PRESS RELEASES

Miami, FL – October 2, 2009 – Florida Film Institute (FFI) is pleased to announce its latest comprehensive film workshop “Cinerama Saturdays.” The 20-week program begins Saturday, Oct. 31 and runs through April 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Little Haiti Cultural Center located at 260 N.E. 59 Terrace. All teenagers between the ages 14-18 are invited to attend the open audition on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration prior to the audition date is required.

“Cinerama Saturdays” will feature an introduction into film producing and screen writing. The program also incorporates a production session that will include auditioning, assigning crew, camera positioning and lighting. As part of the 20-week workshops, participants will have the opportunity to shoot a short film and present it at the screening scheduled for the final day of the program, Saturday, April 10. Instruction for the workshops will be provided by local film professionals.

“We are very excited to present this series of filmmaking workshops for teens in the South Florida community,” said Stephanie Martino-Rizzi, Founder and President of FFI. “‘Cinerama Saturdays’ does an excellent job of teaching the basics of filmmaking, and even provides the unique opportunity of creating a film.”

Interested teens must attend the mandatory open audition on Oct. 24. Audition participants must come prepared with a sample of their creative work for the judges. This may include art work, a short poem or film and signing or dancing. Registration for the audition is available online at www.flfilminstitute.org and will end on Oct 23. There is a $25 fee to cover the cost of shoot-day meals and supplies for the workshops. “Cinerama Saturdays” Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, “With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.” The Children Trust, and the City of Miami Parks and Recreation Department.

Founded in 1992, the Florida Film Institute teaches the art, science and business of filmmaking through a series of workshops designed to inspire and empower aspiring filmmakers, providing them with the know-how to create their own film. Since its inception in 1992, FFI has mentored over 4,900 middle and high school students from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and in the past 16 years, FFI student films have received 32 exciting awards in filmmaking. For more information about the workshops offered visit www.flfilminstitute.org.