From the opening night and gala to fascinating lectures and onstage interviews featuring some of the leading movie and cultural voices of today to dynamic Family Day events, Saturday night “Centerpiece” films and more, the Virginia Film Festival weekend is packed with events and experiences designed to entertain and enlighten.
2011 Festival Highlights include:
Opening Night Film
The Descendants
Thursday 7:00pm, Culbreth Theatre
2011. USA.
Director: Alexander Payne. Cast: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Judy Greer, Amara Miller.
From director and writer Alexander Payne (Election, About Schmidt, Sideways) comes the story of a Hawaiian landowner Matt King (Clooney) who attempts to rein in his rebellious daughters after his wife suffers a boat accident that puts her in a coma. When his elder daughter (Woodley) reveals an unexpected secret about his wife, the father’s life takes another drastic turn that leads him and his daughters on a journey to confront the outsider that threatens the stability of his family. A tremendous hit at the Toronto and Telluride Film Festivals, the film features one of Clooney’s strongest roles yet, sure to garner Oscar® consideration.
Presented by Acura.
Centerpiece Screening
Albert Nobbs
Saturday 8:30 p.m., The Paramount Theater
2011, Ireland.
Director: Rodrigo García. Cast: Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Janet McTeer, Jonathan Rhys Meyers.
Rodrigo García’s drama, based on Irish author George Moore’s short story “The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs,” tells the tale of a woman who poses as a butler named Albert in order to overcome the financial hardships and gender inequality of 19th century Ireland. When the undercover butler falls for an artist, she decides to leave her job at a posh hotel and end the lie she has been living. The stellar cast is headed by Golden Globe winner and Academy Award® nominee Glenn Close, who originated the title role on stage in 1982, and also includes noted stage and screen actress Janet McTeer and Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, The Kids are Alright).
Discussion with Rodrigo García, Mia Wasikowska, Janet McTeer, Bonnie Curtis, Julie Lynn.
Closing Night Film
Thin Ice
Sunday 7:30 p.m., The Paramount Theater
2011, USA.
Director: Jill Sprecher. Cast: Greg Kinnear, Billy Crudup, Alan Arkin, Lea Thompson.
How far will one insurance salesman go to jumpstart his business and get his life back on track? Mickey Prohask (Kinnear) believes all it takes to sell something is a good story. But when he meets a retired shut-in (Arkin) with more than just commission to offer, Mickey thinks he’s found a new get-rich-quick scheme to satisfy his bank account. The tables quickly turn when Mickey meets Randy (Crudup), a security system specialist who may have a scheme of his own. White collar meets blue collar in this thrilling drama from director Jill Sprecher (Thirteen Conversations About One Thing).
Presented by Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Central Virginia.
Supported by C-VILLE Weekly.
Family Day
National Velvet
Saturday 10:30 a.m., The Paramount Theater
1944, USA.
Director: Clarence Brown. Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney, Angela Lansbury.
This year’s Family Day will be highlighted by a screening of the classic film starring Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney. This feel-good tale tells the story of Velvet Brown (Taylor), a young English girl who decides to train a horse she won in the town lottery for the Grand National Steeplechase. Velvet is aided by Mi Taylor, a drifter who finds his way to her father’s farm. Though Mi doesn’t share Velvet’s fondness for horses, he eventually agrees to help his new friend prepare for the big race. The result is a tale of triumph as two unlikely friends come together to beat the odds. Admission is free – no ticket required.
Introduction by Ben Mankiewicz (Turner Classic Movies).
This screening is part of the Film Festival’s Family Day, presented by Bank of America, and supported by Charlottesville Newsplex, Foxfield Racing Association, John and Amy Harris and Silverthorn Films.
