Dear Friends, Filmmakers and Colleagues,

As we embark on a new decade, we invite you to join us for a very special IWFF in May. The theme: Media & The Message.

On the eve of the 33rd annual, International Wildlife Film Festival, this year's festival promises to be one of the most important, with a special focus on the "Message" of Media and the "Future" of Wildlife Filmmaking & "Wildlife Survival" in the 21st Century.

But it all begins with the films - the centerpiece of IWFF and we are now in the final stages of the Call for Entries. The regular deadline is January 30th, the late deadline is February 9th.

If you have any questions, concerns or difficulties with your entries, please do not hesitate to contact us by email or telephone. We are here to assist.

Preliminary Judging begins next month (February) followed by Final Judging in late March. Once Final Judging is complete, notifications will go out and we begin final preparations for a very special event including the Tarkio Retreat, with a focus on the International Illegal Wildlife Trade. This is Wednesday, May 12th. Later in the week, we'll devote a good bit of attention to the Internet - distribution, programming, funding, social networking to promote wildlife issues and of course technology, as cutting edge as it comes.

Festival Dates are May 8-15, one of the most beautiful times of year here in Montana, when the snow begins to melt off the peaks of the northern Rockies and everything is bursting with life. It is usually mild during the day, cooler at night, and always breathtaking.

On a personal note, as I embark on my tenth year with IWFF, it is both an honor and a privilege to be a part of such an important organization whose growth and evolution has been led by such a wonderful team of individuals - from our staff to our volunteers, from board members to students, from our partners and sponsors to filmmakers, broadcasters and conservation organizations. It takes a huge team of committed individuals to build a year round organization and many of you have been integral to this, but IWFF is still the cornerstone of everything that we do here at the International Wildlife Media Center.

In closing, Happy New Year! We hope to see you in May for a spectacular and important week, the 33rd International Wildlife Film Festival, May 8-15. And please, do not hesitate to get in touch - being in touch, staying in touch, that's what it's all about.

Warmest Regards,
Janet Rose
Executive Director/Festival Director
International Wildlife Film Festival & Media Center