Nassau, Bahamas – BIFF is thrilled to announce international premiere for its Opening Night Gala at their first annual Festival. BIFF will kick off its inaugural event on Thursday, December 9 with Steven Soderbergh's eagerly awaited OCEAN'S TWELVE starring Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta-Jones, George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac, Don Cheadle, Peter Fonda, Casey Affleck, and Scott Caan. The Opening Gala will take place at the Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino.

Secured by Festival Consulting Group, the film is a major coup for the inaugural Festival which will feature 75 films from 24 countries (see Film Section highlights below). Steven Soderbergh was discovered on the film festival circuit and his career has blossomed to great success. Executive Director, Leslie Vanderpool states "It's an honor for both the Festival and the nation to have an opportunity to present an international premiere by such a distinguished filmmaker."

The Festival is also pleased to feature a series of Awards which will be presented at the Closing Night Gala. BIFF will present awards to the winners of the Spirit of Freedom and New Visions competitions. The Freedom Jury includes Jean Roy (former Director of the International Critics Week in Cannes); Michael Goodridge (Film Editor of Screen International; and Sydney Levine (President of Film Finders). The New Visions Jury, who will be selecting the Modern Maverick Award, will include Ted Hope (Producer); Chris Gore (author/producer); and Steven Beer (Entertainment Lawyer). Quintessential "maverick" Roger Corman will be on hand to receive an Honorary Maverick Award and will present the first Modern Maverick Award to the winner. There will be an additional prize in the New Visions category, the Torchlight Screenwriting Award, given to the writer of the best screenplay in the section. Audience Awards will also be given in the Feature and Documentary categories...