Los Angeles, CA (May 23, 2007) –  Following last year’s successful event, the third annual Turks and Caicos International Film Festival (TCIFF), will continue to celebrate the fusion of cinema and music as it returns October 16-21, 2007 in Providenciales.  This year’s festivities promise to bring a piece of Hollywood to award-winning Grace Bay Beach with outdoor feature film screenings, VIP galas, an awards presentation and a live concert series.  The Festival hosted a launch event in Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 23 which was attended by The Honorable Michael Misick (Premiere of Turks & Caicos) & First Lady LisaRaye McCoy Misick, Executive Director Jasmine Guy, Executive Director Terrence Duckette and other VIP guests.

Festival Executive Director Jasmine Guy states, “We’re proud to be a unique film festival that focuses on both film and music all set on the beautiful islands of Turks & Caicos.  With our outdoor screenings and concerts, this film festival is the perfect backdrop for both industry professionals and people who just love great films and music to have the ultimate festival experience.”

“The Turks and Caicos International Film Festival is always an exciting time in the Islands as we honor top artistic talents from around the world and celebrate with celebrity and jet-setter attendees,” said Lindsey Musgrove, director of tourism for the Turks and Caicos Tourism Board.  “We’re proud to be hosting the event for the third year and look forward to showcasing our tropical paradise, warm weather and many festivities.”

The TCIFF is currently accepting film submissions for the 2007 Festival.  The regular submission deadline is July 17, 2007 for feature, documentaries and short films.  The Festival screens approximately 30 films and will present jury awards in the following categories: films that best marry music to cinema; films that best contain an actor portraying a musician or singer; films that best have a recording artist acting in the film; best documentary about a music entity; and best music documentary pertaining to the music business, genre or theme.  In addition, the Festival will also present the Sal Del Mar Awards at an awards ceremony honoring a Tour de Force actor, Rising Star, Composer and Director.  Last year’s ceremony was hosted by “Access Hollywood’s” Shaun Robinson and honored composer John Debney and presented a posthumous award to Tupac Shukar.

Last year’s event welcomed jurors Robert Forster, Elenora Granata and Sanaa Hamri, Sal Del Mar Award recipient John Debney, Lil’ Kim, Vivica A. Fox, Wanda Lopes Coleman, Quentin Coleman and Donnie McClurkin.  Films screened included “Two Sons of Francisco,” which received Best Feature and Best Actor prizes; “The Hip Hop Project,” executive produced by Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah and the Festival’s Best Documentary winner; “From Darkness to Light: The Donnie McClurkin Story” and “Last Days of Left Eye.”

Visitors will discover the charm and beauty of the islands while attending the Festival screenings, premieres, workshops, meet and greets, and other film related activities, with plenty of time to enjoy the crystal-clear turquoise waters.  Evenings shine with parties, concerts and outdoor mixers on the powder white beaches.  Screenings include new works, as well as music-driven classics which can be viewed at the Alexandra Resort’s temporary 250-seat theatre during the day, or on a jumbo screen erected on the resort’s beach each night.

A TCIFF preview party will be held on May 21, 2007, at the Pegasus Room in New York, May 23, 2007, at Hollywood Post in Los Angeles and August 15, 2007 in Miami.

For more information on attendees, awards and a complete schedule of events, visit www.tciff.com. 

About Turks & Caicos

The 40 islands of the Turks & Caicos, of which eight are inhabited, are renowned for its award-winning beaches, diving and array of world-class resorts.  Additional activities include tennis, golf and horseback riding.  The Islands feature a variety of renowned spa and body treatment services and is home to the world’s only conch farm. There are three daily 90-minute direct flights from Miami, a US Airways direct flight from Charlotte, and weekly flights from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto.  For more information, visit the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board Web site at www.turksandcaicostourism.com or call (800) 241-0824. 

About Turks & Caicos International Film Festival

The Turks & Caicos International Film Festival (TCIFF) celebrates those films from all over the world that best marry cinema to music through content, character, theme, or score/soundtrack.  TCIFF honors filmmakers and musically infused movies as well as highlighting special artists whose work encompasses both fields. 

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