13th Annual California Independent Film Festival to Open With “The 5th Quarter”

Q&A with director Rick Bieber and actor Ryan Merriman precedes screening

 

Moraga, CA, Jan 13th, 2011 – The 13th Annual California Independent Film Festival will kick off with the award winning film “The 5th Quarter”.

The seven-day festival is launched on Friday January 28th with an Opening Night Celebration presented by Lamorinda. The evening’s festivities begin at 5:00 PM at a VIP Reception with celebrity guests at the New Rheem Theatre, 350 Park Street, Moraga.

Ryan Merriman will be attending the screening of "The 5th Quarter"

Ryan Merriman will be attending the screening of “The 5th Quarter”Following the reception and beginning at 6:30 PM will be the opening night movie, “The 5th Quarter” which received rave reviews at other film festivals around the country, including Boston Film Festival, Heartland Film Festival and Charleston International Film Festival.  “The 5th Quarter” is based on a true story. After his brother Luke was tragically killed in a car crash, Jon Abbate (Ryan Merriman) is driven to lead the Wake Forest Demon Deacons to their most successful football season in the school’s history. Wearing his brother’s number on his jersey, he accomplishes that, and establishes traditions along the way. The film starring Aidan Quinn, Andie McDowell, Jillian Batherson and Ryan Merriman (scheduled to attend). The film’s director, Rick Bieber, is also scheduled to attend the event.

The Question & Answer with the film’s director, Rick Bieber, and actor Ryan Merriman will precede the movie.Tickets for the VIP reception, Q&A and screening are $25.  Purchase your tickets today at the New Rheem Theatre Box Office or at the festival’s website .( www.caiff.org)

About the California Independent Film Festival

The 13th Annual California Independent Film Festival runs January 28th – February 3rd 2011 at the New Rheem Theatre. Purchase your tickets today online at http://www.caiff.org/, or at the New Rheem Theatre Box Office at 350 Park Street, Moraga. For festival’s information call 925-388-0752 or e-mail info@caiff.org .

The 13th Annual California Independent Film Festival (January 28th – February 3rd 2011) is presented by the California Independent Film Festival Association, a nonprofit arts and educational organization dedicated to furthering the art of independent filmmaking. www.caiff.org

2011 sponsors include the Winchell Family, Murdy Foundation/David Trotter, Diablo Magazine, Walnut Creek Marriott, CouldB Music, Senior Solutions, New Rheem Theatre, Lamorinda Weekly, and Lamorinda Wine Growers Association.

Opening Night is sponsored by Lamorinda Weekly.