International Film Festival gala scheduled at the Phil

An opening night Hollywood-style, star-studded, red carpet gala for the Naples International Film Festival will be held at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5. The world-class premiere will open with a welcome from Naples-based founders Eric Raddatz, Dan Linehan and Rowan Samuel, and a premiere independent film with music, entertainment and celebrities. The black-tie celebration will allow the audience to mix and mingle with stars, directors, producers and filmmakers.

General admission and VIP tickets will soon be made available at www.thephil.org and www.naplesfilmfest.com.

All filmmakers in town are encouraged to submit their films to naplesfilmfest.com and screen their film in this festival. The deadline is Sept. 8.

NIFF is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to nurture and support a diverse, artistic and cultural experience with a creative, fun and cutting-edge boutique film festival that showcases the work of independent filmmakers. NIFF will showcase the most creative cinematic works in the world while supporting, organizing and providing an outlet for filmmakers and film lovers in Southwest Florida. NIFF aims to support liberal arts in the schools not only with monetary donations but by raising public awareness. The film festival will be held Nov. 5-8 at Silverspot luxury cinemas at Mercato in North Naples.

For more information, visit www.thephil. org, naplesfilmfest.com, e-mail eric@ naplesfilmfest.com or call 775-FILM.