It was announced on September 5, 2010, that the Naples International Film Festival (NIFF) donated a gift of money to The Education Foundation. Just south of Ft. Myers, in Naples, Florida, NIFF showed their support to the Foundation by gifting them $500.00. Now, the Naples International Film Festival proudly announces its donation to The Education Foundation of Collier County.

The inaugural film festival, held in 2009, met the goal to "Expect the Extraordinary," as 1,100 attendees packed the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts to see the Oscar award-winning film, "The Cove." Independent film showings at the Silverspot Cinema at the Mercato over the following three days resulted in close to one million dollars to boost the local economy.

"Thank you for your gift to support The Education Foundation's Connect with a Classroom program," said Susan McManus, President of The Education Foundation. "This money will be given to the Mike Davis Elementary School to provide students with wonderful hands-on learning experiences to provide student producers: Nutcracker."

Executive Director, Rowan Samuel, said, "NIFF is proud to make the $500 donation, as it ties to our goals to collaborate with other organizations to nurture and grow arts education in Collier County schools."

The mission of NIFF is to nurture and support a diverse, artistic and cultural experience in Collier County through the operation of a creative, fun, and cutting-edge boutique film festival. Established by a group of visionary individuals wishing to invoke excitement and involvement in the arts for those who reside in, and visit, the Naples, Florida area.

NIFF showcases some of the finest and most creative cinematic works in the world, while at the same time supporting, organizing, and providing an outlet for local filmmakers and film lovers in Southwest Florida. NIFF will use this combination of nationally recognized and home-grown talent to present the best in independent films at Naples' finest venues while retaining a friendly, fun, and unique movie-going experience.

During the film festival, scheduled for November 4-7, 2010, the NIFF targets and provides the theater-going public a reasonable ticket price and amazing films to view and review. Come join the NIFF team and be part of the excitement as a member, a donor and party-goer by going to the website at www.naplesfilmfest.com.