It may not be the biggest film festival in the world or one that draws A-list movie stars but the Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) is getting some welcome praise from a US publication.

In the summer issue of 'MovieMaker' magazine, which is published four times a year and has a circulation of 50,000, publisher and editor Tim Rhys wrote a two-page spread giving a delightful interpretation of his time in Bermuda during this year's festival.

"From what I knew, I expected to find a lush, friendly tropical (okay, sub-tropical) paradise a short plane ride away - and I did," Mr. Rhys said in his feature, 'A Moviemaker's Paradise-Not Too Large, Not Too Small, Bermuda IFF is Just Right'.

"What I didn't expect to find was one of the best run, best-programmed mid-size festivals I have ever experienced. Even though 2003 marked just the sixth instalment of the BIFF, it's obvious that festival director Aideen Ratteray Pryse and her dedicated staff are serious about making Bermuda one of the circuit's top stops.

"Not that it isn't already a very classy operation. BIFF has it all, really, from the aforementioned unbeatable location (just two hours from Boston and New York) to the right mix of films, guests, sponsors and perhaps most importantly, attitude. BIFF is a great place to network. Everyone is relaxed and accessible, and the parties are lively but subdued enough to allow conversation."

BIFF deputy director Duncan Hall was pleased that the festival had received the recognition in the magazine.

"Our goal is to become one of the best small film festivals in the world, and we are pleased to hear from others that we are on the right track," Mr. Hall said in a BIFF press release.

The spread included four photographs taken by festival photographer Jill Rubinchak and two scenic Bermuda pictures as well as the film festival's poster, designed by Corrina Rego from Kaleidoscope Media Ltd.

The seventh BIFF will be held from March 19 to 25 2004.