St George Bank has been named as the major sponsor of the Brisbane International Film Festival.

The bank has signed a three-year naming rights sponsorship deal with festival organisers, starting from 2008.

Queensland arts minister Rod Welford has welcomed the sponsorship announcement for the festival, now in its seventeenth year.

“Strong partnerships between the business and arts communities are essential to the development of an innovative, creative, forward-looking community and economy," he said.

“Our government’s commitment to the arts and cultural sector is complemented by the generosity of the corporate community through sponsorships agreements like this one."

“The sponsorship agreement will help ensure BIFF remains a strong and vibrant event in worldwide cinema and on Brisbane’s cultural calendar.”

St.George Bank’s Queensland general manager Rhyll Gardner said the company had been looking for an appropriate sponsorship venue for some time.

“BIFF will provide a great brand fit,” she said.

“Through our support of other premiere cinematic events, such as the harbour-side OpenAir cinema in Sydney, we’ve seen the first-hand benefits for the Bank and all parts of the community from these wonderful events."

The 2008 St George Bank BIFF will screen from July 31 to August 10.