New cross-genre fusions, new multi-media spectacles, new scripts and new culture-smart agendas stimulated by new audience appetites are the dominant flavours on the Main programme for the National Arts Festival taking place in Grahamstown from June 30 to July 9.

"A new tribe of mature and professional South African artists with international experience are cooking up a storm in the Mzantsi arts kitchens. The ingredients for this festival were garnered from the four corners of our creative marketplace by people who know the shortest route to the heart of an audience," said Lynette Marais, Festival Director.

Festival 2005 offers cineastes the chance to catch a couple of premières and get up to speed on some of the most important new South African movies. Golden Bear winner uCarmen eKhayelitsha (featuring the lyric company Dimplo Di Kopane), Oscar nominee Yesterday by Darrell James Roodt (Standard Bank Young Artist Award Winner 1991), Ian Gabriel's Forgiveness, Craig Freimond's Gums & Noses and the Afrikaans production Skilpoppe will be screened.

Vincent Gallo (of The Brown Bunny fame) is a focus point of the international programme as is a selection of Spanish films in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the publication of Don Quixote de la Mancha (1605), a benchmark in the history of the novel by Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616).

Well-known film critic Leon van Nierop will be on hand throughout the Festival to lead discussions for the kind of deeper experience that makes Festival viewing special.

This festival is presented by the Eastern Cape Government, Standard Bank, National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, SABC and the National Arts Council and booking kits will be available during mid April in time for the opening of the booking on May 9. The Fringe booking kit will be available from May in time for the opening on May 23. Further information on 046 603 1103/1164 or visit http://www.nafest.co.za