PRESS RELEASES

Miami, FL – August 14, 2006 – The Florida Film Institute (FFI), a not-for-profit organization mentoring more than 4,200 aspiring young filmmakers throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties, was one of several organizations chosen to have their work highlighted in MTV’s upcoming HIV/AIDS special, “thinkHIV: This is Me.” The special will air Friday, August 18, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. The documentary’s eye-opening release will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the first-ever HIV diagnosis and will chronicle the lives of young individuals affected by the virus today.

“MTV possesses an unquestionable ability to reach America’s youth and we are honored and thrilled to be used in this undeniably influential video montage,” commented Stephanie Martino-Rizzi, director of the Florida Film Institute. “The more our young people know about this issue, the better prepared they will be to protect themselves.”

The video submitted was directed and produced by four South Florida filmmakers under the mentorship of the Florida Film Institute. They include Directors David Martinez-Rivera and Maria Vilchez, Second Associate Director Andres Guaita and cameraman Ricardo Romo. The foursome interviewed and recorded Quintara, a young woman, living and coping with the AIDS virus.

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 short film. The Florida Film Institute acknowledges numerous organizations for their support, especially the Miami-Dade Mayor’s Office of Film & Entertainment. For more information about the workshops offered, call 305-891-3456, via email at info@flfilminstitute.org or by visiting their website at www.flfilminstitute.org.