Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS

-- A Four-Day Film and Audiovisual Festival Focused on Mentoring and Business Acumen in the Film Industry nestled in Bozeman, MT snags International attention.

Bozeman, MT � Directed by John Dahl (Red Rock West, Rounders, Last Seduction, ), The Great Raid will have its World premiere in celebrity hideout, Bozeman, Montana. Starring Benjamin Bratt, Joseph Fiennes, and James Franco, The Great Raid captures the true story of WWII�s 6th Ranger Battalion who undertake a daring rescue mission to liberate 500 American prisoners-of-war in the Philippines. The Film premiers on Sept 10 to a intimate audience of handpicked Hollywood insiders. HatcH is the film festival reinvented -- an intense four-day event featuring the best in film, music and arts. The festival�s focus on mentoring brings young artisans side by side with Hollywood veteran producers, screenwriters, directors, cinematographers, and actors to showcase their work in competition and non-competition formats.

The top film schools from the Czech Republic, Russia, India, Ireland, England, Australia, Canada, and the United States are sending their best student films and their best student filmmakers to compete for scholarships and top prizes. The jury for this competitive event is made up of some of the most celebrated film industry professionals today. The competition is by invitation, but includes 3 wildcard slots for any student filmmaker in the world. Submission deadline is August 24, 2004. Visit www.hatchfest.com for details.

<b>Distinguished HatcH panel member, Jim Brubaker of Universal Studios says this of the unique film festival angle, " montana

Celebrated hosts for this year�s festival are Peter Fonda, Jeff Bridges, John Dahl, and Rick Schroder. Jeff Bridges will present The Gary Cooper Spirit of Montana Award to Peter Fonda, for his bold and unique contribution to the arts and his continued support of those who dare to achieve their dreams. Join our hosts, mentor panel members Jim Brubaker (Producer, Bruce Almighty, Liar, Liar, Tom Boland (VP Paramount) Diane Cairns (Former VP Universal), Chris Cain, and many others for nearly 20 musicians/bands and 40 films from 20 countries in 4 days. For more information contact Festival Chair Penny Ronning at [email protected] or call the HatcH office at 406-586-2635.