The organisers of the Bermuda International Film Festivals have said they are looking to raise more than half a million dollars to fund next years' event.

The board has decided to add at least two events that will mean they need additional revenue for the show. And organisers are now looking for new sponsorship from the local and international business communities.

In addition to the films, shorts and workshops, the organisers hope to introduce a new award for a tribute to a film star -- for which they are looking for a sponsor -- as well as a new slot of "chat with'' series of audience participation events with some of the directors and panellists.

Director of the film festival Aideen Ratteray Pryse said: "We have a 24 to 36 month plan, and have been given quite a lot of international exposure.

Festival organisers send out plea "We now have panellists coming to us to find out how to take part instead of the other way around. But quite frankly we cannot do it without the sponsors.'' At the moment the festival directors are looking at which 14 films and 14 shorts will be screened next year.

They are also organising the panellists to judge the films and trying to get as many of the directors as possible across to the event.

The bulk of the half a million they hope to raise is used to sponsor these flights and pay for accommodation and administration.

Since starting in 1997, the festival's sponsorship has increased from $150,000 to about $500,000 last year. So far this year they have secured 20 sponsors and are hoping to increase the amount of money raised for this years' venture.

"We have everything from sponsors who donate goods, to hotels who give us cut price accommodation. We also have private sponsors as well as large corporations,'' said Duncan Hall, director of business affairs at the festival.

Neither he nor Ms Ratteray Pryse would disclose how much companies donated, but said that every bit counted towards a successful festival.

Anyone wishing to sponsor the festival can call its offices on 293-3456.