Entering its sixth year, the Indianapolis International Film Festival has expanded significantly, extending itself, and taking root in the Indianapolis filmscape.

IIFF began as a three-day festival in March 2004. Centrally located at United Artists Theatres – Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis, the first festival featured several Midwestern premieres, including acclaimed writer/director Lars von Trier's Dogville as well as A Slipping Down Life featuring Lily Taylor and Guy Pierce. Over all, 2,400 people saw 24 films on two screens, with five screenings at more than 80% capacity.

2005 was a year of growth as the Festival moved from March to late April and from United Artists Theatres to Hollywood Bar & Filmworks, adding an additional day as well as a third screen. By nearly doubling the number of films, IIFF saw a 24% growth in attendance, with several films selling out, including the Oscar-nominated documentary, Murderball. An enhanced marketing and publicity campaign led to a 452% increase in advance ticket sales. In the first two years of the Indianapolis International Film Festival, more than 5,000 attendees saw a total of 77 films from 27 different countries.

With further growth as the goal for 2006, IIFF expanded from one venue to three. As a result, attendance grew by an astounding 61%. Film submissions expanded by 211%. Films screened grew by 108%, and the IIFF secured its best-known premiere to date with the (unofficial) US Premiere of Dreamworks Animation's Over the Hedge.

2007 marked some historic highlights. IIFF presented its first Career Achievement Award to Albert & David Maysles - two time Academy Award Nominees - for their integral contributions to the world on non-fiction cinema. In addition, Albert Maysles attended the festival and screened some their classic films - such as Gimme Shelter, Grey Gardens, and Salesman. Overall attendance grew by 18% and film submissions crossed the 500 plateau (up from just 65 in our first year).

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