- The beleaguered Bermuda International Film Festival will go ahead with some financial support from the Ministry of Tourism.

The Royal Gazette had reported on Tuesday, that organisers of the BIFF were looking likely to stage the event in the year 2000.

Yesterday former BIFF director, Aideen Ratteray-Pryse confirmed that the event will go ahead in the year 2000 and those beyond, after what she described as "a hiccup'' this year.

Tourism Minister David Allen was on hand at the press conference and expressed his delight with the project's relaunch.

"I've always considered this an interesting new product,'' he said, "and it is along the lines of where we want to go and what we are trying to achieve in the ministry. Offering a more enriching experience for our visitors. Setting us apart from other destinations which just offer sun, sand and surf.'' While announcing that the Ministry is the first corporate sponsor for the event, Mr. Allen said an exact figure has not yet been decided.

"We see ourselves as the initial sponsors to kick off the festival,'' he said. "It is absolutely crucial that the business community buy into the event as well.'' Intentions to host the Festival in April next year were welcomed by the Minister who pointed out his aim of providing attractions in the "shoulder months''.

"We want to see it generate new business when we need the business and that is before May.'' said Mr. Allen.

Mrs. Ratteray-Pryse and the entire management board resigned last October after a rift developed between them and board members Dr. Stanley Ratteray and Stan Chetkowski who refused to hire a full-time festival director.

In yesterday's press conference, Mrs. Ratteray-Pryse confirmed the board's commitment to taking on a full-time director for the event slated for the last week in April.