Laura Linney + Philip Seymour Hoffman in THE SAVAGES

Monday, October 15---------The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (affectionately referred to as FLIFF) hangs its reputation on its eclectic mix of films, and the uncommon loyalty of its audiences. As FLIFF heads into its 22nd annual edition (October 11 - November 14), the Festival will unveil 175 films from 26 countries, including 17 World Premieres, 8 U.S Premieres, 4 East Coast Premieres, 36 Southeast Premieres and 33 Florida Premieres.  In all, the event will showcase 70 Features, 23 Documentaries, 45 Shorts and 47 Student Films.

THE CAKE EATERSAmong those World Premieres are PORTAGE, a harrowing story of survival; SEXINA POPSTAR P.I., a fun, campy lark; DEEP SEA BLUES, documenting the week-long 2007 Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise; SHANGHAI HOTEL, a drama about human trafficking, starring Eugenia Yuan; THE REFLECTING POOL, an investigation into the most controversial tragedy of our time; and REQUIEM, a documentary about the most misunderstood predators on our planet – the shark. The Festival's Competition Section is unusually strong this year, including such heralded films as: THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY, painter-turned-director Julian Schnabel’s Cannes Film Festival winning story of a remarkable man’s journey; MANUALE D’AMORE II and NAPOLEON ET MOI, two brilliant and sexy Italian comedies; THE SAVAGES, the intense family drama starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney; SHE’S GOT IT, a clever crime comedy from Israel; ALL ABOUT MY BUSH, a sexy Swedish comedy; and THE CAKE EATERS, actress Mary Stuart Masterson’s directorial debut.

Log on to this site for updates on the films, the personalities and the parties.....all of which make the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival one of South Florida's most heralded cultural events and one of the most intriguing and fun-filled festivals in North America.

Sandy Mandelberger, Fort Lauderdale FF Dailies Editor