This October's Aspen Filmfest includes some of the most anticipated titles of the year, like Lady Bird, The Upside and The Florida Project, as well as more independent, powerful dramas, such as The Keeping Hours. Non-fiction films also hold prominent spots in the 2017 Filmfest – from a fascinating insight into artist Julian Schnabel to an investigation into the shocking food waste practices in the Western world. Two documentaries about remarkable women – Hedy Lamarr and Gertrude Bell – utilize never-before-seen archival footage, and unique interviews to reintroduce these amazing women and their singular achievements to the world. All titles are sure to be part of the conversations during awards season.
Twenty films have been selected from hundreds screened for the 39th annual Aspen Filmfest. They will be shown at the Wheeler Opera House and the Isis Theater in Aspen, and the Crystal Theater in Carbondale. An Opening Reception Tuesday, October 3, at 4:30 p.m. in the Wheeler lobby, follows the opening film Zuzana: Music is Life, which kicks off the festival at 2:30 p.m. For complete program details and festival lineup, visit the Aspen Film website.
"Thanks to our renowned programmer, Jane Schoettle, we boast some of the hottest titles of the year from world-class film festivals," says Aspen Film Executive Director Susan Wrubel. "Our program offers something for everyone, from narrative features and documentaries to an animated adventure. We are presenting films from all corners of the earth including Mongolia, Israel, Italy, New Zealand and the U.S. We delve into the history of innovative women, examine faith or lack thereof, and celebrate diversity."
The North American premiere of All the Wild Horses kicks off Filmfest's first night on October 3. The film follows riders from around the world as they compete in the Mongol Derby in Mongolia, the longest and toughest horse race on the planet. "This is a beautiful story, and I know how important horses are to life in Colorado," she said. The film's director Ivo Marloh will be present for a Q&A following the screening.
There is an Aspen connection in Bombshell – The Hedy Lamarr Story, screening on October 4. Lamarr owned a home in Aspen in the 1950's with then-husband W. Howard Lee. "She considered Aspen the place where her heart always was," according to Schoettle. This is partly because she grew up in Austria and loved the mountains. During her heyday in the 1940s as one of Hollywood's most glamorous starlets, Lamarr was considered a screen siren and little more. However, her marked intelligence, curiosity and lifelong friendships with scientists and thinkers meant that the world's most beautiful woman was also the secret inventor of secure wifi, bluetooth and GPS communications. Her gender and stardom stood in the way of the credit she deserved.
Colorado native and acclaimed character actor John Carroll Lynch's directorial debut, Lucky, screens on October 5. The film is a love letter to the life and career of the late Harry Dean Stanton – who passed away on Sept 15, 2017 – as well as a meditation on mortality, loneliness, spirituality, and human connection.
When asked to pick her favorites from the lineup, Director of Programming Jane Schoettle says that's too difficult; she loves them all. "I just bring the best of what's out there. All the films are selected for a reason. They are provocative and of very high quality, and provide a contemporary perspective on the world." Schoettle says there isn't anything in the line-up that she doesn't think will be of interest to the Aspen audience. "I want to keep the audience coming back for more and to feel fed by it."
This year's Filmfest also showcases two panel discussions. The first, Wed, October 4 at 1 p.m., features the directors of two of the most compelling documentaries of the year, Zuzana: Music Is Life and Letters From Baghdad, in a conversation titled, "Say Her Name: Bringing Accomplished Women of History Forward to a New Generation." The second discussion is with producer Adam Haggiag of Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 7. Tickets are available starting Thursday, September 21 for Aspen Film members and Saturday, September 23 for general admission.
About ASPEN FILM
Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado's most active film arts organizations, presenting dynamic programs and featured guest artists throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major event in every season, along with an extensive education program: Aspen Filmfest, Academy Screenings, Aspen Shortsfest and Film Educates. With a mission to enlighten, enrich, educate, and entertain through film, Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue and broadens understanding of our world and selves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide. Visit www.aspenfilm.org.
