In the wake of the Shepherd Express stepping back from the Milwaukee International Film Festival, a new international film festival organization -- called Milwaukee Film -- with a new board of directors was announced today.

While the organization searches for an executive director, a statement issued today notes that Milwaukee Film will host screenings and events this autumn and will return with a full festival in 2009.

Milwaukee Film has so far raised $200,000 to "feature films from around the world as well as locally-produced films from Wisconsin, and particularly those produced in Milwaukee." This fall, Milwaukee Film will present films made by Milwaukee filmmakers.

Milwaukee Film has retained the MIFF staff, including artistic director Jon Jackson, operations director Kyle Heller and program coordinator T.J. Fackelman.

"We are excited to help shape the future of a new international film festival in Milwaukee," said Chris Abele, president and CEO of the Argosy Foundation, in the statement. "We've already received an overwhelmingly positive response from funders, and their generous seed money has built great momentum as we move forward with plans for the new festival."

"We are looking forward to this opportunity to create a world-class film festival and provide Milwaukee with quality cultural events," said Jackson, Milwaukee Film Artistic Director. "We are especially committed to collaborating with the community as we seek to grow the local film industry."