Mazatlan International Film Festival 2003.

With its picturesque scenery and tropical climate, Harbour Sinaloa in Mazatlan, Mexico, hosts the annual Mazatlan International Film Festival December 4-10, 2003. The historic Angela Peralta Theater will house the festival produced by Promotora La Vida es Bella, sponsored by the city of Mazatlan and Pueblo Bonito Hotels & Resorts and the government of the state of Sinaloa.

The festival will feature an official competition, with an international jury of filmmakers, producers, and actors awarding La Perla del Pacifico to:

Best Film (full length)
Best Film (short)
Best Film (animated short)
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Director

Ten films will compete for Best Film, thirty for Best Short Film, and the festivities will include a video exhibition highlighting independent filmmakers, communication and video professionals. Additionally, the Vision America segment will showcase recent work from the American continent. Special prizes will be announced throughout the submissions process. The first prize to be announced is for the Best Film Nominees.

Best Film Nominees will receive:

— 1 week hosting at the Pueblo Bonito Resorts & Hotel with breakfast inclusive
— Accreditation for all events, including Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony Gala
— RT air accommodations

Other awards presented will include:

— The Film and Press Award for Best Director
— Town Hall Mazatlan Award for Best Artistic, Educational or Cultural Broadcasting Video
— Audience Award for Best Film
— The Honorary Pedro Infante Award, chosen by the Organization Committee presented to an honorable representative of the Festival spirit, in acknowledgment of his talent, work and contribution to the seventh art development
— Best Film Script Award for the best participating script from the script workshop that will take place during the Festival

Workshops, expert conferences, seminars, roundtables, concerts, open-air screenings, and a closing night film music performance by the Sinaloa Symphony Orchestra will round the festivities. Submissions will be accepted until October 3, 2003.

Festival Director, Oscar Blancarte, shares, “I am very eager to help build a platform for international filmmakers and revive the international artistic community of Mazatlan.” Mr. Blancarte is an award winning filmmaker, and a native of Mazatlan, Mexico.

Roberto Rochin, Co-Director of the Mazatlan International Film Festival says, “Having participated in many festivals, I am very excited to bring this festival to Mazatlan. I look forward to collaborating with the International film market.”

For more information at http://www.mazatlanfilmfest.com