The Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival (BCIFF) will take place August 7-9, 2008 in Houston, TX. The festival is presented by The PROGRESS Arts Group Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, evangelize and create opportunities through the arts.The Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival (BCIFF) was founded by its executive director, Shanda Davis, to showcase diverse film and video projects that:
-Educate and enlighten us on political, social, psychological, economic, health, religious and a variety of other issues,
-Offer hope and encouragement as well as inspire us to contribute towards the betterment of society and
-Display positive relationships, morals, individual and family values.

The Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival's mission is:
* To provide a viable platform for independent filmmakers and artists from around the world to showcase their works,
* To provide awareness to the world about the variety of educational, inspirational and positive works available and the need to integrate more of these types of works into society,
* To provide a networking platform for filmmakers and industry professionals and
* To showcase the artistic excellence of children & youth in Houston and surrounding areas and provide scholarships to assist them in furthering their arts education.

The 2008 Bayou City Inspirational Film Festival will showcase 121 projects from around the world including: 62 World Premieres, 2 U.S. Premieres and 1 North American Premiere. This spectacular multi-cultural event will offer 3 exciting days of film screenings, workshops, seminars, filmmaker interviews, industry mixers, youth forums and spotlights, an opening night extravaganza and a closing night awards banquet. Our workshops and seminars will be conducted by industry professionals who have years of experience and knowledge in filmmaking, producing, directing, entertainment law, public relations and many other areas.

Proceeds from the festival will go towards the SHOCK Arts Children & Youth Arts & Wellness Program. The SHOCK Arts Children & Youth Arts & Wellness Program's mission is:
* To provide arts awareness, education and training to low income children and youth,
* To provide a platform for children and youth to showcase and cultivate their creative gifts and provide scholarships to assist them in furthering their arts education.
* To provide a positive alternative to the negative alternatives in their environment.