8th Annual Burbank International Film Festival Announces Record-Breaking Film Schedule

The Burbank International Film Festival is pleased to present a record-breaking 140 films including 22 from outside the US, and 12 world premieres at the Burbank AMC 16 in Downtown Burbank from Wednesday, September 7th, through Sunday, September 11th, 2016. For tickets, festival passes, special hotel rates please visit www.burbankfilmfest.org.

Now in its 8th year, the Burbank International Film Festival is five-day celebration of independent film bringing together emerging international talent, film enthusiasts, and industry leaders to experience the best in contemporary film in Burbank, the Media Capital of the World.

"With 14 countries represented, and 53 market premieres, the festival has grown significantly in the U.S. and internationally," stated Jeffrey Rector, festival director. "From China, to India, to Europe and Nepal, 20% of this year's films are from abroad. Now more than ever, the Burbank International Film Festival celebrates and supports filmmaking talent where ever it is found."

Representative categories include independent full-length films, shorts, special event movies, comedy, drama, student filmmakers, sci-fi, faith-based, animation, foreign language, and documentary films.

In addition to awards being given in each filmmaking genre, the festival will also honor Michelle Nichols with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Danny Woodbury with the Diversity Award, and Jane Seymour with the Awareness Award. In recognition of the 15th anniversary of 9/11, the festival will honor a veteran from World War II, and one from Iraq/Afghanistan. Hal Albert (WWII) and Doug Woodhams (Iraq and Afghanistan) will both receive the Act of Valor Award. New this year, in recognition of director Garry Marshall, the inaugural Garry Marshall Spirit Award will be a continuing tribute to his life and legacy, and will be presented to a different recipient every year.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

OPENING NIGHT, Wednesday, September 7th, 6:00 PM

AMC Burbank 16

RED CARPET AND DEDICATION, 6:00 PM: Hosted by Fritz Coleman with opening remarks from Burbank Mayor Jess Talamantes and former Walt Disney Studios Chairman and Legendary Pictures Board Member Dick Cook, the Opening Night Gala is dedicated to honoring the life and achievements of director Garry Marshall, with the Spirit Award being presented to the Marshall family.

OPENING NIGHT FEATURE FILM, 7:00 PM: The Wave (Norway, 2016) directed by Roar Uthaug, starring Kristoffer Joner, Ane Dahl Torp, Jonas Hoff Oftebro.

A geologist's warning of an imminent disaster goes unheeded. Although predicted, no one is prepared when sudden seismic activity causes a mountain to collapse, creating a violent Tsunami that threatens to destroy everything in its path. This disaster film is based upon true events and is presented courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.

OPENING NIGHT SECOND FEATURE FILM, 7:30 PM: Last Call at Murray's (USA 2016) directed by Linda Palmer, starring Paula Jai Parker, Michael Gross, John Savage.

Dwindling clientele and new smoking ordinances have forced veteran bar-owner Murray to make a tough decision: it's time to close the bar. However, Murray's hopes for a quiet closing are dashed when a freak blizzard strands a host of zany people all night. Between drinks and karaoke, alliances are formed, broken, and blown sky-high.

COMEDY FEATURE FILM #1, Thursday, September 8th, 9:00 PM

Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel (USA 2016) Directed by Antonio Lexerot and Vincent J. Roth, starring Eric Roberts, Linda Blair, Bruce Vilanch.

Featuring more than 50 celebrities, the long awaited sequel with cinema's first openly gay superhero tracks Metal Master to Las Vegas, finding himself out of his element in a strange town. Surge is soon aided by local college students deploying their own talents to help Surge uncover Metal Master's activities, putting Surge in awkward situations.

COMEDY FEATURE FILM #2, Friday, September 9th, 8:30 PM

The Wedding Invitation (USA 2016) Directed by Rainy Kerwin, starring Camille Guaty, Eoin Macken, Christina Ulloa.

Three best friends endure heartbreak, humiliation & hangovers to find a date to the wedding of a lifetime.

DRAMATIC FEATURE FILM, Friday, September 9th, 9:00 PM

The Girl (USA 2014) Directed by Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, starring Michael Biehn, Tia Carrere, Dana Daurey. Director and stars will be in attendance to introduce the film.

A kidnapped girl is rescued by a young boy, and in return is compelled to save him from the horrors in his home.

