The Minnesota-made independent feature HERMAN U.S.A. will be shown as the Opening Night Gala kicking off the 19th annual Minneapolis/Saint Paul International Film Festival. The film festival, now in its 19th year, continues through April 21st at venues throughout the Twin Cities, with BEST OF FEST through April 26th.

HERMAN U.S.A. is a romantic comedy inspired by the true story of Herman, Minnesota: "the town that lacked for women!" The story which occurred in 1994, garnered news coverage from around the world (and resulted in several marriages!). Written and directed by Bill Semans, founder of the Cricket Theater in Minneapolis, HERMAN U.S.A. was shot on location in rural Minnesota and stars Michael O'Keefe (THE PLEDGE), Kevin Chamberlin, Enid Graham, Ann Hamilton, Wally Dunn, Kim Sykes, Richard Wharton, Garth, Schumacher, Mark Bennington, Tony Mockus, Margie Rynearson, and Christina Rouner. The film was produced by Patrick Wells, Jeffrey Hohman and Bill Semans. New York actors Ann Hamilton, Wally Dunn, Kim Sykes and Los Angeles- based Richard Wharton are scheduled to attend Opening Night along with all the principals, Minnesota cast and crew, and people from Herman, Minnesota (where the story takes place) and New Germany, Minnesota (where the film was shot.)

Target Stores and the Minnesota Film Board are sponsoring this Minnesota premiere of HERMAN U.S.A. at Opening Night of thefestival, and also sponsored a screening in Los Angeles last month at the Film Board's annual Ice Pack Celebration.

The University Film Society, now celebrating its 40th year, has presented the MSPIFF since 1982, when the festival began in Stillwater, Minnesota as the Rivertown Film Festival. MSPIFF has grown to become one of the largest film festivals in North America, and one of the most distinguished exhibitions of foreign language films in the world. This year's festival features over 100 films from more than 40 countries. See the April 4th City Pages pull-out or the Festival catalogue for a full description of all films and events.