Milwaukee Film announces 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival!

And now … the news you’ve all been waiting for … with a brand-new logo to boot. So exciting! – Ed.

Milwaukee Film, the new and independent organization dedicated to presenting Milwaukee’s premier film festival, is proud to announce the dates and a call for entries for its 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival.

Running September 24 through October 4, the back and better-than-ever Milwaukee Film Festival will showcase more than 100 films at venues throughout the city, including the Landmark Theatres Oriental Theatre and the Marcus Theatres North Shore Cinema. The Film Festival will feature films from around the country and the world, providing a unique community platform for films that would otherwise not screen in Milwaukee.

“We’re incredibly excited to be able to announce the Film Festival dates today,” said Jonathan Jackson, Milwaukee Film artistic director. “We’re confident that the new festival will be the best Milwaukee has seen and that it will be a Milwaukee institution for many years to come.”

The early deadline for film submissions is April 6. Entry fees start at $10, but the fees are waived for any film created by a Milwaukee filmmaker. The festival will offer cash and production prize packages, to be announced at a later date.

Tickets for individual films will be $10, but Milwaukee Film will offer discounts for those purchasing their ticket packages and passes early. The first ticket packages will go on sale in April, and in addition to early discounts, Milwaukee Film is planning a series of contests, promotions, incentives, and special events leading up to the film festival.

“Thousands of Milwaukeeans filled the seats at the film festival in years past, and this year our goal is to bring those guests back and to attract a diverse new audience,” said Diane Bacha, executive director of Milwaukee Film. “The response we’ve gotten since forming the organization last year has been overwhelmingly positive, and we can’t wait to present Milwaukee with this world-class festival come September. It’s truly a privilege to be able to essentially bring the whole world to Milwaukee through film.”

About Milwaukee Film

Milwaukee Film was founded in 2008 to serve as the area’s independent organization dedicated to presenting Milwaukee’s premier film festival. The 2009 Milwaukee Film Festival will be held September 24 – October 4. In addition to the film festival, the organization hosts a series of film events throughout the year. Visit www.milwaukee-film.org for information on the film festival and the organization, special events, ticket availability and promotions and contests, and to sign up for the email list and to donate funds. Connect with Milwaukee Film on Facebook (search “Milwaukee Film” in groups) and on Twitter (@MilwaukeeFilm), and visit the Milwaukee Film blog at www.milwaukeefilm.blogspot.com.

About the Milwaukee Film Board

Milwaukee Film’s independent board is made up of the following members: Chris Abele, Tom Barrett, Sue Black, Tina Chang, Jeff Fitzsimmons, Alec Fraser, James Gelly, Bill Haberman, Carmen Haberman, Tracey Klein, Mary Ann LaBahn, Marianne Lubar, Cathie Madden, Steve Mech, Paul Mathews, Andy Nunemaker, John Rogers and Julia Taylor.