IFP, the nation's largest membership organization of independent filmmakers, and, for 29 years, New York's preeminent film association, today announced that it will present a tribute to the Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of New York, at the 17th Annual Gotham Awards Ceremony, taking place at Steiner Studios on Tuesday, November 27, 2007. 

The Gotham Awards were established by IFP in 1991 to salute the innovative independent films and filmmakers whose passion and vision make their way onto the screen year after year. As implied by their name, The Gothams are equally a celebration of New York City as the world capital of independent film.  Over 1,000 prominent members of the media, film and financial communities from New York, the West Coast and abroad, are expected to attend the star-studded event, which, for the first time, will be held in Brooklyn in recognition of the borough's status as a nexus of creativity and a long-standing favorite for film locations. 

Mayor Bloomberg will be recognized for his leadership in making New York City a growing film production center and a world-class destination for the creative community. By bringing business acumen to the management of New York City, the Mayor has supported economic, educational, and cultural initiatives throughout the five boroughs, including the now historic "Made in NY" program which provides tax and marketing credits to film and television productions.  Since the program's inception in 2005, 65% of the films taking advantage of the "Made in NY" program were independent productions.

"The Bloomberg administration understands that independent production is the lifeblood of New York's film community, and its connection to the next generation of film and digital media makers," says Ira Deutchman, Chairman of IFP's Board of Directors. "We share a mission in fostering ways to make sustainable the City's diverse and vibrant independent filmmaking community, and have worked together to that end. It is our honor that the Mayor has agreed to accept a tribute from the City's oldest independent film organization."

During the Bloomberg administration's tenure, IFP launched, in collaboration with the City's Department of Small Business Services, a first-ever pilot program to provide low-budget, independent productions with modest stipends to support on-the-job training for below-the-line production crew. IFP most regularly works with the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting on issues of concern to the independent community and continues to partner with the agency on its international outreach efforts. Additionally, IFP's Executive Director, Michelle Byrd, is a member of the City's Diversity Task Force and a Commissioner on the Latin Media & Entertainment Commission.

The Gothams are the kick-off event of the film-awards season, providing an early media and industry boost to worthy independent works, just as nominations are being assessed for the year's major critics and industry accolades.  By recognizing that the best films come from a place that is more firmly rooted in the grasp of filmmakers-rather than ‘made by committee'-and are produced with an economy of means, these prestigious awards have provided a critical spotlight on films such as last year's Half Nelson, which went on to numerous critics awards and an Oscar® nomination for its star, Ryan Gosling.