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Ashland International Film Festival It's opening night. The Ashland Independent Film Festival (AIFF) will return to downtown Ashland starting tonight (Thursday, April 3) and run through Monday, April 7. After a year's hiatus, festival organizers have been working hard to make the experience even more memorable than the last one, which was held in October 2001. The Ashland Independent Film Festival, which is presented by the Southern Oregon Film Society, has the mission of promoting widespread public understanding and involvement in the powerful cultural medium of independent film. Through post-screening discussions, educational seminars and workshops, the general public - and young audiences in particular - have the opportunity to learn a great deal about filmmaking and its impact upon our culture and society. "We are looking forward to putting on a gala event to make Ashland proud, to be another arrow in our cultural quiver," says Ron Hulteen, festival administrator. "We are planning a diverse program of feature films, shorts, documentaries, seminars, workshops, other special events for all age groups - and to engage our young people in the exciting potential of the powerful artistic medium of filmmaking." One of the unique features of the AIFF is that visiting filmmakers are invited to attend each screening and participate in discussion/dialogue sessions with the audience afterwards. This creates an intimate atmosphere where audience and filmmaker can share thoughts, questions and reactions to each film. Another unique component of The Ashland Independent Film Festival pairs enthusiastic Ashlanders with filmmakers needing housing accommodations during their stay. This year 178 films were submitted for entry, and after an intensive screening process, 66 films were selected, including eight world premieres and 43 Oregon premieres. All films will be shown at the Varsity Theatre at 166 E. Main Street using all five of its screens, with films running from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. One coup for the festival was being able to screen the Academy Award-nominated short subject, "The Collector of Bedford Street". This year's gala opening night event on Thursday, April 3 will feature an older film that even now remains steeped in mystery and divergent opinions - the independent film "The Rapture," described by critic Roger Ebert as, "�one of the most radical, infuriating, engrossing, challenging movies I've ever seen. There are people who love it and many who hate it, but few who can remain on the sidelines." Actress Mimi Rogers and writer/director Michael Tolkin will attend both screenings and the festive party and silent auction fundraiser that follows at the Ashland Springs Hotel, at 212 E. Main Street. Other films Rogers has appeared in include "Someone To Watch Over Me," "The Player," "A Kiss To Die For,""The Mirror Has Two Faces" and the kid cult classic, "Lost in Space." Michael Tolkin is a novelist, screenwriter, film producer, director, and actor. His screenwriting credits include: "The Player," "Deep Cover," "The Burning Season," "Deep Impact" and "Changing Lanes." By including thought-provoking educational seminars and workshops, the festival hopes to interest future filmmakers. This year's programs include: Acting for the Camera Screenwriting Seminar Cinematography Directing Seminar Filmmaker Forums 24P HD Technology Block & Shoot On Set On Location Edit in the Studio Editing Why Did They Shoot That? Challenging Social Conventions in Film More information on the education seminars and workshops can be found on the web, at www.ashlandfilm.org . The closing night party will be held Sunday, April 6 at 6 p.m. at the Historic Ashland Armory, 208 Oak Street. Filmmakers and the movie-lovers will be able to chat over dinner and enjoy all the festivities, culminating with the presentation of the festival's award statuettes. Categories include: Best Independent Feature Film Best Independent Short Film Best Documentary Film Best Student Film Best Acting Ensemble Best Cinematography, The Gerald Hirschfeld ASC Award, Feature Film Best Cinematography, The Gerald Hirschfeld ASC Award, Short Film Passes and individual tickets can be purchased online and in-person at the box office located at the Varsity Theatre, 166 E. Main Street or by calling 488-3823. Visa, Mastercard or personal checks will be accepted. LINKS: REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. DAILY TIDINGS: Main | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -