Option 3 Media, a new media events company based in Fairhope, has announced the first Annual Fairhope Film Festival, a Festival of Romance. Creating a truly unique experience in the world of cinema, the Fairhope Film Festival will bring a collection of films to the local community and visitors from around the world with movies centered on a central theme: romance.

This festival will be held on April 3-5. On April 6, the award winners will be given encore screenings on the heels of the festival.

With the help of Right Angle Studios, the festival has secured festival veteran Jon Fitzgerald as the film festival consultant. Over the past 15 years, Fitzgerald has been the driving force of a number of successful events (Slamdance, Bahamas, Gasparilla, Golden Star Shorts Fest and the upcoming Middle East International Film Fest).

He has also helped festivals reach new heights by being their consultant (AFI, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, San Diego, Ozone).

In coordination with the city of Fairhope, the festival will present feature films, documentaries, shorts, as well as retrospectives.

Venues will include University of South Alabama Baldwin County Performance Center, Faulkner State Community College Centennial Hall, and Theatre 98.

The festival will feature workshops, seminars and panel discussions with actors, writers and directors.

Also included with this festival will be a spectacular Opening Gala on the Fairhope Public Beach and a Closing Night Awards Banquet at the James P. Nix Center, with VIP Parties in between that will surely make the Fairhope Film Festival an exciting and memorable experience.

Organizers say they are pleased to have the ideal setting for a festival centered on romance, as Coastal Living magazine has named Fairhope as one of the top 10 most romantic destinations in the country.

Fairhope is best known for its romantic, sweeping views of Mobile Bay and the storybook charm of its shops and flowers.

Local residents have always been highly involved in the arts in this picturesque town. Fairhope is also known for hosting one of the top 25 arts and crafts festivals in the country.

The Fairhope Film Festival is expected to become an ongoing, annual tradition showcasing talented filmmakers from around the world, being the only film festival centered on romance in the United States.

For more information, visit the festival Web site at www.fairhopefilmfest.com.