The Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival is showcasing its 16th year with some of the world's finest independent film and music artists September 15-19, 2010 at The Tower Plaza Shopping Center Movie Experience Theater. The rich and diverse lineup was chosen out of hundreds of submissions. Films include documentaries, features, shorts, animations and student films. Music artists range from Las Vegas style performances to intimate acoustic soloists, playing jazz, rock, Latin, hip hop, country, and more.

The community is invited to take advantage of this unique opportunity where Hollywood comes to Temecula. The Festival offers film screenings, workshops, panels, concerts, industry networking and industry receptions.

The Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival has evolved from a small grassroots affair to a world-class film and music event, showcasing and honoring significant artists. Independent and mainstream filmmakers and musicians from across America and around the globe gather in Temecula every September to celebrate the art of film and music.

"Temecula as a city has grown by leaps and bounds---so has our Festival.  We are celebrating our 16th year and we are very proud of it.  We have showcased films and music artists from each of the seven continents representing every genre for all ages to see hear and enjoy," says Festival Director, Jo Moulton.

"This year will be no different.  For five days, the city will host an amazing group of creative film and music talents from all over the world. From the unknown, to the emerging, to the world-renowned. We have them all. Singer/Songwriter Kenny Loggins will be honored for his outstanding career achievement in music as singer/songwriter.  Prolific star music maker David Foster will be in attendance as a presenter."

"The festival brands and sells Temecula as a dynamic, exciting cultural year round destination resort.  More importantly, through the powerful storytelling media of film and music, the festival has brought an awareness of the importance of how the arts enrich our lives, provide inspiration for our children and help us to view the world from new perspectives," Moulton adds.

All Festival events take place inside or outside The Movie Experience in the Tower Plaza Shopping Center, with the exception of the Awards Gala, which is at Pechange Resort & Casino. Opening Night is Wednesday, September 15 at 5pm. The film chosen to screen is The Roz. It’s a comedy about a woman who's weight loss empire is threatened by her overweight daughter who discovers a miraculous new way to loose weight in the Catholic church by lighting a candle and praying to a statue. Cast and crew members will be in attendance, as well as other filmmakers and musicians. There will also be live entertainment in the theater before the screening. Tickets to Opening Night are $35 for the screening and party, or $15 for just the screening.

Other films will be screened Thursday, September 15 - Sunday, September 19 from 11am-10pm at The Movie Experience. Tickets are $10 per individual screening, $8 for seniors or students, or $25 for a Film Pass.

The music artists will perform during MusicFest on Friday, September 17 from noon to 10pm and Saturday, September 18 from 5pm to 11pm, as well as various other days and times in the courtyard area of the Festival at the Tower Plaza Shopping Center. MusicFest is $5 per person, all other music performances are free.

There will be industry related master classes, workshops and panels on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19. Tickets are $10 per individual workshop, $8 for seniors or students, or $25 for a Workshop Series Pass.

On Saturday, September 18 from 10am-5pm there is a Festival Marketplace. This is a festive bazaar of unique artisan arts and crafts, as well as film and music industry related booths. The public is invited to stroll through the booths while enjoying live musical entertainment.

The climax of the event is on Sunday, September 19 at 5pm at Pechanga Resort & Casino Ballroom. This is where the film music winners are announced. The evening spotlights some of the entertainment industry's legends as well as rising stars. This year's honorees include Kenny Loggins and Raquel Welch. Presenting the award to Kenny Loggins is music industry icon David Foster. Tickets are $100 per person. This event provides a rare opportunity to dine and mingle with some of Hollywood's biggest names.

Ranked as one of the 'Best Kept Secret Film Festivals' in the US (by Chris Gore's Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide, 2nd Edition), TVIFF continues to always improve and create activities to make its guests' stay in Temecula a memorable experience. TVIFF's calendar of events include a fabulous mixture of premieres, film showcases, Q&A sessions, master classes, workshops, a Marketplace, hot/cool rhythms of great bands, and an elegant Black Tie Awards Gala.

For more information about the Festival's events, to volunteer, or for ticket information, please visit www.tviff.com, or call (951) 699-5514.