New York, NY: (May 3, 2004) – After previously co-hosting parties this year at the Sundance Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards, IFC Companies and Target will once again join forces at the Cannes Film Festival. In celebration of IFC?s 10th anniversary, IFC and Target will co-host a party at the exclusive Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc on May 18. The gala event will also serve to congratulate Xan Cassavetes, director of the IFC documentary Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession, an Official Selection, Out of Competition, of the Festival.
The IFC/Target event will be invitation-only and will unite the global film community gathered at Cannes to celebrate the contribution IFC has made in broadening the audience of independent film. Those attending will receive a bag by Kate Spade or Jack Spade, designed exclusively for the party.
The anniversary event will officially kick off a six-month celebration both on and off the television network, tracing the development and influence of independent film during the last ten years and IFC?s growth in television, theatrical distribution and production; and other emerging technologies.
?The IFC/Target Cannes event will be a chance to trace the development of independent film over the last decade; celebrate our own growth and history; and look ahead to a bright future,? stated Evan Shapiro, SVP for IFC Marketing. ?Through our theatrical releases and network coverage, IFC is honored to have been associated over the past ten years with the Cannes Film Festival and there?s no more appropriate place to officially kick off our 10-year celebration. We look forward to sharing this moment with our friends and starting this wonderful ten-year celebration in style.?
?Target has a long history of supporting the arts which includes the craft of filmmaking,? states John Remington, vice president of communications, Target Corporation. ?We are particularly thrilled this year to partner with IFC and celebrate their ten years of success. IFC is truly one of the early pioneers and in part responsible for making independent film more widely accessible.?
| WHO: | IFC and Target |
| WHAT: | 10 Years of IFC |
| WHEN: | Tuesday, May 18, 10:00 p.m. |
| WHERE: | Hotel Du Cap Eden Roc, Cap D?Antibes |
IMPORTANT EVENT LOGISTIC INFORMATION FOR PRESS
Beginning on May 11, media planning to cover arrivals at the IFC/Target Party and in need of credentials and basic logistic information, including transportation needs, please contact the DDA Press Office at 04 97 06 85 85.
ABOUT Z CHANNEL: A MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION
Launched in 1974 in Los Angeles, Z Channel was one of the United State?s first pay cable stations. Z Channel?s prominence was solidified in 1980 when maverick programmer Jerry Harvey took over as head of programming. Z?s uniqueness was attributed to Harvey and his staff?s determination, diverse taste and encyclopedic knowledge of cinema. Harvey?s programming showcased a combination of classic, international, independent, and Hollywood films. Z was the first to develop programming innovations such as ?director?s cuts? and uniquely themed on air festivals, while also airing many rare and never before seen exclusives and critically acclaimed films not in the mainstream.
Directing her first feature length documentary, Ms. Cassavetes explores the historic influence of Z Channel; showcases the important voice the station gave filmmakers; examines the great influence the Los Angeles-based channel had on modern cinema, independent filmmaking, and the development of cable television; and chronicles the brilliant, but troubled Jerry Harvey and the murder/suicide that ended his life.
Those sharing their thoughts and memories include Robert Altman, Jacqueline Bisset, James Woods, Quentin Tarantino, Jim Jarmusch, Alexander Payne, Paul Verhoeven, Theresa Russell, Penelope Spheeris, Henry Jaglom, Alan Rudolph, cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and film critics F.X. Feeney and Kevin Thomas.
IFC COVERAGE OF THE CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
For those staying stateside, IFC will be your one-stop shopping for exclusive Cannes Film Festival television coverage, broadcasting the festival?s official opening ceremony live on Wednesday, May 12, at 1PM/ET; the festival?s awards presentation and closing ceremonies live on Saturday, May 22 at 1:00PM/ET; and providing on-location interviews with filmmakers, actors and other celebrities, coverage of various special events, premieres, and other activities along the Croisette throughout the festival. In addition, IFC will also air an 11-day presentation of past Cannes favorites throughout the festival.
ABOUT IFC COMPANIES
IFC Companies 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 a VOD 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 made up of:
IFC Television, the first and most widely distributed channel dedicated to independent film 24 hours a day, uncut and commercial-free.
IFC Entertainment, which includes IFC Films, a theatrical film distribution company; IFC Productions, a feature film production company; and InDigEnt, an initiative that helps established filmmakers shoot productions on digital video.
IFC Digital Media, harnesses the power of digital technology to provide audiences with active entertainment, informational, and transactional experiences. It is currently focused on packaging, delivering, and marketing video-on-demand services and broadband content.
ABOUT TARGET STORES
Minneapolis-based Target Stores serves guests at 1,249 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today?s best retail trends at affordable prices. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target Stores, along with its parent company Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.
Contact for IFC:
Matthew Frankel, VP for Communications
Pre Cannes – (917) 542-6390, mdfrankel@IFCCompanies.com
Cannes Office – Sofitel Le Mediterranee, Salon Esterel, 33 (0) 4 92 99 73 00
Cannes Cell – 33 (0) 6 98 86 77 94
*When dialing within France you need the “0”
When dialing from the states leave off the “0”