Stars to Gather for IFC’s Annual Independent Spirit Awards

February 1, 2005 (New York, NY) – IFC, the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film, will once again host its’ exclusive After Party for the 2005 IFP Independent Spirit Awards at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica, immediately after the ceremony. This year, the After Party will be topped off with the up and coming band, The Ditty Bops. In addition, IFC will once again be the only network to air the Awards show live, uncensored and commercial free at 5:00PM EST on Saturday, February 26^th. The 2005 IFP Independent Spirit Awards ceremony, commemorating achievement in independent film, is hosted annually on the Saturday before the Academy Awards.

“IFC is thrilled to be so closely connected to IFP and the Independent Spirit Awards,” stated Evan Shapiro, IFC’s General Manager-Executive Vice President. “In addition to hosting the After Party and providing long term sponsorship for the awards show, IFC will once again be the only network to air the Awards live, uncensored and commercial free. The day promises to be a very special one for IFC and the independent film community.”

For years, the Spirit Awards’ “After Party” has been the hottest spot for celebrities and filmmakers to gather after celebrating the evening’s winners. The star-studded bash has hosted many of the independent film community’s most notable actors and supporters including: Hilary Swank, Scarlett Johansson, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marcia Gay Harden, Chloe Sevigny, Jennifer Beals, Jennifer Tilly, Joe Pantoliano, John Waters, Juliette Lewis, Jon Favreau, Marisa Tomei, Patricia Clarkson, Robert Duvall, Thora Birch, Illeana Douglas, Dennis Hopper, Patrick Swayze, Ang Lee and many more. Mos Def, whose credits include the three time Spirit Award nominee “The Woodsman” and the Emmy Award winning “Something The Lord Made,” and The Ditty Bops, described by Variety as an “airy confection of 20’s jazz, coffee house folk and Beatles-esque pop,” will perform during the After Party.

IFC will once again produce the IFP Independent Spirit Awards for television; the show will be televised live on IFC. The award show, executive produced by Debbie DeMontreux will be unedited and commercial free, live from Santa Monica, CA at 5:00 PM EST on IFC.

The IFP Independent Spirit Awards is an annual film tribute and awards ceremony, presented by IFP/Los Angeles. The IFP Independent Spirit Awards allow IFP/Los Angeles to acknowledge a wide breadth of talent, both local and international.

About IFC Companies
IFC Companies 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 a VOD 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 Media Holdings, Inc.

IFC Companies is made up of:
IFC Television, the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial-free.
IFC Entertainment, which includes IFC Films, a theatrical film distribution company; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and InDigEnt, an initiative that helps established filmmakers shoot productions on digital video.
IFC Digital Media harnesses the power of digital technology to provide audiences with active entertainment, informational, and transactional experiences. It is currently focused on packaging, delivering, and marketing video-on-demand services and broadband content.

Contact:

IFC:
Matthew Frankel
(917) 542-6390

Event Info:
Dan Klores
Communications,
Liza Burnett/Judy Drutz
(212) 981-5154/(212) 981-5204