Hi Movie Friends!

The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) starts tonight! It runs 11 days, ending with a big Closing Night Reception at 9 p.m. on Sunday, March 28th. We have scheduled a number of films in the festival as posted on the web site and we have a formal event posted for the reception. Mostly, group members just pick films they are attracted to and go alone or with small groups. Check out the offerings in the Program Guide or on-line. Many films are now going on Stand-by so it?s best to check the web site before making plans. Go to the CIFF web site for details: www.clevelandfilm.org

Two dates to mark on your calendar are the first Saturday ? March 20 - and the Closing Night Film and Reception on Sunday, March 28.

Thanks to the generosity of CIFF Executive Director Marcie Goodman, members of the Independent Movie Group will have a special discount of $2 on ticket purchases. Our discount code is: INDIE1. I am posting a separate memo outlining ticket purchase and discount details. This is also posted in the file section of our web site. Please note that organizers cannot answer any questions not addressed in this posting. Direct all inquiries to the CIFF numbers listed.

Please note that the Festival attracts thousands of people to Tower City and the cinemas. This is NOT a normal film-going experience. If you responded ?Maybe? on an event and show up at Tower City Cinemas hoping to purchase a ticket and the last minute, chances are that you will be disappointed.

Also, please be aware that the normal Huron Road parking ramp is closed and you must take a short detour into the East Bank of the Flats to access the Tower City (free) lots from Canal Road (near Sherwin-Williams). Full details are on the CIFF web site.

Another concern will be possible conflicts with the Cavs? home games. They have games at 4 p.m. this Sunday (March 21) and at 3 p.m. next Sunday (March 28). This means that you will be competing for parking spots in the Tower City free lot. Arrive early or take RTA!

A word of practical advice regarding the CIFF: If possible, purchase tickets as far in advance as practicable. Many of the screenings will sell out quickly after they are opened to the public on March 5th. Also, get to the Tower City Cinemas early so that you will get a spot at the front of the ticket holder line and thereby the prime seats in the show. It is always possible to go to Tower City and purchase a stand-by ticket one hour before showtime if necessary. However, this is not recommended, as it is something like flying on stand-by. There are no guarantees and you?ll be corralled into a queue for an hour or more before the show. This is not fun.

Please try to avoid stand-by at all costs.



Last year I was late in deciding to purchase tickets for festival favorite Cherry Blossoms. That was a big mistake! I arrived 2 hours before show time to purchase tickets. Much to my consternation, I joined about 200 others waiting just to purchase stand-by vouchers, and I was at the back of the line. I never made that screening and had to select another film without adequate review. I was fortunate in selecting Ciao Bella, a fine film.

That brings me to an editorial comment. Just about all of the CIFF films are exceptional. Depending upon your personal interest and tastes, you really can?t go wrong with any of the offerings. I would encourage you to do some Google research on the films that are attractive as listed in the guide and consider some of the special events listed in the CIFF guide.

We are so very fortunate to have the Cleveland International Film Festival in our city along with a dedicated and professional group of paid and volunteer staff that makes it all happen so smoothly. Some of these volunteers are also members of the Independent Movie Group! Please thank the volunteers at the theater. They are working for your benefit without pay while you?re enjoying the films.

See you at the Movies!

Bill



Queen to Play ? Saturday, March 20th @ 4:30 p.m.



A Matter of Size ? Saturday, March 20th @ 7:45 p.m.



Lourdes ? Sunday, March 21st @ 7:20 p.m.



Hipsters ? Wednesday, March 24th @ 7:15 p.m.






Closing Night Reception- Sunday, March 28th @ 9 p.m.