work at the Bermuda International Film Festival.

And would-be filmmakers can learn how to shoot, finance and sell their work.

Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) Director Aideen Ratteray Pryse said: "We are excited about the quality of this year's programme which was chosen from 242 entries.

"We want to take audiences down roads they didn't even know existed, where assumptions are challenged and understanding encouraged -- roads that standard Hollywood fare bypasses.

"Among the feature films to be screened this year at the Liberty and Little Theatres, we have five US productions, three UK productions and one each from Canada, Greece and Australia.'' There will also be three documentaries. They will look at the Nazi occupation of France, a form of singing through the throat from Asia and juvenile delinquency. Mrs. Ratteray Pryse said: "We are anticipating that all but one of the films will be presented in Bermuda by its director, producer, writer or cinematographer. This is a thrilling prospect indeed.'' Short films will also be heavily featured.

She said: "BIFF provides the only local venue for showcasing Bermudian film and filmmakers on the big screen. Most of the new talent will be in Bermuda, as BIFF guests, to present their films and take part in Q and A sessions. It is the first time BIFF has been able to host such a large number of filmmakers of short films.'' She said workshops would range from a crash course in filmmaking to tips on financing films.

She said: "In a global glut of wanna-be filmmakers, successfully pitching an idea is a critical skill often missing from a filmmaker's repertoire.'' And there will be advice on how to get overseas funding.

Film fans are invited to the opening night party on the BIFF boat on April 14 and the prizewinner's party at La Coquille on April 20 -- tickets are $40 and cover food, drink and entertainment.

Tickets for films are $10 each and will let you view a short and a feature. A festival pass (14 features/documentaries and 15 shorts) is $125 while a partial pass (seven features/documentaries and seven shorts) is $65.

Viewers are reminded to be in their seats ten minutes before the film starts or face the prospect of having their seats sold. Film tickets and party tickets can be bought from the Visitor's Service Bureau from 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

from now until April 14. From then on they can be bought from the Liberty and Little Theatres.