FAMILY FRIENDLY COMEDY, Saturday, September 10th, 2:30 PM

Can I Get A Witness Protection? (USA 2016) Directed by Robert G. Lee, starring Jamie Alexander, Jacquelyn Zook, Jody Shilling.

Caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, Jack Jabobs witnesses a gangland murder. Before he knows what's happening, the DEA unceremoniously rip he and his wife from their comfortable lives and transplant them to the only place the government believes the notorious drug cartel won't find them - in a run down urban church.

INTERNATIONAL SHORTS: Sunday, September 11th

10:00 AM

Food First (Germany)

Forget-You-Not (Switzerland)

Piece of Wood (Egypt)

The Run (Germany)

11:30 AM

Pas à Vendre (France)

La Tierra Del Exodo (Mexico)

Wan Mei (China)

Sophie (Hong Kong / Singapore)

9/11 15th ANNIVERSARY

In recognition of the 15th anniversary of 9/11, the Burbank International Film Festival will honor veterans Hal Albert (WWII) and Doug Woodhams (Iraq and Afghanistan) who will both receive the Act of Valor Award. In addition, two films with veteran themes will be screened:

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE FILM, Sunday, September 11th, 3:00 PM

Searching for Home: Coming Back From War (USA 2015) Directed and written by Eric Christiansen

An emotional and unflinching look at returning veterans and their search for the home they left behind - physically, mentally and spiritually. From World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to modern-day conflicts, Searching for Home is a multigenerational documentary that honors the men and women who have left home, only to return to new and difficult challenges as profoundly changed people.

FESTIVAL CLOSING FEATURE, Sunday, September 11th, 3:30 PM

Last Man Club (USA 2016) Directed by Bo Brinkman, starring James Mackrell, Kate French, William Morgan Sheppard.

A World War II veteran destined for life in a retirement home escapes his difficult family situation and embarks on a cross country adventure to find the last remaining members of his B-17 bomber crew with the help of a beautiful accomplice.

SPECIAL EVENT MOVIES

30th ANNIVERSARY SCREENING OF ALIENS, Saturday, September 10th, 6:00 PM

Confirmed cast members set to appear include Michael Biehn (Terminator), Jenette Goldstein (Near Dark), Mark Ralston (NCIS), Ricco Ross (Dr. Who), with additional celebrity guests to be announced. The special screening will be followed by an Intergalactic After-Party as part of "Night of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror." The Sci-fi After-Party is included in the price of admission and includes a red carpet event, hosted bar, DJ, dancing, musical performances, and celebrity guests.

30th ANNIVERSARY SCREENING OF TOP GUN, Saturday, September 10th, 3:30 PM

Directed by Tony Scott (Days of Thunder), the film tells the story of the US Navy's "Top Gun" elite fighter pilot school with cadets competing to be the best in class. "Top Gun" stars Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Kelly McGillis, Tom Skerritt, Meg Ryan, Tim Robbins, and Anthony Edwards. The film is screened courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

FAMILY FRIENDLY PROGRAMMING: THE 45th ANNIVERSARY SCREENING OF WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, Saturday, September 10th, 1:00 PM

Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory stars Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, and Peter Ostrum and tells the story of Charlie, a kid from a poor family whose luck changes when he wins a golden ticket to a magical candy factory. Participants who arrive dressed as a character from the film will receive free admission. There will be a prize for best costume, and one lucky attendee will win a "golden ticket." There will also be a special live performance prior to the show. The film is screened courtesy of Warner Bros. Classics.

CLOSING NIGHT DINNER AND AWARDS GALA, Sunday, September 11th, 5:30 PM at The Castaway Burbank, 1250 E Harvard in Burbank

An evening acknowledging award-winning filmmakers, and honoring industry icons and professionals who have shaped and defined the world of cinema today.

5:30 PM: Red Carpet Arrivals and cocktail reception.

7:00 PM: Festival Honoree Banquet and Celebrity Awards Show.

9:00 PM: Closing cocktail reception.

The Burbank International Film Festival is made possible in part through Downtown Burbank Partnership, Visit Burbank, and the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. For further information, schedules, and tickets, please visitwww.burbankfilmfest.org.

Special room rates at Burbank hotels are available for attendees at http://reservations.visitburbank.com/hotel/list/8324

The Burbank International Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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