The credits have rolled on the fourth Bermuda International Film Festival and from the opening film to the closing party one thing can certainly be said about film festival week -- it was action packed.

Even the most ambitious moviegoer probably couldn't have seen all 49 films that were screened this year and in addition to its popular parties, the festival added new activities this year such as the lunch chats with directors and the Bermuda Film Academy.

Most of the seats were filled at the screenings and the film festival seems to be growing exponentially in both scope and popularity.

While Mamy Blue was sadly overlooked for a prize this year's festival did seem to have something for everyone -- a Hollywood opener, gritty documentaries, black comedies and thoughtful, thought-provoking films.

BIFF got off to a bit of a rocky start when the opening party at Fort Hamilton -- a gorgeous spot for a party -- simply didn't have enough food to go around.

Some of those who paid $70 to attend the party were more than a little miffed when half an hour line-ups led only to barbecued fruit.

The wrap party went off much more smoothly. There was food enough available for those gathered in BUEI's lobby enjoying a few beverages to the back beat of music spun by DJ Beatnik.

In very non-Oscars fashion, the prize winners kept their acceptance speeches mercifully short. Everyone seemed keen to simply rejoin the party.

Some of the film makers definitely seemed to be having the time of their lives at the festival.

"Do I sound drunk,'' asked Josef Fares, director of the Jury Prize winning Jalla! Jalla! after a screening of his funny film. "Because I feel very drunk.'' Minutes later the director was spotted by The Royal Gazette speeding away sans helmet on a scooter with shorts director Simon Ellis to sample Bermuda's night life.

At least they seemed to be having fun. Most of the jury -- Tama Janowitz, Justin Kerrigan, Rolo Belic, Jarl Olsen and Richard Schnickel -- on the other hand appeared miserable most of the time sparking an odd contrast with fun loving and friendly George Segal of last year.

The Prospero Award was another a new addition to BIFF this year which drew Shakespeare in Love director John Madden to Bermuda as its first recipient.

Mr. Madden suggested in an interview with The Royal Gazette that if BIFF wants to develop into a star-studded sort of festival along the lines of Cannes or Sundance, festival organisers have to decide whether to promote Bermuda as a place for the business-oriented end of film to take place as well.

"Whether the wattage tends to go up has to do with the degree to which it can attract people as a place to business,'' he said.

But is that the direction in which BIFF would like to grow? A few deals were made over the six-day festival. The short film Last Request directed by Tom Hodges was picked up by HBO and one of BIFF's panelists, Paul Cohen, picked up the rights to an upcoming film produced by Mick Jagger while on the island.

Mr. Cohen has just started Manhattan Pictures International. The company reportedly paid $2.5 million for the film Enigma. Tom Stoppard adapted the story of two British mathematicians trying to crack the German U-boat code from a novel by Richard Harris. It stars Kate Winslet and Dougray Scott.

It's a bit difficult to tell how much interest there generally is in the film makers and their craft in Bermuda. Do Bermudians really want to know where the inspiration for a film came from or how long it took to shoot? Or are people just happy to have six days of films the likes of which they will not see again until the next BIFF? A surprisingly large crowd turned out at City Hall for a tribute evening for the Mr. Madden. A few people went to Rock Island to talk to film makers and a some even attended workshops held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute last weekend.

But many more people simply went to a film or two. And then many more than that took no notice of the festival whatsoever.

For those who truly enjoy the rare opportunity to sample independent films however, the festival is a gold mine. Maybe Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas will never attend but quirky, interesting and talented people do and who needs another Hollywood anyway?