Napa Valley Film Fest 9 - 13 Nov to open with The Descendants

by Katiedot Thu 29 Sep 2011, 12:26

Ok, so every village, mountain top and valley has its own film festival. I'm setting up one in my front room and calling it the Katiedot Boudoir Film Fest. You're all welcome to come as long as you bring your own wine.

Anyway, they're not saying George will be attending, just that The Descendants will open the fest.

From St HElena Star

Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2011

Napa Valley Film Festival co-founders and directors Brenda and Marc Lhormer have announced a roster of high-profile films to be screened at the inaugural film festival, Nov. 9-13. Showcasing the best of new independent cinema along with the Napa Valley’s finest food, wine and hospitality, NVFF is making its debut with a five-day festival spanning the Valley’s four towns: Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga.

The festival kicks off Wednesday, Nov. 9, with a sneak preview of Clint Eastwood’s much-anticipated biopic, “J. Edgar,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts and Josh Lucas. DiCaprio stars in the title role of the drama, which explores the public and private life of one of the most powerful, controversial and enigmatic figures of the 20th century.

The festival’s official opening Thursday, Nov. 10, features “The Descendents,” starring George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Judy Greer and Matthew Lillard. Directed by Alexander Payne, the film follows the unpredictable journey of an American family at a time when family man Matt King (Clooney) must re-examine his past and navigate his future after his wife suffers a boating accident.

Another notable film headlining the NVFF is “Butter,” a comedy starring Jennifer Garner, Olivia Wilde, Hugh Jackman, and Ty Burrell, set in the Midwest, that uses a state fair butter carving competition to satirically discuss the diversity of American politics. “Answers to Nothing,” starring Dane Cook and Julie Benz, is a graphically honest portrayal of six individuals in a web of intertwining stories.

The documentaries featured are both inspirational and diverse. These include screenings of “Undefeated,” an intimate chronicle of three underprivileged student-athletes from inner-city Memphis and the volunteer coach trying to help them beat the odds on and off the high school football field; the world premiere of “CTRL+ALT+COMPETE,” a feature-length documentary that takes a revealing look at the technology startup and emerging business scene through the eyes of five founders and their teams; and “The Other F Word,” an eye-opening and wise look at veteran punk rockers as they adapt to the challenges of fatherhood.

Closing out the festival will be a heartbreakingly beautiful look at first love: “Like Crazy,” directed by Drake Doremus and starring Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones and Jennifer Lawrence, the winner of the Grand Jury Prize for Best Picture at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and of the Special Jury Prize for Best Actress for Felicity Jones.

The entire film lineup will be announced Oct. 4, including all films in the Narrative Dramatic Competition that will be eligible for the $10,000 cash award, sponsored and presented by Meadowood Resort & Spa. Festival passes are currently available at napavalleyfilmfest.org.

In addition to producing the annual film festival, Cinema Napa Valley presents special film programs throughout the year and provides support to student filmmaking programs in Napa Valley schools. Complementing its work locally, the organization has partnered with the international organization Roots of Peace. Roots of Peace removes land mines in war-torn regions of the world and replaces them with vineyards and other sustainable crops. To learn more, visit napavalleyfilmfest.org.