NEW YORK, November 19, 2004 – In its continuing effort to make independent film broadly accessible to people in all areas of the country while expanding the voice of indie filmmakers, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) announced today that it is teaming up with The Butler Penn Theater Community Trust to co-sponsor the first-ever film festival in Butler, Pennsylvania. The festival will run from December 2-5, 2004 at the Penn Theater (147 North Main St.).
The Butler Film Festival will feature content exclusive to The Independent Film Channel’s theatrical distribution arm, IFC Films, and the television network’s original production arm, IFC Originals, and represents some of the world’s most impressive and broad selection of new and classic independent films. The complete film festival schedule is as follows:
- On opening night, Thursday, December 2, at 8:00 p.m.: Slasher, directed by John Landis (Animal House, Trading Places), chronicles the life of the world’s greatest used car salesman as he liquidates a used car lot in Memphis on Memorial Day Weekend.
- Friday, December 3, at 8:00 p.m.: Fahrenheit 911, is the Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michael Moore’s searing examination of the Bush’s administration’s actions in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11.
- Saturday, December 4, at 8:00 p.m.: Touching the Void, from Oscar-winning director Kevin MacDonald, reveals the true story of two twenty-something mountain climbers descending one of the world’s highest peaks and face the ultimate tragedy.
- Sunday, December 5, at 1:00 p.m.: An IFC original documentary A Decade Under the Influence, takes a bold look at the 70’s films that changed everything.
- And Sunday, December 5, at 3:00 p.m.: Casa De Los Baby’s, an intense and provocative ensemble drama starring Marcia Gay Harden, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Darryl Hannah, details the story of six American women traveling to South America to adopt babies.
“IFC is dedicated to providing this community access to films that people have on channel lineups across the entire country and, as such, we are thrilled to partner with the Butler Penn Theater Community Trust in bringing the first ever film festival to the Butler area,” stated Evan Shapiro, Senior Vice President, Marketing, IFC. “Delivering the best of independent film to television and theaters, IFC has expanded the audience for independent film nationwide and today is available in more than 70 million homes.”
“We’re proud to be jointly sponsoring the first ever film festival in Butler and offering the incredible experience of independent films,” said Alison Rider, Director – Public Relations, Butler Penn Theater Community Trust. “These independent films bring original, thrilling and diverse excitement to our community. Butler appreciates IFC and the opportunity to show these terrific films.”
Doors for the Film Festival will open at 7:30 p.m. December 2 – 4, with screenings at 8:00 p.m. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. on December 5. Seating is first come, first served and limited to theatre capacity.
About Independent Film Channel
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial free. IFC celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2004 with its most extensive original programming line-up ever. Original programming premiering in 2004 includes Nanette Burstein’s Film School, Ultimate Film Fanatic, Rocked With Gina Gershon, the third season of Dinner For Five and John Landis’ Slasher. In 2003, IFC made its mark with originals including BaaadAsssss Cinema, The American Nightmare, and A Decade Under the Influence. IFC is a part of IFC Companies, which has created a unique end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent, and maximizing the value of independent film. With a television network, a film distribution and production unit, and an on-demand service, IFC Companies represents the future of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique position to broaden the independent film audience nationwide and to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Entertainment Services, which represents three of the national networks of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC – AMC, IFC and WE: Women’s Entertainment.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
A leader in sports, news and entertainment programming, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC). Rainbow Media owns and manages national networks: AMC, Fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) and WE: Women’s Entertainment; as well as on-demand services: Mag Rack, sportskool, IFC Films On Demand Uncensored On Demand, World Picks On Demand, and World Picks Networks. Rainbow Media’s other businesses include its regional programming services – MetroChannels, News 12 Networks and Rainbow Sports Networks – in addition to the Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications. Rainbow Media is also a 50 percent partner in Fox Sports Net.