New York, NY – April 8, 2009 – The 14th Annual Gen Art Film Festival presented by Acura wrapped an exciting week with the U.S. Premiere of “Finding Bliss,” directed by alum Julie Davis and starring Leelee Sobieski, Matthew Davis, Donnamarie Recco, Denise Richards, Kristen Johnston and Jamie Kennedy, and a ceremony announcing the winners of the Acura Grand Jury Awards, Stargazer Award and Festival’s Audience Awards.

During the past week, the Gen Art Film Festival presented by Acura showcased seven features and seven shorts from emerging filmmakers, each followed by seven parties at New York City’s hottest venues, including 1 OAK, Greenhouse, The Park, and Hudson Terrace. The cutting-edge festival allowed film buffs to experience a premiere like a true insider with interactive elements allowing filmmakers, media and the audience to share in the excitement.

“LYMELIFE” directed by Derick Martini and featuring Alec Baldwin, Kieran Culkin, Rory Culkin, Jill Hennessy, Timothy Hutton, Emma Roberts and Cynthia Nixon opened the festival on April 1st (it opens theatrically on April 8th.) Other premieres included “Gigantic” (now in theaters), “Peter & Vandy”, “My Suicide”, “Punching the Clown”, “Picture Me” and “Finding Bliss”, which all premiered to capacity crowds at the completely redesigned, state-of-the-art Visual Arts Theater in Chelsea.

Celebrities in attendance throughout the week included Alec Baldwin, Emma Roberts, Jill Hennessy, Kieran & Rory Culkin, Jamie Kennedy, Leelee Sobieski, Katrina Bowden, Mizuo Peck, Ashley Newbrough, Liz Lange, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Billy Magnussen, Norman Reedus, Liz Lange, Bree Williamson, Victoria Rowell,

Paul Dano, Johanna Cox, Leven Rambin, Laura Breckenridge, Jaslene Gonzalez, Lisa Cant, Sara Ziff, Jason Ritter, Jess Weixler, Stephen Baldwin Kristina Klebe, Moby, and Tracie Thoms among many others.

Following the closing night premiere of “Finding Bliss,” the award winners were announced at BLVD. Gen Art Vice President of Film Jeffrey Abramson and Jurors (all festival alum) actress Laura Breckenridge (most recently seen on “Gossip Girl”), director Terry Kinney (currently directing “Reasons to be Pretty”) and actor/producer Mike Landry announced the Festival winners.

The Acura Grand Jury Award for Best Feature went to David Miller’s “My Suicide” and the Acura Grand Jury Award for Best Short went to Liliana Greenfield-Sanders’ “Adelaide." Prizes of $10,000 and $5,000 were presented by Acura to the Feature and Short winners respectively. Both films also took home the Festival’s Audience Awards.The double win for “My Suicide” follows on the heels of its win of the Crystal Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Additionally, the “Stargazer Award” honoring breakout talent for excellence in acting went to Gabriel Sunday from “My Suicide.” Gabriel can next be seen in Ang Lee’s “Taking Woodstock” and Harold Ramis’ “Year One.”,

Musician Moby presented a special jury prize for best use of music in a feature film to “Punching the Clown” (directed by Gregori Viens, music by Henry Phillips).

“By all measures this has been our most successful festival to date,” said Jeffrey Abramson, Gen Art VP of Film. “We sold out all screenings and passes - and the majority of the 14 filmmakers were on hand the entire week to support each other’s films, which created an incredible feeling of encouragement, camaraderie and excitement which was absolutely contagious.”

“We are so thrilled that even in these difficult economic times that Acura returned as the Title Partner of both our New York Film Festival as well as the upcoming 3rd Annual Gen Art Chicago Film Festival running from June 24-27,” said CEO/Founder Ian Gerard. “It is a true testament of their commitment to emerging independent film talent!”

Gen Art offered audience members and consumers an active role at the onset of the festival by inviting young professionals to sit in on screening committees, where they collectively sorted through approximately 1,000 films and advanced favorites to the programming committee for further consideration.

Once the run of the festival was determined, the films were submitted to the official festival jury, comprised of the following:

Feature Jury: Kevin Corrigan, Matt Dentler, Mike Landry, Moby, Ted Sarandos:

Short Jury: Cary Fukunaga, Dana Brunetti, Kurt Keunne, Matt Stein, Terry Kinney

Stargazer Jury: Izabella Miko, James Calleri, Laura Breckenridge, Paola Mendoza, Sheetal Sheth.

Filmmaker DavidJR created videos encapsulating each night’s premiere and they can be viewed at www.genart.org/filmfestival

In addition to Acura, the festival was made possible through the sponsor support of Crunch, Dos Equis, Kodak, Metro, Neutrogena, New York magazine, Three Olives Vodka, and Time Warner Cable.

For more information, upcoming events and pictures and video please visit Gen Art’s website at www.genart.org

ABOUT GEN ART

Gen Art is the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing the best emerging talent in film, fashion, visual arts and music. Producing events in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami and San Francisco, Gen Art has succeeded in launching the careers of many young filmmakers, fashion designers, visual artists and musicians, providing them with high-profile events that welcome industry professionals and new audiences alike. Founded in 1993 by Ian and Stefan Gerard, Gen Art has quickly become a leader in championing the talent of a new generation. For more information, visit www.genart.org.


ABOUT ACURA

Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please visit www.acuranews.com.