San Francisco- "Join us at the 61st Cannes International Film Festival for the LaHitz Film Showcase@Cannes, May 17-21 at the largest film festival in the world," say Jacquie Taliaferro, founder of LaHitz Media, a San Francisco based media company.  Consider these statistics from Cannes: 10,061participants from 91 countries, 3,797 companies, more than 500 exhibitors and 1,607 buyers.  Give your film the international launch and exposure it deserves.  LaHitz Media, with more than eight years of experience showcasing films from around the world at the marketplace, has the insights to give your film the opportunity it deserves.

In addition to the film series, LaHitz Media presents the “Sojourner Truth Award” given to people from around the world including: Melvin Van Pebbles, Jean Marie-Gaston Kabore, Danny Glover, Lil Cumbers, Neema Barnett, South African Film Commissioner, Eddie Mbato, filmmaker Ramatou Keita of Niger and U.S labor activist, Maria Elena Durazo, Marla Gibbs  and Yo-Yo Whitaker, the rapper, Los Angeles radio personality and philanthropist, who was named the 2008 recipient at the Pan African Film and Art Festival.  The award is given twice yearly, during the Cannes International Film Festival in France and the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles.

Hard Timelines for Cannes:

1)    Go to http://www.festival-cannes.com/index.php/en/festivalServices/accreditation and register for your credentials.  You must register by April 4, 2008.

2)    Email lahitznews@yahoo.com to register by March 24th as a LaHitz Film Showcase participant that gives you access to the LaHitz Media press conference promoting your film among media and distributors, the Sojourner Truth Award presentation and special events.

According to Taliaferro, filmmakers should take action today to reserve there spot because only 40 percent of accommodations are available at this time. "Make your plane ticket and hotel or apartment accommodations for Cannes today.  Tickets and rooms sell out quickly.  Cannes regulars reserve Sixty percent of all rooms, the day after the festival ends," said Taliaferro.

For information, visit http://www.lahitz.com or call Jacquie Taliaferro at 415 821.1111.

About LaHitz Media

Jacquie Taliaferro -Native San Franciscan, filmmaker, community activist, and independent film advocate is founder of the LaHitz Film Series Film held annually during the Cannes Film Festival in France (www.lahitz.com).  The LaHitz Sojourner Truth Award presented in Cannes and at the Pan African Film Festival held annually in Los Angeles. Taliaferro has developed numerous film panels in the academic arena and has lent his expertise to co-organize film festivals nationally and internationally.  His work centers on bringing a voice to the masses.  For more than a decade Taliaferro has advocated for an accessible media facility in the Mission and Bay View Hunter’s Point neighborhoods in San Francisco.  “In addition to the entertainment value, the media should use its power and influence to educate and improve the state of humanity.  That is my mission with La Hitz Media.”  – Jacquie Taliaferro