Great Stories Bring Families Together
The International Family Film Festival (IFFF) is coming to “the lot” at the world famous Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, 5300 Melrose Avenue, February 26th – March 1st, 2009 with a plethora of premiers and international debuts. Not only are select films being screened from around the world, but IFFF has introduced a new ratings system:
CH – Children 12 and under
GA – General Audience
MA – Mature Audience.

This defining act breaks the old-school idea that family film means film-lite and guarantees there is something for everyone at the IFFF.
Also, in recognition of the filmmakers’ fulfillment of the mission of IFFF - to make socially responsible films that are suitable for a general audience that express a fundamental respect for the positive values of life and illustrate the universal human experiences that connects us all - all films accepted receive the IFFF Official Selection Seal. This year IFFF the jurists chose from a record number of submissions representing 23 countries, 24 states and 29 film schools in the categories of Best Feature Film, Best Short Film and Best Student Short Film -- all competing for awards in Best Drama, Comedy, Documentary, Educational, Animation (Computer), Animation (Classic) and Musical; as well as the opportunity to receive industry recognition by receiving an IFFF Spirit Award, IFFF Directors Gold Award, and the IFFF Top Applause Award.
All Day at the IFFFGreat Stories Bring Families Together begins Thursday, February 26th with Screenings in three theaters - the Douglas Fairbanks, the Mary Pickford and the Charlie Chaplin (seating is limited, so get your tickets early). Each day begins at 10am with Free Screenings for Public School children. Contact info@ifflimfest.org to plan your class field trip today!
Films from around the world continue to screen until midnight! Economize with an All-Day Screening Pass for just $40.00. After each film, find out how they did it in a Talk Back with the filmmakers! For the complete schedule, check out the Screenings section.
Opening Night at the IFFFFilms chosen for IFFF’s Opening Night, Thursday, February 26th at 7:00pm are:
‘Our Lady of Victory’ - director Tim Chambers, producer Whitney Springer, starring Ellen Burstyn, Carla Gugino, Marley Shelton and David Boreanaz, this film is based on the story of Cathy Rush who began her career in the 1970's as a Basketball Coach of an all girls Catholic School. She finds the courage and faith to lead her team along the improbable journey of winning the international championship of women's basketball.
‘Super Capers’ - producer/screenwriter/director Ray Griggs, producer by Ruben Linn, starring Justin Whalin, Michael Rooker, June Lockhart and Adam West, is the story of a good guy with no powers, who joins a superhero team with no clue how to behave and ends up battling a bad guy with no shame.
‘Dark Horse’ - producer/screenwriter/director Cornelia Moore, producer Larry Estes, starring Carol Roscoe, Hynes Brooke, Kathryn Mesney and Sean Griffin, is the story of Dana, a ballet teacher, who reluctantly returns to her childhood home to discover that it is about to be sold. To save the farm and the family, she must tame her mother's dangerous black horse and ride him to victory in the year's biggest dressage competition.
This promises to be an unforgettable night for family films. The Opening Night Screenings are followed by the IFFF Opening Night Reception at 9:00pm in the Raleigh Studious’ Cantina Café. Tickets are $15.00 and bring your business cards, networking expected!
IFFF: True To Its Cause Saturday, February 28th is traditionally Family Day at the festival. Unlike the weekdays, films appropriate to a younger audience are screened all day long. Special hands-on workshops are offered at the Freshi Roadshow, IFFF’s traveling introduction to filmmaking for young filmmakers. Kids get a camera, lanyard and access to the lot to shoot their movie. Participants will also receive a copy of Intercut, The Magazine for Next-Gen Filmmakers. Parents, be sure to put this on your child’s must-do list! This Just In!
Friday, Feb 27 at 5:00pm ‘Dreamriders’ will be screening in the Pickford Theatre. This film was created by William Roulston who had the desire to restore communications with his 18-year-old son. He needed to create a 'bonding experience' and this is how and why the bicycle trip came about. Afterward, the Travel Channel will be hosting a reception in honor of this father and son odyssey of cycling across America. Music will be provided by Saint Tone with Tony Lavorgna.
The Ford Company will be displaying two of their 2010 ‘green’ cars adjacent to the
IFFF Reception Tent. Come pick-up your IFFF tickets and check them out!
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Check out the IFFF website for Film Screenings and the Screenwriters Showcase. Buy tickets by going to the 'Store' and pay through www.paypal.com


The International Family Film Festival was designed to educate, cultivate, and elevate the family film genre by advocating and encouraging the creation and sharing of family film and screenplay product through film exhibition, professional and children’s hands-on film camps, seminars and post-film discussions.