The Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) can play a key role in reviving the Island?s tourism industry, according to a festival organiser.

BIFF director Aideen Ratteray-Pryse said that more than 200 visitors were attracted to the Island specifically to attend last year?s festival.

Speaking at the Hamilton Lions luncheon yesterday, Mrs. Ratteray-Pryse said a survey carried out by BIFF produced some encouraging responses.

The survey showed that 240 visitors were drawn to the Island by BIFF and 1,200 filmgoers attended the event.

Last year famous American lawyer Johnny Cochrane and his wife came to the Island specifically to attend the event.

And the survey revealed that 94 percent of visitors who attended the festival said it met or exceeded their expectations.

A loyal following for BIFF was indicated by 61 percent of filmgoers who said they attended in past years while its future as a potential major attraction was sealed by 55 percent of visiting filmgoers who rated it better or much better than past festivals.

The festival added to the vacation experience of 94 percent of the visitors that answered the survey.

Social events and the access to film-makers were visitors favourite aspects of BIFF.

On average, visitors attended two or three additional BIFF events, including the films.

BIFF was launched in 1997 and has grown steadily.

At this year?s event, which kicks off on March 19 and runs through March 25, 71 films are scheduled to be screened at four different venues ? Little Theatre, Liberty Theatre, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, and Southside Cinema.

Mrs. Ratteray-Pryse, said: ?The quality of films has improved immensely.

?Our strategic plan calls for BIFF to be the best little film festival in the world.

?We have approached the Corporation of Hamilton for permission to screen films at City Hall but we are only in very early talks at the moment.?

Tickets for the festival go on sale on March 1.