Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival Kicks Off Seven Day SCI-FI/FANTASY DIGITAL SHOOTOUT

ROSWELL, N.M., June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Roswell is more excited than ever to welcome visitors and filmmakers from throughout the universe to experience the city that's been home to some of the most infamous alien landmarks since the 1940s, Roswell, New Mexico, as they kick off an innovative new project, the Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival and SCI-FI/FANTASY DIGITAL SHOOT OUT!

The Film Festival runs from June 29 to July 2, 2011 and will showcase the latest and greatest Sci-Fi films with movies under the stars, filmmakers forums and luncheon, a Red Carpet Gala, parties, and showings of new independent Sci-Fi films.

The Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival is the only filmmaking festival of its kind dedicated to bringing artist's visions from "script to screen" in one week and captures the essence of filmmaking, highlighting cutting-edge digital media, which is revolutionizing the film industry. The RISF provides a venue for independent SCIFI/FANTASY filmmakers to get their films made and was spearheaded by Alan Trever. Trever has been actively involved in photography, advertising, film and television in New Mexico for over ten years and established a film program in Roswell that serves as a training ground for future members of IATSE.

Trever has worked in various capacities to a number of companies, such as Lion's Gate™, Paramount, ABC Family, Discovery Channel and NBC and produced numerous projects for various companies such as ESPN, Discovery, the State of New Mexico and the History Channel. He has also produced several independent features filmed in Southern New Mexico, such as Ilegales, Last Stop (starring Mena Suvari and Brian Austin Green) and Coyote County Loser, which won "Best Comedy" at the Telluride Film Festival. Currently, he is involved in producing a new film called, Roswell FM, which is scheduled to shoot in Roswell this summer.

Roswell Mayor Del Jurney stated, "Roswell is enthusiastic about developing our film industry and network; and we congratulate the Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival for creating this mechanism to celebrate our local media arts, students and professionals".

To add to the allure of the event, the Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival is pleased to announce its partnership with Famous Monsters of Filmland and creator, Philip Kim. Famous Monsters of Filmland is the most well-known magazine devoted to fan-oriented coverage of horror, fantasy and science fiction and features a range from previews of upcoming films, to respectful looks back at film history, interviews with the principal personalities in genre, and in-depth behind-the-scenes discussions of specialized aspects of film production, including visual and makeup effects. FAMOUS MONSTERS is recognized throughout fandom for its friendly, light-hearted and enthusiastic approach.

The following is a summary of the exciting events being held during the Roswell International Sci-Fi Film Festival:


PARTY ON THE PATIO: "Aliens in Cinema"


Wed. 6/29, 6:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Pepper's Grill & Bar





RISF FILM SHOWCASE


Independent film submissions & Classic Sci-Fi greats! Thurs., 6/30 – Sat., 7/2. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Roswell Museum & Art Center $3 per day or $5 for 3-day pass.





ROSWELL HYUNDAI GALACTIC MEET & GREET


Storm Trouper Bellydance, Star Wars Character Greetings, Miss Roswell, Miss Chaves County & refreshments -Fri., 7/1, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Roswell Hyundai





RISF MOVIES UNDER THE STARS


Thurs., 6/30 – "Megamind"; Fri., 7/1 – "Ghostbusters" (Ernie Hudson available for photo ops!) at the Roswell Convention & Civic Center Plaza, 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. FREE TO THE PUBLIC





RISF FILMMAKERS FORUM & LUNCHEON


Includes keynotes & photo ops with celebrity guests, Ernie Hudson ("Ghostbusters", "Stargate SG-1") & Phil Kim (Famous Monsters of Filmland). Tickets: $20/person (does not include signed photos) Sat., 7/2, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Roswell Museum & Art Center





RISF RED CARPET GALA


Showcase of 5 winning screenplays taken from "script to screen" in one week during the RISF SCI-FI/FANTASY DIGITAL SHOOTOUT. Be a part of a "Roswell – Style Oscar Experience" at the newly renovated NMMI Pearson Auditorium. Sat., 7/2, 7:00 – 9:00 PM; Preshow begins at 6:00 p.m. Tickets: $25/person (includes After-Party Celebration & Film Showcase pass).





STARWARS COURTYARD CANTINA


Red Carpet Gala "After-Party Celebration" including live music, Star Wars Characters, celebrity guests, Storm Troupers Bellydance, Mark Reid Body Art, appetizers & drinks – Sat., 7/2, 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Pepper's Grill & Bar Courtyard,