The 3rd Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF), South Carolina’s premiere event for independent filmmakers and film enthusiasts, would like to announce and congratulate its 2010 Official Selections and schedule of over 50 films, from 6 different countries, with most from the U.S., and 14 from filmmakers in the southeast region and the Lowcountry, range in categories from features, shorts, documentaries and animation.  The official selection will represent the pinnacle of independent filmmaking talent from around the world.   The full schedule with film details, pictures and trailers, as well as screenplay finalists are all online at www.CharlestonIFF.com.  The American Theater (446 King Street) will host all screenings as Opening Night kicks off the four day event on Thursday, April 8 at 7:00 PM beginning with the short film ‘TRUE BEAUTY THIS NIGHT’ by filmmaker Peter Besson, followed by the sneak preview premiere of the feature film

‘THE 5TH QUARTER’ by Veteran Filmmaker and Winner of the Jury Award, Best Feature (‘CRAZY’) in 2008, Rick Bieber.  The other movie block featured on opening night, includes local filmmaker, Kevin Harrison’s documentary HAUNTED CHARLESTON as well a variety of dark shorts. Most films are premieres or sneak previews, and screened in groups called blocks consisting of two or more films.   In addition to films and screenplays, three panels and seminars offered free of charge.  They include: THE BUSINESS OF FILM DISTRIBUTION workshop and Q&A with Michael Katchman, The South Carolina Production Fund & State of Film in South Carolina seminar presented by the SC Film Commission, and an editing workshop sponsored by Center for the Documentary at the College of Charleston.  The 3rd Annual Charleston International Film Festival will present the films, host nightly after-parties and culminates on the fourth and final night with the Awards Gala in the Gold Ballroom at the Francis Marion Hotel to recognize the very best of filmmaking and writing displayed during the competition. Tickets are available online at www.CharlestonIFF.com or by contacting the CIFF office.  Price per screening block is $8.00 in advance or $9.00 at the door.  Festival passes are available that give access to all screenings, panels and parties.