For Immediate Release

Release Date: 11-10-09

ST.LOUIS– A showing of 16 films, shorts and documentaries all shot in the state of Missouri will highlight the St. Louis International Film Festival, which kicks off Thursday, November 12th at the Tivoli Theatre in University City, the Missouri Film Commission announced today. The Film Commission is sponsoring the “Show-Me Sidebar” at the 17th annual festival, which will bring filmmakers and tourists from across the Midwest and nation to St. Louis to share their love of art and cinema.

The Missouri Film Commission is a division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

The Show-Me Sidebar will feature 16 films shot in Missouri, including the major motion picture Up In The Air, starring George Clooney; Old Dog, New Tricks, a documentary about REO Speedwagon guitarist and St. Louis native Steve Scorfina; and the new release of Ride With The Devil: Directors’ Cut, a 1999 film starring Tobey Maguire about Quantrill’s Raid of Lawrence, Kansas. The Missouri Film Commission recruited and provided tax credits and logistical support for many of the films being featured.

“The showcasing of films shot in Missouri at the St. Louis International Film Festival is a tribute to the efforts of the Missouri Film Commission in working to get these productions located in Missouri, which has resulted in a significant economic benefit for our state,” said David Kerr, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. “Film production will continue to play a leading role in Missouri‘s ongoing economic rebound.”

In addition to the economic boon of film production within the state, the St. Louis International Film Festival has a large impact on tourism. In 2008, almost 20,000 people attended over the course of 11 days. This economic activity is in addition to the $70 million already brought into the state during filming and production.

The Missouri Film Commission was created in 1983 to attract film, television, video and cable productions to Missouri, and to promote the growth of the film and video production industry within Missouri. The Commission operates a full-service office devoted to saving filmmakers time, effort and money in arranging a shoot.

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