Ashlands Eighth Festival about to get underway.
March 31st 2009 06:19
“Ashland reminds you of why you decided to make films in the first place’ stated Patrick Creadon, director of to previous entries in the festival WORDLPLAY AND I.O.U.S.A. “If there’s a film festival in heaven I’m sure it looks a lot like Ashland.”
Last years appearance by Academy Award® winner Helen Hunt has also helped to shine the spotlight on what has been described as ‘the perfect blend of programming, audience and location’ and the 90 minute documentary, shorts and features that will be screening include The Beatles, Circque de Soleil, Bela Fleck searching for the roots of the banjo in Africa and a hell of a lot more.
The opening night gala this Thursday looks set to be a night that pleases all the senses, not only the eye with local wineries and business providing a taste of the Jefferson district for all those attending before the screening of the opening night film WENDY AND LUCY starring Michelle Williams ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and ‘The Station Agent’. While the film hasn’t received great box office success, it has been placed on the top ten lists of many film critics in the United States and Canada and was nominated for Independent Spirit Awards for Best Feature and Best Actress. In the film Wendy Carrol and her dog Lucy are heading north to Alaska to find work in the fishing cannery when her car breaks down. With her financial situation falling apart the repercussions for both Wendy and Lucy are sweeping and comprehensive.
Another popular section will once again be the documentary strand with most of this years Oscar® nominated films in screening during the festival. MAN ON WIRE and ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD were presented as benefit screening last summer in the United States and this years festival will showcase ‘Nerakhoon’ (The Betrayal) and ‘THE GARDEN’. ‘Nerakhoon’ tells the story of a family’s journey through 1970’s war torn Laos to their final destination – New York City. This epic film was filmed over the course of 23 years chronicling the family’s struggle to leave their past and forge a new life in a new country. From a first hand account of survival to a reunion and the second war they had to face on the streets of New York, this mothers testimony is a powerful piece of cinema. In the short subject category, Oscar® winner Smile Pinki will also be screening.
The Festival will run form April 2 to 6.
Festival passes are available now at www.ashlandfilm.org .
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SimonC
