Aspen Filmfest Opening + Closing Night Films Announced
Today Aspen Film announced the Opening and Closing Night feature presentations for the 35th edition of Aspen Filmfest. THE GOOD LIE (Alcon Entertainment, Imagine Entertainment, Black Label Media, Warner Bros. Pictures) launches the festival on September 26 at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen. This moving drama about the Lost Boys of Sudan, directed by Philippe Falardeau, stars Reese Witherspoon, Sudanese actors Arnold Oceng, Ger Duany, Emmanuel Jal and Kuoth Wiel and Corey Stoll. The festival will close on October 1 with Jason Reitman's ensemble drama MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN (Paramount Pictures), starring Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Rosemary DeWitt and Ansel Elgort. Director and co-writer Jason Reitman is expected. Following a special community preview on September 22, Aspen Filmfest officially kicks off September 26 and runs through October 1 at the Wheeler Opera House and Isis Theatre in Aspen, as well as the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale. The complete schedule is available starting Labor Day, September 1 at www.aspenfilm.org. Tickets go on sale September 9 through the Wheeler Opera House Box Office www.aspenshowtix.com.
Once again Aspen Filmfest will also cast a spotlight on documentary filmmaking. As previously announced, Alan Hicks' award-winning KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON (Radius/TWC), an inspiring portrait of friendship and music produced by Quincy Jones and Boulder-based Paula DuPre' Pesman, will screen earlier on September 26. Jesse Roseler's festival favorite, THE STARFISH THROWERS, an affecting look at the fight against hunger, will lead into Closing Night on October 1.
"We are thrilled to present these wonderful films, the caliber of which our film-loving community looks forward to every fall," said Aspen Film's Co-Director, Laura Thielen. "Eclectic in tone and storytelling, they each celebrate filmmaking at its finest: entertainment that will engage audiences in character, craft and conversation long after the lights come up."
Set early in the fall awards season, Aspen Filmfest will preview a selection of high-profile fall releases, as well as acclaimed documentaries, independent productions and award-winning features from the international and US festival circuit. The festival will welcome filmmaker guests to participate in screenings and other events.
