An abundance of panel discussions from various perspectives of the film industry are scheduled for the 2009 festival.   May 15- American Pavilion will host a discussion with Francis Ford Coppola, 5:30-7pmMay 16- Short Film Corner to host a conference entitled 'Focus on Scandinavian Short Film Industry', 4pm  May 17- American Pavilion will host a discussion with American directors in Cannes with panelists: Lynn Shelton ("Humpday"), Lee Daniels ("Precious"), Josh and Be...

Lloyd Kaufman of Troma Entertainment, Inc. has been elected Chairman of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) during the organization’s annual members meeting today, it was announced by Jean Prewitt, president and chief executive officer of IFTA. Kaufman begins his two-year term, effective today.IFTA membership also elected new Executive Committee members to two-year terms: Michael Ryan (Handmade Films International and former IFTA Chairman) to Vice Chairman and Paul Hertzberg (Ci...

Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), the trade association representing independent producers and distributors worldwide, today announced its new Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The elections were held as part of the IFTA’s annual members meeting, which took place today at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The Alliance’s seven person Executive Committee is headed by Chairman Michael Ryan (IAC Film & Television), who was re-elected last September and is serving the second year in...

Veteran British film executive Michael Ryan, director of IAC Film, has been elected to a second consecutive two-year term as Chairman of the Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA), it was announced today by Jean Prewitt, president and chief executive officer, IFTA. Also elected at IFTA’s annual members meeting were new Executive Committee members and the Board of Directors for the association. Ryan, who ran unopposed, is the first IFTA Chairman from outside of the United States.The Al...