiration and change and to encourage international representation led to a 50 percent increase this year in international films included in the programming. More than 30 countries will be represented, including: Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, China, Columbia, Congo, Denmark, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Liberia, Mexico, Romania, South Korea, Sudan, Tahiti, Tanzania, United Kingdom, United States and Zambia.

81 Films in Competition for Cowboy Awards at 5th Annual Festival
Having already beat out some significant competition, 81 selected films will be vying for the 5th annual Cowboy Awards in seven program categories including: Features; Documentaries; Global Insight; World Program: Spotlight Latin America; Sports Action; Shorts; and Student Voices. By category the films in the competition include:

Features

Documentaries

Wyoming Film Showcase and Special Screenings; Opening and Closing Films Still to Come
In addition to the films competing for the Cowboy Awards, the JHFF programming team has selected the following films for the Wyoming Film Showcase and special screenings sections of the 5th annual Festival:

The Wyoming Film Showcase

In the coming weeks, the Opening and Closing Films and additional special screenings will be announced, finalizing the program for this year’s Festival. Full descriptions of each of the films are available on the Jackson Hole Film Festival website: www.jacksonholefilmfestival.org.


About The 5th Annual Jackson Hole Film Festival
The 5th annual Jackson Hole Film Festival, presented by the Jackson Hole Film Institute will take place June 5-9, 2008, and will screen 100 independent films with 81 competing in seven program categories including: Features; Documentaries; Global Insight; World Program: Spotlight Latin America; Sports Action; Shorts; and Student Voices. Representing more than 30 countries, the Festival is committed to creating a platform for global inspiration and change. In addition to its film programs, the Festival is also recognized for its extraordinary evening events and high profile forums that enrich the Festival and give festival-goers the opportunity to interact with filmmakers in a casual setting. Joining the Jackson Hole Film Institute presenting the 5th annual Festival are the following sponsors: Adobe, Amangani, Aspen Travel, Bresnan Communications, Cloudveil, Entertainment Partners, MovieHatch.com, Panasonic, Panavision, Redwood Creek, Spring Creek Ranch, Stella Artois, Terra Resort, Timbuk2, Tommy Bahama Rum and Wexler.

In conjunction with the 5th annual Festival and together with the United Nations, the Jackson Hole Film Institute will present the first Global Insight Summit, an international gathering where entertainment leaders and UN officials come together to explore how film and television can be leveraged to highlight critical international concerns.

For more information on the Jackson Hole Film Festival or to purchase festival passes visit www.jacksonholefilmfestival.org.

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