2009-06-22 23:04:11 - The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival announces the World Premiere of I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY which marks Nia Vardalos’ directorial debut on Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


LOS ANGELES GREEK FILM FESTIVAL
Announces
The World Premiere of
IFC Films
I HATE VALENTINE'S DAY
Saturday June 27 at 7:30 Egyptian Theatre

Nia Vardalos writes, directs, and stars in the movie with her MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING co-star John Corbett



LOS ANGELES, CA, June 17, 2009 – Vardalos, who wrote the screenplay, also stars in the

movie with her MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING co-star John Corbett. I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY will be available On Demand July 1 and in theaters July 3.

“We are honored that the festival has chosen us as their world premiere event for this year. The Los Angeles Greek Film Festival is becoming one of the preeminent showcases for filmmakers of Greek descent worldwide, and we are thrilled to be included as part of their line-up,” added Vardalos.

Vardalos is Genevieve, a romantic, carefree florist who loves romance but keeps her relationships short with a "five date" rule. Her theory is tested when her whirlwind romance with Greg (Corbett), the charming new restaurateur in town, reaches the end of their fifth date, and she realizes she wants more.

The film’s supporting cast includes Stephen Guarino, Amir Arison, Zoe Kazan, Gary Wilmes, Mike Starr, Jason Mantzoukas, Judith Friedlander, Rachel Dratch, Jay O. Sanders, Lynda Gravatt and Suzanne Shepherd. William Sherak, Jason Shuman and Madeleine Sherak produce, with Dominic Ianno and Michael Gallant serving as executive producers.

Additionally, Vardalos is on the Festival's panel Beyond Borders: Greece on the International Film Stage, sponsored by Greece's Ministry of Tourism on Saturday, June 27, at 9:00 am at the Linwood Dunn Theater. Greece’s Minister of Tourism Kostas Markopoulos is scheduled to attend the event as guest of honor. Other panelists include President of Fox International Productions Sanford Panitch, cinematographer/director [AH1] <#_msocom_1> Phedon Papamichael (ARCADIA LOST), Director of the Hellenic Film Commission Markos Holevas, Top Cut Founder Stamatis Athanassoulas, and Boo Productions Co-Founder Angelo Venetis. The panel is to be moderated by producer Terry Dougas (BRIDES).

The screening of I HATE VALENTINE'S DAY will take place at the Egyptian Theatre, located at 6712 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, CA 90028 at 7:30 p.m. Q&A session with Vardalos and producers William Sherak and Jason Shuman will follow. Ticket price $15. For more information and to purchase advance tickets please visit www.lagreekfilmfestival.org.


IFC Film's I HATE VALENTINE’S DAY will be available On Demand July 1 and in theaters July 3.

About the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
The third annual LAGFF showcases new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide to promote and nurture Greek Cinema while bridging the gap between Greek filmmakers and Hollywood. The Festival also offers screenings of film masterworks, seminars on important contemporary film issues, and tributes to significant filmmakers and performers of Greek origin. Orpheus Awards are given to the most outstanding new films in the dramatic, documentary and short film categories.

About the Ministry of Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for the following areas:


Drafting and programming the country’s tourism development policy
Monitoring the tourist sector of the Greek economy and focusing on the demands of the global market
Collecting statistics of tourism indicators and research
Setting guidelines for implementing programs towards improving the national tourist infrastructure
Taking measures for drawing private funds in the tourist sector
Cooperating with other ministries and organizations of local administration
Promoting the Greek tourist policy in Europe
Representing Greece in international tourist relations
Exerting controls on tourist enterprises by defining the necessary regulative processes

LAGFF operates under the auspices of the General Secretariat of Information, Greek Ministry of Interior


For more details about the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival:
www.lagreekfilmfestival.org <http://www.lagreekfilmfestival.org> or call 818.728.0720

Images available upon request

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