The Bermuda International Film Festival was included among the very best by a major Hollywood critic in a "Things I am Thankful For'' column last week.

American film critic David Poland thanked the Bermuda International Film Festival "for doing everything it can to build a film festival that means something''.

Every Thanksgiving Mr. Poland produces the Hot Button column for the web site he is editor in chief for -- roughcut.com.

He filed daily reports for the web site during his visit to this year's festival, reaching more than 100,000 people a month.

Of the more than 500 film festivals presented worldwide, Mr. Poland mentioned only the Toronto, Sundance, Telluride, Overlooked and Bermuda film festivals as worthy of note.

Duncan Hall, BFF director of business affairs said of Mr. Poland's compliments: "We are delighted that David has seen fit to mention our festival in such illustrious company.

"David quickly saw the potential that our festival has and we have remained in contact with him concerning our plans for 2001,'' he said adding, "we did not have advance knowledge that he was going to give us a mention, so it came as a surprise.'' Festival Director Aideen Ratteray Pryse called the mention a "real boost'' for the festival.

"We often hear from people on the Island who enjoy our festival,'' she said.

"And now we have been given the thumbs up from a well respected and widely read international film critic as well.'' She added: "It bodes will for the future of our festival.

"This is a real boost to our festival, and the many hard working volunteers who have given freely of their time to help us establish a presence on the worldwide festival circuit.'' The fourth annual Bermuda International Film Festival will be held from April 20 to 26. Films and ticket information will be announced closer to the event.