Aspen Film announces the complete program for the 21st annual winter award screening series, to take place in Aspen, Colo., December 21, 2011 – January 1, 2012. Recent rule changes by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences have been designed to encourage more voters to see films in theaters instead of on DVDs; Aspen Film Academy Screenings affords film-industry Academy and guild members in Aspen over the holidays just such an opportunity with a packed ten-day program.
Also open to the general public, this feast of buzz-worthy cinema will take place at Harris Concert Hall, with two screenings most evenings. The complete schedule is available online at www.aspenfilm.org. Guild and Academy members are encouraged to reserve their tickets and seats in advance by e-mailing RSVP@aspenfilm.org or calling 970-925-6882, ext. 308.
According to Aspen Film Artistic Director Laura Thielen, “We are truly pleased to be able to coordinate with the studios and independent distributors to create such a depth and breadth of offerings representing the gamut of cinema in 2011. It’s been our privilege to sustain this wonderful program for two decades and to serve Hollywood-in-Aspen at each year’s end.”
The general public can purchase tickets beginning December 9 through Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler Opera House and at www.aspenshowtix.com.
This year’s program highlights eagerly anticipated films from notable directors, award-winning performances, and festival favorites, including Steven Spielberg’s sweeping new epic, WAR HORSE; Tomas Alfredson’s gripping TINKER, TAILOR, SOLDIER, SPY, an adaptation of the John Le Carré classic starring Gary Oldman, John Hurt, Colin Firth, and Mark Strong; Simon Curtis’s insightful MY WEEK WITH MARILYN, starring Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench, and Derek Jacobi; Oren Moverman’s searing crime drama RAMPART, with Woody Harrelson, Anne Heche, Cynthia Nixon, Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi, Robin Wright, Ben Foster, and Ice Cube; Stephen Daldry’s adaptation of Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE, with Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, James Gandolfini, Viola Davis, and Max von Sydow; Lars von Trier’s achingly beautiful MELANCHOLIA, starring Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, John Hurt, and Charlotte Rampling; Michel Hazanavicius’s visually enthralling THE ARTIST, with Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller, and Malcolm McDowell; Rodrigo Garcia’s elegant ALBERT NOBBS, starring Glenn Close, Janet McTeer, and Mia Wasikowska; Alexander Payne’s perceptive THE DESCENDANTS, starring George Clooney; Steve McQueen’s daringly provocative SHAME, with Michael Fassbender and Carey Mulligan; Jason Reitman’s latest, YOUNG ADULT, written by Diablo Cody and starring Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, and Patton Oswalt; and Phyllida Lloyd’s biopic THE IRON LADY, starring Meryl Streep and Jim Broadbent.
Also screening are Philippe Falardeau’s beautifully crafted tale of a teacher who makes a difference, MONSIEUR LAZHAR; Dee Rees’s intelligent coming-of-age story PARIAH; Drake Doremus’s bittersweet romantic drama LIKE CRAZY, starring Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones; Ralph Fiennes’s Shakespearian adaptation, CORIOLANUS, with Gerard Butler, Vanessa Redgrave, and Jessica Chastain; UNDEFEATED, the engaging documentary about an underdog football team from Dan Lindsay and T.J. Martin; Finnish master Aki Kaurismäki’s LE HAVRE, a whimsical festival favorite; and Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne’s award-winning THE KID WITH A BIKE, with Cécile de France.
Aspen Film Academy Screenings 2011 is sponsored by the City of Aspen, The Aspen Times, Stella Artois, Aspen Public Radio, Hotel Jerome, and the Sky Hotel.
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 film 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 ourselves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide. To learn more, visit www.aspenfilm.org.
