RUMS OF PUERTO RICO JOINS
SYRACUSE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The SYRFILM’s newest sponsor, Rums of Puerto Rico, brings the spirit and hot rhythms of the Caribbean for a sizzling VIP bash that celebrates the 5th consecutive winning year of the Syracuse International Film Festival. On Saturday, May 3, Rums of Puerto Rico will host the Festival’s Filmmakers Party at the Horizons penthouse ballroom of the Marriott Renaissance Hotel.

Rums of Puerto Rico, an international division of the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company, has established a reputation as a major supporter of leading international film festivals and film premiere events across the country. This year they have chosen to associate with The Syracuse International Film Festival that takes place from April 25 to May 4, 2008.

In addition to premium rum samplings at this year’s exclusive Filmmakers Party, Rums of Puerto Rico will present live entertainment with music and hot dances by La Rumba Cubana, the Afro-Caribbean Percussion ensemble headed by Brian Bromka, accompanied by their signature dance troupe, La Familia de la Salsa. The Syracuse-based group integrated by musicians and dancers from all over the world, is best known for its “Rueda de Casino” or “the Wheel”, which is, according to Bromka, “the most FUN you’ll ever have on a dance floor...and that’s a promise!”

Tere Paniagua, Managing Director of the Point of Contact Gallery and a board member of the SyrFilm Fest, has worked behind the scenes to build up this new partnership with Rums of Puerto Rico and produce a truly exceptional event. About the onset of this venture she comments: “This is a unique opportunity to really showcase the international component of the festival and the strong presence of outstanding Latin American films and filmmakers that SyrFilm brings to Syracuse. It is also a fantastic opportunity for Rums of Puerto Rico to make a positive impression in this upward market as a major player and partner in a well established international film festival that draws thousands of people to Syracuse.”