The 2010 Anaheim International Film Festival advisory board members include:

Ø Charles Ahlers, President, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau

Ø Jackie Barbera, Senior Director, University of California, Irvine Foundation

Ø Charles Burnett, Producer/Director

Ø Steve Churm, Publisher and CEO/Founder, Churm Media

Ø Howard Cohen, President, Roadside Attractions

Ø Kevin Haasarud, Producer/Director

Ø Finbar Hill, Honorary Consul General of Ireland and Chief of Protocol, Los Angeles Consul Corps

Ø Allan Goldstein, Writer/Director

Ø Larry Gross, Screenwriter

Ø Bill H. Lyon, President and COO, William Lyon Homes

Ø Jon Marashi, D.D.S.

Ø Manny Medrano, Attorney, Medrano & Carlton and Broadcast Journalist

Ø Ethan Morgan, Vice President, Private Banking, Wells Fargo

Ø Todd Rustman, President & Wealth Manager, GR Capital Asset Management

Ø Bruno Serato, Founder/Owner, Anaheim White House Restaurant

“I applaud the Anaheim International Film Festival organizers for bringing positive economic development, cultural arts and education to Anaheim and Orange County,” said Charles Ahlers, president, Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. “I’ve been privileged to serve at the bureau for over 18 years now and recognize how beneficial the festival will be for our community. It enhances the quality of life for local residents and ensures that the Anaheim/OC area remains a world-class visitor destination and great place to conduct business. We are proud to support the festival in making this an inspiring annual tradition that will endure for years to come.”

“Independent films and the creative teams behind them are telling engaging and thought-provoking stories that not only entertain us, but profoundly connect us to the global community,” said Kevin Haasarud, an award-winning producer who has developed numerous television series and comedy specials for HBO Original Programming. “It’s inspiring to see Anaheim step into the ring with an international film festival that will provide a platform for emerging filmmakers, and celebrate the kind of storytelling that engages moviegoers of all cultures.”

“This winning combination of entertainment industry and Orange County business leaders is exactly what we need to create a successful debut festival,” says AIFF Chairman Sinan Kanatsiz. “Within our home community, we’ve brought together individuals who are leaders in their respective fields and committed to furthering the cultural arts. From the world of entertainment, we have a highly talented group of creatives dedicated to furthering the best in cinematic arts. We are fortunate they have chosen to support the Anaheim International Film Festival in our mission to inspire and showcase the work of emerging independent filmmakers that may follow their path to success.”

The inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival runs Oct. 13-17, 2010 at the Anaheim GardenWalk. Thousands of attendees are expected to visit the five-day festival and participate in film screenings, master classes and workshops taught by industry professionals, and star-studded gala events. Tickets will be available to the general public beginning September 15, 2010. For more information, please call (714) 991-9110 visit www.anaheimfilm.org.

About AIFF

The inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival is produced by the Anaheim Film Society, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. The 2010 AIFF marks the addition of a world-class cultural event to the city of Anaheim, Orange County and the international film festival circuit. AIFF’s mission is to create an environment that inspires, nurtures and showcases the work of emerging independent film talent and pay tribute to accomplished film artists. For more information, visit www.anaheimfilm.org.

ANAHEIM, Calif. – February 23, 2010 – The Anaheim International Film Festival is now recruiting volunteers for its inaugural event, taking place October 13-17, 2010 at Anaheim GardenWalk. As Orange County’s newest major film festival, the AIFF will make a significant cultural contribution to the community, attracting thousands of attendees for film screenings, workshops and gala events.

“Volunteering is one of the greatest experiences you can ever have at a film festival,” states AIFF Executive Director Jo Moulton. “It’s the ultimate breeding ground of opportunity for all those interested in the arts, education, entertainment, film, music and event production.”

“By becoming part of the festival team, you will work in a stimulating, exciting and fun atmosphere while contributing to the success of our inaugural event,” adds AIFF Chairman Sinan Kanatsiz.  “It’s a great opportunity to network, gain experience and get a behind the scenes look at the inner workings of a film festival.”

Volunteer opportunities are available in theater operations, program editorial support, screening presenters, festival administration, special events, guest relations, promotions, ticket sales, graphics design, foreign language translations and more. Multiple shifts are available and can be tailored to suit each volunteer’s specific requirements and interests.

To apply, visit www.anaheimfilm.org to download an application. For more information, please call (714) 924-4707 or email festival@anaheimfilm.org.

- Call for entries now open for first ever Anaheim International Film Festival,                   taking place October 13-17 at Anaheim GardenWalk –

ANAHEIM, Calif. – February 11, 2010 – The inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival (AIFF) will debut October 2010, marking the addition of a world-class cultural event to Orange County and the international film festival circuit. As the first major film festival ever to be held in the city of Anaheim, the AIFF will showcase the latest independent feature and student films, documentaries, live action shorts and animation from across America and the world. Thousands of attendees are expected to visit the five-day festival and participate in film screenings, master classes and workshops taught by industry professionals, and star-studded gala events.

“Anaheim is the ideal place to host an international film festival, with its community focus, cultural diversity and prime location,” says Sinan Kanatsiz, co-founder and chairman, AIFF. “With the support of the city of Anaheim and some of its most prominent businesses, we are confident the AIFF will attract thousands of film enthusiasts from both Southern California and around the globe. In 1995, there were fewer than 500 film festivals throughout the world. In 2009, there were almost 4,000. There is a strong public demand for the culture and sense of community that a film festival offers, and we are pleased to start this new tradition in Anaheim.”

“As part of Anaheim‘s dedication to innovation, I am proud to support the first ever Anaheim International Film Festival in our great city,” says Curt Pringle, mayor of Anaheim. “This is a unique opportunity to bring the community together for both learning and entertainment. We are especially excited about the AIFF Youth Education Program, which will promote arts and media literacy among Anaheim youth.“

“We are very proud to be a founding sponsor of Anaheim’s inaugural International Film Festival. Our company has a rich history of creative storytelling and quality entertainment that makes this a natural fit for us,” said George Kalogridis, Disneyland Resort President. “Locally, we support arts education efforts to cultivate the next generation of artists, including filmmakers. We look forward to being a part of this landmark festival.”

The AIFF, a competitive festival, is now accepting film entries. The festival is open to U.S. and foreign films in five categories: narrative features, live action and animated shorts, documentaries and student films. For full entry guidelines and to download an entry form, please visit www.anaheimfilm.org. The AIFF will select and screen approximately 200 films from October 13-17 at Anaheim GardenWalk, a shopping and entertainment complex centrally located near Disneyland Resort, the Anaheim Convention Center, Angel Stadium and more.

“The theme of the inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival is discovery and innovation,” says Jo Moulton, co-founder and executive director, AIFF. “Through screenings and other associated events, the festival aims to present a wide spectrum of contemporary filmmaking while celebrating cinematic achievements of the past and enriching the cultural landscape of the city of Anaheim, Orange County and beyond.”

Sponsorships for the Anaheim International Film Festival are also currently available, providing local and national businesses with a unique opportunity to be part of a historic celebration of movie magic, and the launching of an Anaheim festival tradition. Sponsorship packages can be customized based on an organization’s specific resources and objectives.

About AIFF

The inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival (AIFF) is produced by the Cinema Entertainment Alliance, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. The 2010 AIFF marks the addition of a world-class cultural event to the city of Anaheim, Orange County and the international film festival circuit. AIFF’s mission is to create an environment that inspires, nurtures and showcases the work of emerging independent film talent and pay tribute to accomplished film artists. For more information, visit www.anaheimfilm.org.