NEW YORK, October 27, 2004 – The Independent Film Channel (IFC), the nation's first entertainment company devoted exclusively to the world of independent film, and Cox Communications of Hot Springs Village today announced their sponsorship of the Hot Springs Film Festival in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and their plans to host The Ultimate Film Fanatic Challenge this Saturday, October 30, 2004, 3:00-9:00 PM, at The Malco Theatre in Hot Springs.
Moviegoers are invited to play the Ultimate Film Fanatic Challenge styled after IFC's Ultimate Film Fanatic television series. The Ultimate Film Fanatic Challenge, presided over by a local show host, provides movie lovers with a chance to test their film knowledge. All participants will receive prizes, with special prizes for trivia winners. The Challenge will take place on an Ultimate Film Fanatic "set," complete with buzzers for players, a podium for the local host and an Ultimate Film Fanatic backdrop. Immediately following the Challenge this Saturday, October 30, IFC will screen Metallica: Some Kind of Monster in Theatre 2.
"We're proud to be jointly sponsoring the Hot Springs Film Festival with Cox and offering the incredible experience of these films to festival goers," said Kim Francis, Regional Director, IFC Southern Region. "This is also the perfect venue to challenge film fans from across the region with the opportunity to prove their passion for movies."
"Independent films provide original and thrilling excitement to the entertainment industry, and IFC offers Cox Communications' Hot Springs Village customers access to this exceptional and unique programming," says Robbie Lee, Cox System Manager. "We thank IFC for including us in this exciting event and send our best wishes to all Festival participants."
The Hot Springs Film Festival, which began on October 22, 2004 and runs through October 31, 2004, features some of the world's most impressive and broad selection of new and classic independent films. Approximately ninety films from twelve different countries have been selected for the ten-day Festival.
IFC is available for Cox digital cable subscribers on Digital Channel 270.
About Independent Film Channel
The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial free. IFC celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2004 with its most extensive original programming line-up ever. Original programming premiering in 2004 includes Nanette Burstein's Film School, Ultimate Film Fanatic, Rocked With Gina Gershon, the third season of Dinner For Five and John Landis' Slasher. In 2003, IFC made its mark with originals including BaaadAsssss Cinema, The American Nightmare, Indie Sex: Taboos and A Decade Under the Influence. IFC is a part of IFC Companies, which has created a unique end-to-end business model and brand that focuses on developing and nurturing talent, and maximizing the value of independent film. With a television network, a film distribution and production unit, and an on-demand service, IFC Companies represents the future of independent film. IFC Companies uses its unique position to broaden the independent film audience nationwide and to expand the opportunities for independent filmmakers. IFC Companies is a division of Rainbow Entertainment Services, which represents three of the national networks of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC – AMC, IFC and WE: Women's Entertainment.
About Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
A leader in sports, news and entertainment programming, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE:CVC). Rainbow Media owns and manages national networks: AMC, Fuse, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) and WE: Women's Entertainment; as well as on-demand services: Mag Rack, sportskool, IFC Films On Demand Uncensored On Demand, World Picks On Demand, and World Picks Networks. Rainbow Media's other businesses include its regional programming services – MetroChannels, News 12 Networks and Rainbow Sports Networks – in addition to the Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation and Rainbow Network Communications. Rainbow Media is also a 50 percent partner in Fox Sports Net.