The 30th Cleveland International Film Festival Opening Night film will be AKEELAH AND THE BEE. The film is SOLD OUT; however, if you are interested in covering the Pre-Film happenings or the Post-Film Party, please contact me directly at 216-623-3456 x. 20 or media@clevelandfilm.org. Below is a description of the film and special guests along with additional film festival information.

Lionsgate Films’, AKEELAH AND THE BEE will open the 30th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) on Thursday, March 16th. The film, a heart-warming drama, directed by Doug Atchison, stars Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, and Keke Palmer is set to open nationwide April 28th. Akeelah and the Bee (rated PG) centers on a precocious eleven-year-old girl, Akeelah Anderson (Keke Palmer), from south Los Angeles, who is discovered to have a talent for words. In spite of the objections of her mother Wanda (Angela Bassett), Keke enters a spelling contest. Her gift takes her to compete in the National Spelling Bee, the most famous competition of its kind in the world. On the way, she is helped by a forthright, mysterious teacher, Dr. Larabee (Laurence Fishburne) and a cast of colorful characters from the community. Her journey evokes pride in the neighborhood, bringing them together and, in the end, all witness the courage and inspiration of one amazing little girl.
For more information on the 200+ films that will be shown between Opening night and Closing night of the Film Festival, log on to www.clevelandfilm.org or call the Film Festival Hotline at 216.623.FILM. Ticket prices for most films are $8 per film for members, $10 for non-members, and $8 for students/seniors (day of show only). Tickets are available online at www.clevelandfilm.org, by telephone (1-866-865-FILM), at the CIFF store in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas, or by mail or fax using the Preview Guide order form.