MEDIA ADVISORY  
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            
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                                                                       Jackie Wright, 415 824.3990, 415 271.9461
        





WHO- The Oakland International Film Festival, invited celebrities City and Alameda County officials, Community Leaders, and others take to the links on behalf of the Seventh Annual Oakland International Film Festival in an effort to raise funds for “Green” initiatives (The Familyhood Connections) and a girls mentoring program (The First Tees).

WHAT- For the seventh straight year, Executive Director of the Oakland Film Society, David Roach and community volunteers will host the multicultural Oakland International Film Festival, making Oakland a destination for arts and entertainment once again this October.  More than 50 films from around the world will grace the historic Grand Lake Theater and this year the festival adds a golf tournament at the Metropolitan Golf Links, one of Oakland’s hidden treasures.  The Oakland International Film Festival is more than just entertainment; the organization has consistently tied in a “Green” initiative with its efforts to get fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income communities. A luncheon, panel discussion: “What is Green? Oakland” and local filmmakers pitch their films to round out the activities at the golf tournament.

Several after-screening events will be held at the new Vine Wine Bar, on Lakeshore Avenue. Special highlights will include LaHitz Media  (www.lahitz.com) collaborating with OIFF to bring “Fathers of the Sports,” a film by Xavier Mitchell screened at the 2008 LaHitz@Cannes Film Series to the festival including a panel discussion and party with NBA players, management, and sports enthusiasts.  “Fathers of the Sport” with NBA players “Dr. J”-Julius Irving, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Street Ball Legends: “Pee Wee” Kirkland, Joe Hammond, Coach Joe Bryant and actor/ director/producer Penny Marshall will be screened Saturday, October 11. The event will include a prescreening of “Because They Believed,” a work in progress commissioned by Arif Khatib of the Afro Sports Hall of Fame.

WHERE- The Oakland International Film Festival Golf Tournament will be held at the Metropolitan Golf Links (www.playmetro.com)- 10051 Doolittle Drive, Oakland, CA  94603 near the airport.

The Seventh Annual Oakland International Film Festival (Film Screenings & Red Carpet Ceremony) will be held at The Historic Grand Lake Theater, 3200 Grand Avenue Oakland California.

WHEN- Oakland International Film Festival Golf Tournament, 8 a.m. registration, and 9 a.m. October 9th Tournament begins. October 9- VIP Reception 4:00 p.m. at the Vine Wine Bar; Red Carpet Ceremony sponsored by Kenny Session of Session Real Estate, 5:30 p.m. with music by Ashton Craig of Pan Extasy (www.panextasy.com).  He's played private parties for Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover and heads of state around the world.   Opening Night screening -“Traces of the Trade,” 6:15 p.m.  The Seventh Oakland International Film Festival, October 9-16, 2008.

WHY-The Oakland International Film Festival brings attention Oakland as a destination for the arts.  Oakland has a rich tapestry of artistic talent.  The Oakland International Film Festival is a testament to Oakland’s artistry and the positive happenings in Oakland.   Visit www.oiff.org.  Sponsorships are available.