MIFF, the International Film Festival of Milan strikes an independent pose by moving to a spring date, separating it from previous complementary relations of simultaneity with the market. Nicknamed the Sundance of Europe, MIFF has seen an upsurge in participants, attendance and media focus in its previous October runs right before MIFED. The new spring date will propel it to new heights by giving MIFF an exclusive spotlight. “Now that AFM is moving to November, MIFF’s early spring setting is ideal for independent filmmakers to premiere their films internationally; right after such US venues as Sundance, the Golden Globes and the Oscar,” explains Andrea Galante the director of MIFF. He also likes the warmer March weather, which will allow visitors to fully enjoy all the rich and exciting locations of the vibrant city of Milan.

MIFF provides a unique opportunity for film professionals, scholars, and visionaries to showcase their work to the international film community. The new date will give them a more focused attention by U.S. and international distributors, who are lured by the festival’s successful combination of style, innovation and energy, which permeate the bustling Milanese fashion and entertainment scene.

The festival has already exhibited its indie muscle with an eclectic slate. “American Cousins,” starring Danny Nucci, Dan Heydaya, Gerald Lepkowski and Shirley Anderson won the Leonardo Da Vinci Horse Award for best picture in 2003. The 2002 Winner “Showboy,” written & directed by Golden Globe winner for “Six Feet Under,” Christian Taylor, was picked by Regent Entertainment for North American release. Also making a splash were the 2000 entry “It’s The Rage”, starring Gary Sinise, Joan Allen, David Schwimmer and Giovanni Ribisi; and opening films as “A Shot At Glory,” starring Robert Duvall and “Dummy,” starring Mila Jovovich and Adrien Brody.

Director Michael Radford of “Il Postino” brought his “Dancing At The Blue iguana” to MIFF for its 2001 European Premiere, as did director Przemyslaw Reut with his film “Paradox Lake,” for which he won the 2003 IFP Spirit Award for directing and Best Picture at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

MIFF has also given a chance for first-timers and students to make a breakthrough in the international film arena, as was the case with AFI student Tanya Mairitsch, whose thesis film “Fueling The Fire” won the Best Jury Award for short film in 2003.

MIFF is an ideal spot for filmmakers to mingle with top industry people due to its diverse selection of special events, which include the closing night award ceremony, a fashion show and a gala dinner. All award winners receive additional exposure at a full day of non-stop screenings following the conclusion of the festival. Their films are also featured during a month-long special screenings of the Best of MIFF in Hollywood, which are attended by LA stars, filmmakers, distributors and journalists.