The Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival runs September 9-13, 2009. TVIFF’s tradition of presenting excellence in film and music has allowed the festival to feature emerging styles from North America and over 20 countries around the world. The festival is open to domestic and foreign films in five categories: Full Length Features, Shorts, Documentaries, Animation and Student Films. The festival has steadily gained popularity since its inception in 1995, and this year plans to be the biggest festival yet.

TVIFF’s social calendar starts with Opening Night Festivities, followed by daily and nightly filmmaker/musician receptions, industry workshops, a Lifetime and Career Achievement Awards Black Tie Gala, a Sunday morning Hot Air Balloon Ride, a Closing Night Wrap party, Best of Fest special screening presentations and much more. Check out the festival’s online film schedule for a full listing of screenings.

Other festivals starting this week include:

Chicago Underground Film Festival (Sept 10-17): CUFF stands out on the festival circuit for having a unique programming niche, garnering a following among hipsters, media, and industry alike. Each year, CUFF presents an accessible, savvy program of film and video which explores the many definitions and interpretations of the “underground” concept. Selected films often ignore limitations of genre, and are made with passion and drive. Alternative music films, political agitprop, formal experimentation, and high camp are not uncommon elements of the festival program.

SF Shorts (Sept 9-12)

Southern Winds Film Festival (Sept 10-12)

DC Shorts Film Festival (Sept 10-17)

Rome International Film Festival (Sept 11-12)

Cinesol Film Festival (Sept 11-26)

Trinity Film Coalition Film Festival (Sept 12)

COMMFFEST Community Film Festival (Sept 12-20)