Washington DC Independent Film Festival 2009

Based on a true story, A Better Life is the faithful account of three Mexican children who got lost in the Sonoran desert while trying to cross the U.S. border. A story that repeats itself every week in the border towns of Mexico, feeding one of the most profitable illegal businesses: immigrant smuggling. Genres: Drama, Children Live Action, Independent Contact: Franc Planas Director's Biography: Born and Raised in Spain, award-winning filmmaker Luis Fernandez Reneo is a B.A. in Business and MFA in Film production. His credits include CIELITO LINDO (starring Adam Rodriguez ‚"CSI Miami‚" Nestor Serrano "24"), A BETTER LIFE, EXCITINE COMPLEX and LIVING THE DREAM (starring Sean Young "Blade Runner"). Luis is currently developing feature films ACCORDING TO LAW, ROCK-PAPER-SCISSORS, and the documentary U-TURN.

Award winning animation that follows the story of Birdy, a wingless outsider who dreams of flying. It is a story of desire, determination and the terrible thresholds one can cross to realize dreams. List of Festivals and Awards for Film: Animator Festival 2008 07/2008 Contact: Agnieszka Woznicka Director's Biography: Agnieszka is an animation artist and director. She graduated from the National School of Film, Television and Theatre in Lodz, Poland.

In 2004 a wave of stenciled graffiti swept the country, sparking frustration and curiosity nation wide. For John Tsombikos (the artist behind the Borf Graffiti), his regret ofver the loss of a friend had turned into a street fight, which he defended with a can of spray paint and a cardboard cutout of his best friend, Borf. Production Company: Bobby Fisher Memorial Foundation List of Director's Previous Films: Cucharas Notes from a Restless Mind Head Director's Biography: Paris Bustillos is a Television Production teacher. DC Filmmaker Number of Films Directed: 3 Past DCIFF Filmmaker Filmmaker Paris Bustillos will be in attendance throughout the festival.

Award winning animation that tells a story about freedom, constraint and death. A melancholy lamb was caged in the zoo literally dying for freedom outside. In order to finish his suffering and gain freedom, he tried to break the cage, however, he doesn't know that something behind the door is waiting for him. Genres: Fantasy, Surreal, Art List of Festivals and Awards for Film: The 9th Malescorto film festival 08/2008 Washougal Intenational Film Festival 08/2008 Adobe Design Achievement Awards 08/2008 (Animation Category, Finalist) Contact: Chia-Chien Mai Director's Biography: Chia-Chien Mai was born and grew up in Taiwan. She started her creative life with graphic design and felt in love with telling story just by still images while study in Ming Chuan University in Taiwan. After graduated, she moved to New York to study MFA computer Art department at the School of Visual Arts. She found her interests in activating her graphic design by adding elements of time and sound. Now she devoted herself into motion graphic and animation. Influenced by eastern and western culture, her work is a fusion of different styles of visualization. Student Film

In 1998, in Jasper, Texas, James Byrd, Jr. was walking home. Three white men picked him up and then dragged him with a truck to his death Click Here To View the Trailer on YouTube Genres: Educational, African, African American, Black, Christian, Gay/Lesbian, Hispanic, Latino, Women, Crime, Senior/Aging, Student, Youth/Teen, Mature/Adult, Action/Adventure Contact: Eligah Jason Production Company: Brown and Jason Film Director's Biography: Ricky Jason spent most of his childhood in darkness. Legally blind, with most of the world shut off from him. With the help of world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Richard Levacy, his sight was completely restored after five corneal transplants. With a renewed lease on his life, Ricky vowed to dedicate a portion of his life, his time, and his finances to the recognition ot persons who make outstanding achievements, contribute to bettering the lives of their fellow man, and fighting for injustices everywhere. A native of Beaumont, TX, Ricky has made his mark on the world as a multitalented singer, dancer, and recording artist. He has appeared on stages with the likes of Bob Hope, Muhammad Ali, the Force MD's, New Edition, Ready for the World, Roger Troutman and ZAPP, the Gap Brand, Whoudini, Run DMC, and Baby Gap. He has been featured in magazines, such as a Word Up, Right On, and Rap Masters, and appeared on several television specials, including PM Magazine, hosted by Leeza Gibbons. Mr. Jason has released three full-length CD compilations, featuring a number one hit, "Show and Tell" and "Love, Peace, and Harmony". As an activist, Ricky has been involved with other activists, such as Dick Gregory, Ossie Davis, Pam Africa, Sister Helen Prejean, Susan Sarandon, and the Byrd family, perusing justice and peace through education, song, and peaceful protest.

Award winning short set in rural New Jersey, a suicidal waitress encounters a road-worn serial killer known for leaving pin-up photos of his victims. Click Here To View the Trailer on YouTube Genres: Alternative, Drama, Jewish, Romance, Underground, Women, Horror, Thriller, Erotic, Avant-garde, B-movie, Crime, Film Noir, Independent, Post Modern, Surreal, Student, Mature/Adult List of Festivals and Awards for Film: Drexel University 2007 Senior Show 06/2007 (Recipient of Jungle Software Excellence in Producing Award) 6th Annual Garden State Film Festival 04/2008 6th Annual Bronx Independent Film Festival 06/2008 11th FirstGlance Film Festival Philadelphia 10/2008 - won Best Thriller and Audience Favorite (Student Category) Contact: Jason Hall Production Company: Jason Hall Film/Video Director's Biography: Jason Hall currently runs post-production at Philadelphia-based Keystone Pictures, known for their Emmy-nominated work in television production. Jason's recent post-production credits include pojects for the top rated ABC program EXTREME MAKEOVER; HOME EDITION and Oprah's personal trainer BOB GREENE. He is a cum laude graduate of Drexel University, where he earned an EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCING award for CALENDAR GIRL. Student Film Filmmaker Jason Hall will attend on March 7th.

A young woman, Lucy, receives a message of a girl friend of hers, whom invites her for a Webchat. After a while, her friend begins to get undressed on her Webcam. Intrigued, Lucy looks and is caught at the game, in an erotic and quite disturbing atmosphere. Genres: Thriller Contact: Davy Sihali

Kai wants the Candy. But can't get it. But he won't give up. Click Here To View the Trailer on YouTube Genres: Family, Children Live Action, Independent, Surreal, Children, Dramedy, Reality Contact: Ruben Figueres Director's Biography: Ruben Figueres was born in Spain and moved to the USA 11 years ago. He graduated in Marketing and finished his MBA in 1997 from ESADE, Barcelona (Spain). In 2002 he created the Alario Group, an advertising agency focused on the Hispanic market, and in the last few years developed a passion for writing. He finished his first feature movie screenplay (Ryan's Life) in August of 2008. He also wrote the short "La Patrulla de Aguero." The Candy was the first time he brought one of his ideas to production. He tried to do a very simple test, to see if he could show with images what he had in his head. Ruben Figueres and Elizabeth Figueres will be in attendance