Selections have been made for the 7th Annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers Festival (MIFF). Each year film fans, filmmakers, and celebrities travel to Melbourne to see films with the enthusiastic Melbourne audience and this year is no exception. Not only an energetic supporter of independent filmmakers, the MIFF is a fundraiser that helps out local charities with all its proceeds.

The MIFF received 300 excellent films this year and ultimately selected 76 films to be shown. These films include 23 international films from Canada, Cost Rica, Ireland, Japan, Korea, and Singapore, as well as 16 animated films. The feature films that will be shown as part of the Modern Classics program include "Chance" directed by Amber Benson and starring James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the delightful "Saving Star Wars" directed by Gary Wood, "Vlad" directed by Michael Sellars and starring Brad Dourif and Billy Zane, and a special engagement of a work-in-progress, the controversial "Karla" directed by Joel Bender and starring Laura Prepon (That 70's Show) in a film that was recently banned from festival showings in Canada. The MIFF is particularly proud to present 28 films by Florida filmmakers this year.
"We have so many great people who come out to help the MIFF," said Terry Cronin, this year's program chairman, "and we're so happy to have a celebrity like Jerri Manthey coming to help us this year." Manthey (Survivor-Outback, The Surreal Life) will be coming to the MIFF to support a special engagement of her new film "Widowmaker". Other notable attendees include James Best (The Dukes of Hazzard), film distributor Mike Broder, director of the Burt Reynolds & Friends Museum Mike Daniel, entertainment attorney William Whitacre (The Blair Witch Project, Bubba the Redneck Werewolf).

The MIFF begins Nov. 10th with a free outdoor showing of family-friendly films at Da Kine Diego's in Satellite Beach, On Friday night the venue moves to the Premiere Theaters Oaks Stadium 10 where there are two programs-The Modern Classics and the always fun "Fright Night Friday".

A Saturday matinee at the Oaks features the Florida Expo, the international program and the "Mafia Matinee". This matinee also features educational seminars and a chance to meet the filmmakers.

Saturday Night is the VIP reception and screening at the Henegar Center for the Arts
and features live entertainment with renowned musical duo "Robin & Eddy" and magician Scott Barhold. The reception also features cuisine from the finest local restaurants.