November 1, 2007 - On Tuesday, November 27th the 17th Annual Gotham Awards, celebrating the independent voices behind and in front of the camera in the year’s best films, will be handed out at New York City’s newest studio complex, Steiner Studios, presented by IFP. Among the honorees will be New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Mayor Bloomberg will be recognized for his leadership in making New York City a growing film production center and a world-class destination for the creative community. By bringing business acumen to the management of New York City, the Mayor has supported economic, educational, and cultural initiatives throughout the five boroughs, including the now historic “Made in NY” program which provides tax and marketing credits to film and television productions. Since the program’s inception in 2005, 65% of the films taking advantage of the “Made in NY” program were independent productions.

The Gothams salute the innovative films and filmmakers whose passion and vision make their way onto the screen year after year. Six competitive awards for Best Feature, Best Documentary, Breakthrough Actor, Breakthrough Director, Best Ensemble Cast and Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You, along with four Tribute awards, will be presented at the Gothams. Jonathan Sehring, President of IFC Entertainment, filmmaker Mira Nair, and actor Javier Bardemwill also be honored at the ceremony.

The Gotham Awards will be promoted nationally via a partnership with The New York Times and locally via broadcast on NYC TV.

For more information, visit:http://gotham.ifp.org.