CIFF Founders and stars celebrate opening night (from left) Co-Founder Summer Spooner, Army Wives Actor Brian McNamara, Army Wives Actress Kim Delaney and Co-Founder Brian Peacher (click to zoom)

The Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF) welcomed over 3,000 people this year for fun, free panels and seminars, a taste of independent cinema, and exciting after parties April 23-26, 2009. Whether you wanted to experience independent features, shorts, documentaries or animations, all genres from some of the best seasoned and emerging filmmakers screened.  Filmgoers laughed with the comedies, felt the emotion in dramas, and definitely squirmed during the horror films!

In 2008, over 40 films screened with most movie blocks selling out. The second year  showcased over 60 films from the U.S. and around the world…including South Carolina. Filmgoers also had the rare opportunity to meet these filmmakers, directors, cinematographers and screenwriters during post-screening Q&A’s getting an exclusive inside look into the film and industry.

[CIFF] thanks all the writers, filmmakers, attendees, supporters and sponsors who made the second annual non-profit Charleston International Film Festival a great success!  [CIFF] looks forward to creating and brainstorming in 2009 to elevate to an even better third year next spring.  It’s [CIFF's] pleasure to present to you the 2009 Award Winners below:

2009 CHARLESTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARD WINNERS

Golden Crescent Awards for Film
-Golden Crescent Award for Best Feature: “Anytown“
-Golden Crescent Award for Best Short: “Locker 13: Down & Out“
-Golden Crescent Award for Best Documentary: “Drop Zone Tahiti“

Jury Awards
- Best Feature: “The Narrows“
– Best Short: “The Beneficiary“
– Center for the Documentary Jury Award for Best Documentary: “The End“

Audience Choice Awards
- Best Documentary: “S.O.B. and the Legend of Alan Schafer“
– Best Feature: “All for Liberty“
– Best Short – Comedy: “Clones Gone Wild“
– Best Short – Drama: “ΤΑ ΠΕΡΙΣΤΕΡΙΑ – Doves“
– Best Short – Thriller: “Bottled Up“
– Best Animation: “Little Yellow Painter“

Screenplay Awards
-Golden Crescent Screenplay Competition Winner: Rick Toscano for “Lowcountry“
-First Runner-Up: Marcia Chandler Rhea and Margaret Ford Rogers for “The Grey Man“
-Second Runner-Up: Janice Kennedy for “The Last Hanging in Pike County“

Special Honors
-Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Award for Best Actress:
Tessa Ferrer in “Excision“
-Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina Award for Best Actor:
Bill Camp in “Love and Roadkill”

Go to www.Charlestoniff.com for full details