feature films for its first season of showcasing independent talent.

Festival spokesperson Aideen Ratteray-Pryse noted in a press release: "We're delighted with the wide range and quality of the films that have been submitted.'' The Festival will hold screenings of 12 feature-length films at the Liberty and Little Theatres in Hamilton, between May 1-8.

Included in the line-up will be productions starring Keanu Reeves and Renee Zellweger, heroine of the hit film `Jerry MaGuire'.

Also in the lineup is the film `Family Name', winner of the Sundance Film Festival `Freedom of Expression' award. The documentary chronicles director Macky Alston's search for the descendants of slaves.

The lineup for the Festival's short programme is expected to be announced within the next few days, said Ms Ratteray-Pryse.

Tickets for the Festival will go on sale April 15 at the Visitor Services Bureau on Front Street, or can be ordered by calling the Festival's voicemail at 293-FILM. Tickets can also be pre-ordered by e-mail (bdafilm yibl.bm).

FILMS Films on offer at the Bermuda International Film Festival: Milk and Money, USA, by director Michael Bergmann. At 90 minutes it revolves around the main character, David, who may not know what to do with his life.

The rest of the world however has plenty of use for a guy whose agenda has temporarily lapsed.

Boston Kickout, UK, by director Paul Hills. At 105 minutes this production presents a tough and gritty portrait of life in England's "new'' towns.

The Destiny of Marty Fine, USA, by director Michael Hacker. This black and white 85-minute, 16mm production follows Marty through 24 hours as he attempts to escape his fate and prove he is still a man with a choice.

Mugshot, USA, directed by Matt Mahurin. At 87 minutes Mugshot -- winner of the Grand Jury prize at the Montreal Film Festival -- is the story of a white man who wakes up in a deserted building in Harlem -- marooned, no ID, and no memory. He seeks help from a black man who finds him.

The Cockroach That Ate Cincinnati, Canadian, directed by Michael McNamara.

This 97-minute film skewers the absurdities of the countercultural skirmishes of the past 30 years.

The Riddle, USA and Russia, directed by Evan Brennan. Told from the perspective of ten-yer-old Sasha, this 87 minute film looks at the life of a Russian youngster living at home with his drunken father and haunted by the disappearance of his mother.

Macadam Tribu, France, Zaire, Mali, directed by Jose Laplaine. Eighty-eight minute comedy/drama depicting the quest for money, status, and sex within the new extended families of Africa's urban neighbourhoods.

Village Idiots, USA, directed by Jonah Meyers. Every town has its village idiot. In Lawndalem, New Jersey, that title is held by TV-obsessed misfit Kevin Calloway who comes into contact with an unlikely cross-section of suburban characters (87 minutes).

Family Name, USA, directed by Macky Alston. A real-life mystery story of buried family roots and well-kept secrets, the 89-minute documentary follows Macky Alston's search through plantations once owned by his family for the descendants of slaves and slave owners.

The Whole Wide World, USA, directed by Dan Ireland. The 111-minute bittersweet story of a romantic and turbulent relationship between Novalyne Price -- played by Renee Zellweger of Jerry MaGuire fame -- and Robert E. Howard, the creator of Conan the Barbarian.

Pin Gods, USA, directed by Larry Locke. An exploration of the lives of three bowling prodigies as they set out to take on the greatest in the bowling world. (82 minutes).

The Last Time I Committed Suicide, USA, directed by Stephen Kay. Including a role played by Keanu Reeves, 93-minute story of a simple errand which turns into the detour of a lifetime.

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