Minnesota Made Projects to be Screened at Solstice Film Festival. Several Great Films Produced in Minnesota Can be Seen at This Year’s Event.

Minneapolis, MN, June 17, 2009 --(PR.com)-- “Dawning”, “Lament”, “Birthmarked for Death” and “Call of the Wildman” are just a few of the titles of the Minnesota made films that will be featured at this years Solstice Film Festival that runs from June 18th-20th in Minneapolis, MN. “Solstice prides itself on providing a stage for homegrown products,” said event founder and Executive Director Devin Halden, “to be able to have this many quality films that were made right here in Minnesota is exciting.”

“Dawning” is a feature length psychological thriller directed by Gregg Hotlgrewe. It recently screened at the ‘Dead By Dawn’ Film Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Chris Grap, Minnesota Film and TV Board called it “Creepy, moody and worthy of discussion for long after.” Holtgrewe will be available for Q and A session after the 6pm screening on Friday June 19th.

“Birthmarked for Death” is a short film that recently made its international premiere at the Cannes Film Festival as part of the Short Film Corner program. Directed by Matthew Olson, the film takes a humorous angle on the relationship between a rookie undercover cop and a mob hit man.

Solstice sifted through hundreds of submissions narrowing down to a selection of twenty-five for this three-day event. Submissions come from filmmakers across the country and world. This year in particular there were a great deal of submissions that came out of Minnesota. Titles include: "Lament"," Dawning", "The little Acorn", "Call of the Wildman", "Stella", "Chuck Murray Knows", "Birthmarked for Death".

All films will be shown at Suburban World Theatre in Minneapolis, MN. The Uptown location allows for attendees to screen films steps away from the high-energy commercial corridor in and around Calhoun Square. The unique theatre setting allows for brew-n-view screenings and free catered hors d’oeuvres all in a centralized location.

Halden created Solstice in 2006 and immediately won accolades for programming including projects that have been picked up for studio development as well as nominated for Academy Awards. His vision is twofold; to provide independent filmmakers and artists a platform and audience to premier their work; and to produce an event that spotlights Minnesota as a backdrop for future studio and independent film productions.

Single passes are $10 for single screenings.
An “All Access Pass” costs $30. It includes:
· Entry into Opening Night Ceremony, Film and After Party on June 18
· Entrance in to all Filmmaker Q and A sessions
· Free hors d’ouevres
· Pass to all films selected to screen at the 2009 Solstice Film Festival
· Admittance to the Spotlight Presentation and Film Friday evening, June 19
· Entry into the Closing Awards Ceremony and Film Presentation on June 20

For more information on the festival and to order passes, visit www.solsticefilmfest.org.

For interview requests for filmmakers and festival directors please contact Andy Salmen (612) 309-3224 or ajsalmen@solsticefilmfest.org. Photos of past events are available upon request.

About Solstice Film Festival
Solstice Film Festival is a non-profit organization committed to bringing the art of filmmaking to the Twin Cities. SFF will offer a varied slate of films, special events and educational initiatives at the festival and throughout the year, presenting Minnesota with an engaging cultural event for both the local population and visitors to the Twin Cities.

Andy Salmen
Solstice Film Festival
(612) 309-3224
ajsalmen@solsticefilmfest.org
www.solsticefilmfest.org

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