Ever wonder who wrote, directed, starred in and produced the first independent film ever shot in Hollywood? Sound like a trivial pursuit question almost impossible to answer? The answer is probably a resounding “yes” for most moviegoers and filmmakers alike, but not for the organizers of the Beverly Hills Film Festival. This year’s festival will open with the first movie ever shot in Hollywood, “In Old California,” produced by the oldest movie company in America, Biograph Company.

“In Old California” is a drama depicting the life and times of the history of Mexico and Mexican Americans in California. Directed by movie pioneer D.W. Griffith, the film was shot in 1910 in a small farming village which was known for its great weather, lavish flower gardens, beautiful scenery and friendly people. The village was known as Hollywood, but almost 100 years later, the little village has become the movie and entertainment capital of the world, and continues to inspire future generations of filmmakers.

“Beverly Hills Film Festival is honored to showcase this most extraordinary piece of motion picture history,” said Nino Simon, President of Beverly Hills Film Festival. “Not only is it the first film ever shot in Hollywood, but to the independent filmmaker, it is the first film to introduce revolutionary techniques in the art of filmmaking. We’re very excited to resurrect the film that truly defines the expression “independent film.”

Biograph Company approached Beverly Hills Film Festival when the original version of the film was rediscovered a few years ago, and it was no coincidence that Biograph’s CEO Thomas Bond II decided to screen this historical film at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. “Beverly Hills Film Festival is the perfect venue to showcase “In Old California,” said Bond. “As with its first screening almost 100 years ago, this film deserves a world-class screening, and the Beverly Hills Film Festival is known for showcasing the work of filmmakers who possess the same passion that drove D.W. Griffith almost hundred years ago when he shot his first film.”

Founded in 1895, Biograph Company was influential and responsible for catapulting the careers of many legendary Hollywood stars, including Mary Pickford, Lionel Barrymore and Lillian Gish.

The 2004 international Beverly Hills Film Festival will take place May 6 – May 9, screening 25-30 of the most auspicious non-studio films at the Clarity Theatre located in the heart of Beverly Hills. The festival will conclude with a black-tie awards night at the world renowned Beverly Hills Hotel. Due to an overwhelming response of film submissions, the deadline to submit films has been extended to March 15, 2004. Please visit the fest website at www.beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com or contact BHIFF offices at 310-779-1206.