Perhaps the real success story at the close of next month's Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) won't be that of an independent filmmaker, but rather the growth of the event itself.

According to its organisers, a number of firsts will be recorded during this, the Festival's fourth run, largely due to the preparation that went into it.

"We're moving forward based on the goals and strategies that were determined at a planning exercise we worked on last year,'' said Festival Director, Aideen Ratteray Pryse. "One of the key things (we decided) was the need to continue to work and improve the quality of the film programme. We can see those results now.

"When we started back in 1997, International Film Festival was perhaps a long name, but we've worked on it and it came to fruition this year. There are lots more countries represented this year. We have an American showcase, a European showcase and a World Cinema showcase with features and documentaries slotted into those categories. And locally, we have a short that we know we are screening, called Molehill by Denton Williams and a couple of films that we are still sorting out.

"We also have an international advisory board, managed by Andrew Vaucrosson.

Film festivals usually do have one but we haven't in the past. Andrew approached people in the industry asking them to be BIFF ambassadors. These are key people in the industry who know the industry and are known in the industry and who want to be good ambassadors for the festival and provide good advice for the event, not people who just want a holiday in Bermuda. It's important to have contacts with people who know the new direction film is taking.'' Added Duncan Hall, BIFF's Director of Business Affairs: "I think that what we were really trying to do this year was to widen the international scope of the film festival. We've always had the United States and the United Kingdom, but this year we have nine countries represented in the feature film category - Sweden, the Netherlands, Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Brazil and Canada. We're getting offers now from people we haven't solicited; people who have heard about it and want to be involved.

"The first three festivals had 14 features and 14 shorts. We have 48 films this year. We had 325 entries submitted. It's no mean feat getting into a festival with 48 films. Some have 300 and they show everything. We can't do that yet. Sitting here, we don't have access on a daily basis to the movers and shakers in the film business. One week each year they come here. That's why we are setting up a board, so we have year round expertise.'' A registered charity, the Bermuda International Film Festival first ran in 1997. The idea behind it was to establish a means of showcasing the best in independent filmmaking to entertain and educate local and international audiences. It was hoped that the event would bring together filmmakers, filmgoers and industry professionals to share their passion for the art and business of film.

This year's Festival will run between April 20 and April 26 with screenings of all films divided between the Liberty and Little Theatres. There are two main prizes. The first, the Jury Prize for Best Film, is awarded to a feature length film. The second prize, the Bermuda Shorts award, is presented to a notable short film.

The Festival's final feature, "Pandaemonium, is a highly regarded British film by director Julien Temple. It will not be in competition for Festival prizes, but will run on closing night.

There are two additions to this year's festival which should prove of interest to filmgoers -- an animated tale for children and a sidebar of movies from Irish filmmakers. The sidebar is to become a regular occurrence with a different island highlighted each year.

"We have been setting up an Irish sidebar in conjunction with Irish filmmakers, looking for features and for shorts as a tribute to modern Irish cinema,'' said Mr. Hall. "Our future focus will be a different island each year and showcasing their cinema.

"This year will also mark the first time we've had a children's animated film. Marco Polo will be shown on April 22, following which anyone who comes can go back to the National Gallery and speak with the filmmaker. It's a nice tie-in with the Gallery now hosting its (Animation Exhibit).'' "It's also a nice opportunity to collaborate with the National Gallery who are opening their doors on a Sunday, when they are normally closed,'' said Mrs. Ratteray Pryse. "It's one of our many firsts. The Island sidebar is a first, the children's animated picture is a first and the closing night film is a first as well.

"And from Monday to Thursday between noon and 2 p.m. at (Reid Street coffeehouse) Rock Island Coffee, people can sit on the back patio there, eat lunch and talk to the filmmakers. We want people to come and enjoy the festival and have access to filmmakers. Filmmakers enjoy having access to the audience, not only other filmmakers. It gives them access to a real response.'' According to the organisers, what became evident, from the submissions they received, was the immense talent of independent filmmakers at various stages in their careers.

"Jalla! Jalla! won an Audience Award in Rotterdam and the director is 23 years old and Julian Temple, (the director of closing night feature, Pandaemonium), did his first film in 1980.

BIFF widens its scope "So it attracts not only some first time directors but we also have more seasoned filmmakers submitting films,'' Mr. Hall said. "(Because of that) it's an event that lasts one week, but requires 51 weeks preparation. To get some of the films we've got, and the features we've got, takes work.'' The vast amounts of work done by the organising committee however, would amount to little were it not for the amazing sponsorship and dedicated group of volunteers BIFF relies on each year.

"We are fortunate to have essentially the same band of volunteers come together year after year to put it together,'' Mrs. Ratteray Pryse said.

"They all work full time at other jobs and do the Festival on the side.

"Also, of course, none of this would be possible without sponsorship. The Bermuda Department of Tourism has supported us since day one and has worked with us and frankly given us an education even on how tourism works. We are pleased to know we have already received bookings as a result of the event.

"The ACE Group has also been great. Wendy Davis Johnson is always supportive of the event as she is of the arts in general and BTC have been there from the very beginning, sponsoring our opening night party. We are also lucky to have American Airlines and a number of host hotels and other generous supporters.

People sometimes don't realise how generous the business community is in Bermuda but it is very generous and we're one of the charities who reap the benefits.

"The important thing is that we stay in contact and establish a year-round presence. I'm here full time and (Mr. Hall) is part time and it's necessary so that any contacts we make, we stay in touch with and follow up on.'' Added Mr. Hall: "We've been encouraged by folks in the film industry who have come to the festival and themselves seen the potential in it. We always thought the Festival in Bermuda was a good draw, not only for appreciative audiences here, but for film professionals, film industry people and filmmakers overseas, but it is nice to hear it from them that they think the event has great potential as well.'' Also scheduled during the week's festivities, are a daylong series of workshops that will be held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute on Saturday, April 21. These workshops will explore both the creative and business elements of the world film industry. Panellists will be film leaders from the United States, Canada and Ireland. Admission to the workshops is free and will offer attendees an opportunity to met one-on-one with the panellists.

The BIFF management committee consists of David O'Beirne, Nita Grewal, Susanne Notman, Dolores Berraldo, Helen Ann Chisholm, Neil Glass Tony Fernandes and Julia Pitt.

Costume drama: Actress Samantha Morton plays Sara Coleridge in the highly-regarded British film, Pandaemonium, which will close the Bermuda International Film Festival on Thursday, April 26.

In the maze: Director Rob Morrow, seated, with his co-star Laura Linney, on the set of the film Maze. Film and TV star Morrow directs and stars in the feature about a sculptor suffering from Tourette Syndrome who falls for his best friends's lover, the Oscar-nominated Linney.

Aideen Ratteray-Pryse