Out Film CT Receives 2007 Connecticut Culture & Tourism Award

Out Film CT, producer of the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival is pleased to announce that the Festival has been selected to receive the 2007 “Outstanding Project Award” by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism. This award is in recognition for bringing twenty years of outstanding LGBT Films to Connecticut audiences.

The Connecticut Culture & Tourism Awards recognize outstanding achievement and lasting contributions to the Arts, History, Film and Tourism Fields in our state. The award will be presented as part of the 2007 Governor’s Conference on Culture & Tourism, by the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism, in partnership with the Arts Council of Greater New Haven and the Greater New Haven Convention and Visitors Bureau. Held on May 1st and 2nd, this year’s conference theme, “Turn It On…The Power of Connecticut,” illuminates the strong alliance among the state’s arts, history, film and tourism industries.

“This conference brings together the great minds of professionals in the culture and tourism fields and provides them the opportunity to further collaborate in promoting all Connecticut has to offer,” said Governor M. Jodi Rell. “Gaining knowledge and inspiration from one another is critical to continuing the great work that sustains the state’s economic vitality.”

“These awards recognize the individuals who work tirelessly to improve and enhance the arts, history, film and tourism in Connecticut,” said Karen Senich, acting executive director of the Commission on Culture & Tourism. “Their work and passion speak to everyone in the tourism and culture industries.”

Festival Director Dan Millett stated, “This award recognizes the Film Festival’s reputation as Connecticut’s longest running and one of the most respected cultural organizations in the state. At the same time, the award is an acknowledgement of the important role that GLBT organizations play in Connecticut’s cultural landscape.” He went on to say, “It is particularly meaningful that we have received this award in 2007 as the festival celebrates its 20th year. It has truly been a labor of love for the many volunteers involved in the organization of the festival.”

In addition, on May 2nd, Shane Engstrom, Secretary of Out Film CT will be given a Culture & Tourism Distinguished Advocate Award. Recipients of the Distinguished Advocate Awards are Connecticut residents who, without monetary compensation, have worked to strengthen, preserve or promote the arts, history, film and tourism in the state and made a significant impact on one or more organizations, or have made important contributions to their communities, regions or the state.

The 20th Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival will be held June 1-9, 2007 at Cinestudio, on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford. It will feature nine days of LGBT feature films, documentaries and short films, with Opening and Closing Night parties, a silent auction and other special events to be announced.

For more Info: www.cultureandtourism.org