Festival, due to take place next April.

And the new committee believes that the annual event could become one of the Island's biggest attractions for overseas visitors.

Festival Director Aideen Ratteray-Pryse confirmed that she was standing down after two years in the director's chair. She will be replaced by Mid-Ocean News editor Tim Hodgson.

"I will not be piloting the ship this year,'' Mrs. Ratteray-Pryse said.

"I and a few of my committee members have decided to bow out. Those members are deputy festival director David O'Beirne, programming director Kendaree Burgess-Fairn and treasurer Neil Glass.

"The reason is quite simply that we take our responsibilities to our families and our employers very seriously and feel that, without a full time festival director we are unable to dedicate the time and commitment required to stage BIFF 99.

"We are however leaving the festival in good hands -- Tim Hodgson will assume leadership of the festival -- and I am sure he will work diligently to ensure the success of BIFF 99. Next year's festival promises to be even bigger and better than last year.

After paying tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Hodgson said: "The festival has the potential to add another very lucrative string to Bermuda's tourism bow.'' BIFF features 14 films during its week-long run and between 20 and 30 short films.

"Some festivals which offer similar programmes over similar time periods are now generating between $10 million and $20 million for their communities. Film makers, industry professionals, members of the trade press -- all of these are potential new visitors for the Island. Bermuda is the perfect venue, with its physical beauty, friendly people and well established tourism infrastructure to run a successful film festival,'' said Mr. Hodgson.

Although Mr. Hodgson confirmed that vacancies for the other committee posts had already been pencilled in, he is still interested in hearing from anyone who would like to work behind the scenes for the festival.