The Palm Beach International Film Festival (PBIFF) opens its thirteenth edition tomorrow evening with the Southeast Premiere of THE GRAND, an all-star poker comedy, directed by Zak Penn. The film stars Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson, Hank Azaria, Chris Parnell, Michael McKean, Werner Herzog, David Cross, Richard Kind, Dennis Farina and Cheryl Hines (who is being honored at the Festival's Saturday night Tribute Gala). The ensemble film is in the tradition of such improvisational comedies as BEST IN SHOW and THIS IS SPINAL TAP. Set in the world of professional poker, the film follows six playsers who reach the final table at the Grand Championship of Poker Tournament.

The film relies on improvisation from its razor-sharp cast, based on a detailed treatment co-written by director Zak Penn and executive producer Matt Bierman. The film Iis produced by Insomnia Media Group, a Los Angeles-based production company that recently announced a major capital infusion of $550 million from Egypt-based asset management and brokerage firm Borak Holding. Insomnia and Borak are collaborating on an untitled $70 million war epic being shot in Egypt, Morocco and Los Angeles.

The Festival, which is celebrating its thirteenth anniversary this year, will showcase an impressive 140 films from around the world during its 8-day movie marathon (from April 10 to 17). The Festival will introduce 12 World Premieres and 10 U.S. Premieres, as well as a host of Southeast and Florida Premieres.

PBIFF Executive Director Randi Emerman will play host to an impressive array of international filmmakers, producers and actors from Canada, China, England, Germany, Israel, Japan, Morocco and the United States. The Festival has become one of the most diverse and respected on the film festival circuit, with an entertaining mix of American indies, European auteur gems and Hollywood commercial titles.

I will be on the scene at the Palm Beach International Film Festival to report on the excitement, the glamour and the quality of an event that is coming into its own as a must-attend for movie fans in South Florida.

Sandy Mandelberger, Palm Beach FF Dailies Editor



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