Orange County Commissioner Mildred Fernandez, District 3, will deliver the opening address at the 2008 Orlando Hispanic Film Festival on Friday, October 10, at 6 pm at the Premiere Cinemas 14 in the Orlando Fashion Square mall.

The festival provides a forum where approximately 55 independent filmmakers from across the world will showcase their work to industry professionals as well as the general public. Independent filmmaking is a fast-growing medium that focuses on new industry ideas and techniques along with the exploration of new topics rarely seen in the mainstream.

"It is a competitive independent film festival and a platform that recognizes independent filmmakers from around the world who integrate the Hispanic culture in their work and exposes the talent of Hispanic actors, directors, producers, screenwriters and cinematographers," describes James Schoepflin, founder and executive director of the festival.

More than 50 independent films will be featured, highlighted by Vicious Circle, starring Paul Rodriguez Jr. (P-Rod). Set on the streets of Venice Beach, Calif., Vicious Circle follows 18-year-old RJ (Rodriguez) as he runs through the streets of LA with a blood-stained shirt and a gun in his backpack—leaving the audience to wonder, what happened? Rodriguez, also known as P-Rod and famous as a champion skateboarder, is the son of ccomedian Paul Rodriguez.

In addition to watching movies, some of the estimated 4,000 attendees—compared to last year's 2,000—will participate in educational panels, network and mingle with filmmakers. Also, awards will be presented to top films in the categories of Best Feature, Best Short Film, Best Documentary Feature, Best Short Documentary and Best Screenplay, among others.

2008 Orlando Hispanic Film Festival

Festival Dates: Oct. 10-12

Festival Times:
Oct. 10 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Oct. 12 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Highlights:
Red Carpet Premiere, "Vicious Circle"
Competitive film festival
Independent films
More than 50 films
Panels
Parties

Ticket Prices: All Access VIP passes, $50; single tickets, $8 and $6 for students and seniors.

More info: www.ohfilmfestival.com