The Anaheim International Film Festival (AIFF) has signed FESTWORKS, the premier film festival consultancy, to provide artistic direction and programming for its inaugural event, taking place October 13-17 at UltraStar Cinemas at the Anaheim GardenWalk. FESTWORKS’ principals Rose Kuo, Robert Koehler, John Wildman and David Rogers launched their firm earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival after a highly celebrated year for the AFI FEST 2009. FESTWORKS’ Matt Bolish, also an AFI Fest veteran, is serving as director of programming for the Anaheim International Film Festival.

Kuo said, “FESTWORKS is thrilled to be on the ground floor of an event with such vast potential. The Anaheim International Film Festival is debuting strong right out of the gate, focusing on high quality programming that represents a global community of talented filmmakers.

Koehler added, “With the diminishing number of art house distributors, film festivals have become more meaningful as advocates for filmmakers – and we are thrilled to be part of that mission in Anaheim and Orange County.”

“The Anaheim International Film Festival offers universal appeal for studios, distributors and a new generation of filmmaking talent,” said Bolish. “We are working on an exciting and diverse programming lineup that will include world cinema, special curated sections, international showcases, retrospectives and more. At its heart, the AIFF will represent the creative endeavor and meaningful storytelling that is the foundation of independent film.”

Matt Bolish started his career in New Line Cinema’s production resources department where he worked on dozens of feature films and television shows. He is a veteran of film festivals including AFI FEST, Outfest and Dallas International Film Festival. In 2010, Bolish was named the director of programming for the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival where he helped deliver an expanded film program and record attendance. Bolish will be supported by FESTWORKS programmer Matt Kaszanek and AIFF Shorts Film Programmer Derek Horne.

“The FESTWORKS team brings to AIFF an amazing breadth and depth of experience, and a stellar reputation for collaboration and creativity,” said AIFF Executive Director Jo Moulton. “This group has successfully executed festivals with the highest standards and critical praise. Their collective passion for film ensures a successful inaugural presentation of the Anaheim International Film Festival. We are thrilled to have them on board.”

The inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival runs Oct. 13-17, 2010 at the Anaheim GardenWalk. Thousands of attendees are expected to visit the five-day festival and participate in film screenings, master classes and workshops taught by industry professionals, and star-studded gala events. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning September 15, 2010. For more information, please call (714) 991-9110 or visit www.anaheimfilm.org.