This Labor Day weekend, the 32nd annual Aspen Filmfest, a five-day feast of of film and fall color, is announcing seven films that will be screened during Filmfest 2010, held September 29 – October 3, 2010. With an emphasis on independent productions from around the world and a uniquely intimate scale, the festival champions filmmaking at its finest for film lovers and filmmakers alike. Films will be shown at the historic Wheeler Opera House in Aspen and at the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale.
While the full program will not be announced until September 8, Aspen Filmfest announces seven critically-acclaimed, multiple-award winning titles this Labor Day Weekend:
BLUE VALENTINE (USA) 2010
Director: Derek Cianfrance (first-time director who studied at the University of Colorado)
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams
A searingly honest portrait of a married couple who tries to reignite the spark in their once-passionate relationship. Through flashbacks and a present-day narrative, this film lives and breathes emotional truth.
Awards: Nominated for the grand jury prize at Sundance 2010.
THE KING’S SPEECH (UK/Australia) 2010
Director: Tom Hooper (The Damned United)
Cast: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi, Guy Pearce, Michael Gambon
Through the help of a maverick Australian speech therapist (Rush), with whom he eventually forms a strong friendship, the newly crowned King George VI (Firth) works to overcome a debilitating speech impediment and lead England on the brink of world war in the late 1930s.
MAKE BELIEVE (USA/Japan/South Africa) 2010
Director: J. Clay Tweel
A beguiling celebration of dreams, hard work, and dazzling sleight of hand, the film follows six exceptional magicians (including one from Littleton, Colo.) as they hone their skills for the opportunity of a lifetime: Teen World Champion.
Awards: Winner of the jury prize for best feature documentary at the Los Angeles International Film Festival.
MARWENCOL (USA) 2010
Director: Jeff Malmberg
When a savage attack ten years ago left Mark Hogancamp deeply traumatized, he constructed a small-scale town in his backyard, peopling it with dolls, to help regain both his hand-eye coordination and sanity. This documentary examines Mark’s unique merging of art and therapy, and what happened when his collection of photographs unintentionally attracted art-world attention.
Awards: Winner of numerous awards, including the grand jury prize at the SXSW Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, and Cleveland International Film Festival; the Cinematic Vision Award at Silver Docs; and Emerging Artist Award at Hot Docs.
THUNDER SOUL (USA) 2010
Director: Mark Landsman
Under the inspired direction of the charismatic and talented Conrad “Prof” Johnson, an all-African-American high school stage band in the 1970s went from mediocre players to international funk sensation, winning almost every competition it entered — including the Texas state championship — and touring Paris and Japan.
Awards: Winner of audience award for best documentary at the Los Angeles International Film Festival, SXSW Film Festival, Dallas International Film Festival, and Hot Docs.
WELCOME TO THE RILEYS (USA) 2010
Director: Jake Scott
Cast: James Gandolfini, Melissa Leo, Kristen Stewart
Years after a family tragedy, Lois and Doug Riley remain mired in grief but cope in very different ways. Nuanced performances from three consummate actors infuse this emotionally true, gently humorous drama with surprising humanity.
Awards: Nominated for the grand jury prize at Sundance.
Previously announced and opening the festival will be a special evening celebrating the 70th anniversary of John Lennon’s birth, with a sneak preview of the upcoming feature film NOWHERE BOY and a live performance by The Quarrymen — the band that became The Beatles. The directorial debut by Sam Taylor-Wood depicts the events and personal circumstances that led to the formation of The Beatles — specifically, the underlying family currents that shaped the creative and inspirational qualities of John Lennon during his crucial formative teenage years. The film stars Kristin Scott Thomas as Lennon’s Aunt Mimi and newcomer Aaron Johnson as the young Lennon. Following the film, the three still-active founding members of The Quarrymen — childhood pals who were handpicked by Lennon to be in his first band — will perform the key songs that they played with Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison over the group’s four-year run.
Over the course of the festival, Aspen Filmfest will offer new features and documentaries, as well as unique presentations, special events, and family films.
Tickets for Aspen Filmfest will go on sale September 15 through Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler Opera House box office. And new this year, tickets for Carbondale shows will be available beginning September 15 at Third Street Cafe at 520 South Third Street in the Third Street Center and Roadside Gallery at 320 Main Street. For more information, visit www.aspenfilm.org. A complete schedule of films will be available in print and posted on www.aspenfilm.org on September 8.
Aspen Filmfest is made possible by the City of Aspen, The Aspen Times, Two Old Hippies, Stella Artois, Aspen Magazine, Aspen Public Radio, Hotel Jerome, the Sky Hotel, and Aspen Film’s Reel People members.
About Aspen Film. Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado’s most active film arts organizations, presenting more than 200 programs and featuring dozens of guest speakers throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major film event in every season, along with an extensive education program: Aspen Filmfest, Academy Screenings, Aspen Shortsfest, and Film Educates. Our mission is to enlighten, enrich, educate, and entertain through film. Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue, and broadens understanding of our world and ourselves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide.
