, a double award-winning documentary at last week's Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF), is to air next year on HBO.

The significance of that much-lauded documentary's appearance ? and the similarly high calibre of other films screened at the seventh BIFF ? was not lost on indieWIRE columnist Wendy Mitchell.

"The Bermuda International Film Festival, now in its seventh year, obviously doesn't have the history of Cannes or the acquisitions frenzy of Toronto or Sundance," she penned in her round-up of our festival's events for the film-dedicated web site.

"But it does have location, location, location. Each film-maker I met at the festival was honest about the fact that they'd submitted their films here, mostly because Bermuda seemed like it would be a nice place to visit.

"Except for a few more clouds than expected and some bizarre dance moves exhibited by one or two loony locals, they got what they bargained for: a trip to a lovely island, and a festival that increases in stature every year.

"The stars were shining throughout the festival; Willem Dafoe served as head of the jury, which also included Mexican screenwriters Guillermo Arriaga (, ) and Carlos Cuaron (), Shane Smith of the Canadian Film Centre, Mark Salisbury and previous BIFF award winners, Patricia Flynn and Helen Lee. Jim Sheridan, in Bermuda with opening-night film, and retrospective selections, looked to be enjoying himself throughout his stay (although indieWIRE is still mad we never took him to the pub for a pint)."

The writer highlighted the island's relaxed way of life which she said carried through to festival events ? a pace apparently quite different to that found at others.

"A relaxed atmosphere (to say the least) meant that there weren't VIP rooms and snobby cliques . . . the invited guests were mingling together with local film enthusiasts at events throughout the week. Social events were mostly low-key affairs and the festival hosted late-night happy hours for six nights.

"Some 'late nights' were at posh hotels, where smooth jazz didn't inspire much raucous (activity). The most excitement came from the party at the Blue Juice Bar, when one patron stripped naked (save a knee brace . . . not a good look) and boogied on the dance floor. Chalk it up to one too many Dark & Stormies, the local rum-and-ginger-beer cocktail that went down a little too easy.

"There was, however, one VIP party ? the week's hot ticket ? at an obscenely ornate mansion called Deep Water (Deep Pockets might be a more apt name). Hosts Rocco and Sammy Schiralli welcomed festival guests and the island's A-listers (including Michael Douglas)."

The columnist made it clear, however, that BIFF wasn't all drinks and socialising. Examples of growth were its increase to 70 films ? from 22 in its first year ? and the addition of a fourth venue for screening, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI). Profiles were given of several of the films which screened during the week-long event, including Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman's , which follows Ms Briski as she teaches photography to children in Calcutta's red light district.

"It's easy to admire the intentions behind her programme, and the intentions of the film; impressively, the film was also beautifully shot and well-edited, showcasing some stunning local music and the colours of Calcutta's streets," Ms Mitchell wrote. The film was named Best Documentary, and won the Audience Choice Award at BIFF.

Overall, the columnist felt most enjoyed their Bermuda experience ? film, social and otherwise.

". . . the festival's increasingly strong programming and high-profile guests, should make Bermuda a more important stop on the festival circuit in years to come. Whether or not it was sunny enough to hit Bermuda's famed pink (or more accurately, pinkish) sand beaches in March, it is still east to relax here (and even sleep in, since screenings don't start until afternoon.

"Even without a heavy industry presence, film-makers raved about the treatment on the island. 'I wouldn't go to Bermuda looking for distribution, but then again, you never know who you might meet or who knows who'," Ms Briski told indieWIRE. "It was a wonderful experience and definitely well worth it."