Festival Events & Highlights
IT’S A GRAND OPENING NIGHT
Friday, April 17
Director Jeff Lipsky will join us for a special celebration of his fresh-out-of-Sundance hit Once More With Feeling, starring a scintillating cast that includes Drea de Matteo, Chazz Palminteri and Linda Fiorentino. Lipsky is a veteran in the independent film world. Co-founder of both October Films and Lot 47 Films, he shepherded several groundbreaking movies into the marketplace – My Life As A Dog, which earned Lasse Hallstrom his first two Oscar nods, Jim Jarmusch’s first flick Stranger Than Paradise and the feature that introduced actor Gary Oldman to the world, Sid & Nancy. In 1997 Lipsky wrote and directed his first feature film, Childhood’s End, which was hailed by critics for its savvy dialogue and uncompromising depiction of unconventional relationships.
We will also offer a screening of Lipsky’s second feature film, Flannel Pajamas, at the festival this year. After seeing its debut at Sundance in 2006, acclaimed critic Roger Ebert wrote: “I have seen one of the wisest films I can remember about love and human intimacy. It is a film of integrity and truth, acted fearlessly, written and directed with quiet, implacable skill.” Those of us who cherish and revere independent film have much to thank Mr. Lipsky for.
To cap off our opening night evening of movie magic on Friday, April 17th, join us after 8pm in the lobby of the glorious new Salem Cinema to mix and mingle with visiting filmmakers. What better way to celebrate the love of truly independent and inspiring film than with the Grand Opening of Salem’s arthouse theater at its new location! Tickets are only $25 and include the opening night film of your choice.
A CELEBRATION OF CINEMATOGRAPHY
IN THREE EASY PIECES
Saturday, April 18
Illustrious cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond will join us opening weekend accompanied by twenty-year fellow veteran, James Chressanthis who will screen his feature documentary and directorial debut No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos. Tracking a 50-year journey portraying the artistry and triumph of the great cinematographers Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond, Chressanthis’ transcendent film invites us into the lives of two extraordinary men.
Film lovers of every generation will want to attend their memorable Celebration of Cinematography event. Zsigmond and Chressanthis will show select scenes from their vast body of work and will discuss their approach and collaborations with various directors and actors. This cinematic extravaganza should prove to be both entertaining and educational.
And also, Vilmos Zsigmond’s outstanding credits, including his Oscar winning role behind the camera for Close Encounters Of The Third Kind, are numerous and revered enough to swoon over, but how thrilled were we when he chose to highlight The Rose at our festival? Gorgeously shot and vividly acted, this glittering, burnished and uninhibited cinematography is the perfect example of Zsigmond’s creative and inspiring work. It’s enough to take your breath away!
OSCAR SMILES ON PINKI
Saturday, April 18
We are thrilled to welcome Megan Mylan back to the Salem Film Festival this year with her Oscar winning film Smile Pinki, which will show in a package along with fellow nominee and Oregonian Irene Taylor Brodsky’s The Final Inch.
Both documentary filmmakers share a common interest in bringing global issues to the forefront. Their stunning and profound work is a testament of those willing to step out of their comfort zone in order to share a remarkable world view.
FILMMAKERS’ RECEPTION IN HONOR OF MEGAN MYLAN
Please join us for a celebratory reception honoring Megan and her Oscar win! The soiree, hosted by Roger Yost in partnership with Friends of Megan Mylan at Alessandro’s Ristorante & Galleria (120 Commercial St NE) on Saturday, April 18th at 7pm, is open to the public.
AN EVENING WITH THE AMAZING MR. BICKFORD
Friday, April 24
Claymation guru Bruce Bickford achieved cult status for his early collaborations with Frank Zappa in the 70s. His two-dimensional line animation is remarkable; his clay animation is legendary. It is an honor for us to invite you into his time-lapsed, splendidly beautiful and vibrant stream of consciousness. Bickford’s background and genius are explored in the wildly fascinating documentary Monster Road. It will be followed by a screening of Bickford’s latest morphing opus, Cas’l’, a romp well worth the price of admission. Undecided on a soundtrack still, Bickford has invited a group of local musicians to create a score and play live with the film for a wholly unique and candid collision of art.
We are excited about the opportunity to offer a closing weekend reception courtesy of Roger Yost and Alessandro’s Ristorante & Galleria (120 Commercial St NE) on Saturday, April 25th at 7pm. With a focus on art and artists, Alessandro’s encompasses the perfect atmosphere and ambience to join in some candid conversation and merrymaking with our visiting filmmakers. As we gear up for our final day of films, this “Big Night” event will celebrate our whirlwind of cinematic diversity and diversion with style!
NW EMERGING ARTIST FEATURE & SHORTS COMPETITION
Screenings Held Throughout The Week of The Festival
The jury’s still out on who will walk away with the coveted NW Emerging Artist Awards at this year’s festival, so your vote counts! We have put together a shorts package and have selected five feature-length films all of which hail from filmmakers that live in or shot their movies in the Pacific Northwest. Winners of both the NW Emerging Artist Feature Competition and the NW Emerging Artist Shorts Competition will be determined by a combined vote of our Special Jury and by the Film Festival Audience. Each of the official entrants shows the promise and desire to make a significant contribution to the future of film. Just think, you’ll be able to say: “I saw them when…!”
...plus more Films and Filmmakers
than you can count! Enjoy!
