New York, New York – The Independent Film Channel (IFC) announced today that it will join Adelphia's cable systems in Western New York, providing customers with the broadest collection of independent films available. Beginning on Thursday, September 25, 2003, IFC will be seen in areas such as Buffalo, West Seneca, Niagara Falls, Lancaster, Lockport, Angola, Springville, and Dunkirk. In Buffalo, IFC will be seen on channel 147 on Adelphia's Digital Plus Service.
Launched in September 1994, The Independent Film Channel (IFC) is the first and largest network dedicated to presenting independent film. Its programming is unedited and commercially uninterrupted 24 hours a day. IFC's exclusive live coverage of special events including the Independent Spirit Awards and Cannes Film Festival, its creative on-air film festivals, and one-of-a-kind original series and specials provides viewers with a unique perspective on independent filmmaking. Dinner for Five is the signature series of IFC, created and hosted by Jon Favreau. The program features Favreau and four guests from the entertainment industry sharing an evening of dining and unscripted dialogue. Completely uncut and uncensored guests feel free to be themselves, swapping stories on a wide range of topics. Most importantly, the network builds on the public's growing interest and the recent successes of independent films like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "Y Tu Mama Tambien" and empowers viewers with the ability to access these and other critically acclaimed films. IFC Television is currently viewed in over 28 million homes, and is one of the fastest growing digital cable networks available nationwide.
"Almost ten years ago, IFC undertook a mission to bring independent film to a national audience," stated Gregg Hill, EVP, Affiliate Sales and Marketing, IFC. "IFC is focused on providing viewers with the ability to access popular and critically acclaimed independent films that might not have been made available to all theatres and video stores around the country. As we have seen with recent independent film successes, the demand is there. Consumers in Western New York State deserve the same access to the same popular films available to those in New York City or Los Angeles. Today's programming partnership will now empower thousands of Western New York film lovers with the ability to access the best independent films available anywhere. We are very pleased to announce this agreement and believe IFC will become a tremendous value to Adelphia's consumers."
Jeanne Coleman, General Manager, Adelphia added, "Our deal with IFC is a symbol of Adelphia's commitment to offering our customers the best value in home entertainment, and we are very pleased that we can now call IFC a programming partner. Starting Thursday, thousands of independent film titles will now be available on Adelphia cable systems in Western New York through the IFC network. This will be a great addition to our already strong slate of diverse cable channels and provide tremendous value to our consumers. IFC is an innovative cable network with strong leadership and expertise in marketing and distributing their product and we look forward to continuing a long and mutually beneficial relationship."
In addition to presenting television's most extensive lineup of independent films, IFC network also produces a number of award winning and critically acclaimed programs such as A Decade Under the Influence, a three-part documentary, directed by Richard LaGravenese (Living Out Loud) and Ted Demme (Blow), presenting a comprehensive overview of American cinema during the 1970's; BaadAsssss Cinema, a documentary exploring the influence of 1970's black exploitation films; With the Filmmaker: Portraits by Albert Maysles, a documentary series by celebrated documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles focusing on filmmakers and their personal visions; and Errol Morris' First Person. IFC recently announced that it will expand its original programming slate in 2004 to include Slasher, a John Landis (Animal House, Trading Places, Kentucky Fried Movie) documentary that takes audiences into the strange and often hilarious world of a used car "slasher" sale; the documentary, In the Company of Women, which will explore the roles of women in independent film and features interviews with many of the indie world's leading actors and filmmakers and Film School, a documentary series by acclaimed filmmaker Nanette Burstein. Film School will follow a talented group of students at New York University's preeminent graduate film program as they embark on their second year and thesis films.
Additional information can be found at www.ifctv.com.
ABOUT ADELPHIA CABLE SYSTEMS
As one of the nation's leading cable companies Adelphia serves more than 5.3 million residential customers nationwide, including over 300,000 customers throughout the Buffalo Niagara region. In addition to cable entertainment, Adelphia offers digital cable, Power Link high-speed internet service, long distance telephone service, and home security.
ABOUT IFC TELEVISION
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 continues to expand its programming lineup with original series and independent genre-focused specials. The network's recent, critically acclaimed series and specials include Dinner For Five, BaadAsssss Cinema, The American Nightmare, Indie Sex: Taboos and A Decade Under the Influence.
IFC Television 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 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 a division of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC.