Aspen Film Announces 31st Annual Aspen Filmfest, Sept 30 - Oct 4, 2009

September in Aspen brings two highly anticipated events: The aspen trees turn luminously gold, and Aspen Filmfest lights up the silver screen with a five-day film festival of must-see movies and events.
Celebrating three decades of bringing international and independent film and filmmakers to this mountain region, Aspen Filmfest September 30 - October 4, will showcase award-winning features and documentaries making a name for themselves on the festival circuit, as well as previews of new fall releases and guest appearances. "For thirty years, we've been building our audience by presenting the best films available. Seeing wonderful features and documentaries that run the gamut of content and emotion in such a spectacular setting attracts movie lovers with eclectic tastes who relish experiencing film in an inspiring environment. We simply open the door so they can step into the magic of cinema." noted Aspen Film's Executive Director, Laura Thielen.

While the full program will not be announced until Labor Day weekend, Aspen Filmfest announces three critically-acclaimed, multiple award winning titles: Lee Daniel's powerful an inspiring PRECIOUS, from Lone Scherfig's evocative British import AN EDUCATION, and Kristopher Belman's adrenaline-infused MORE THAN A GAME.

PRECIOUS (USA) 2009
Director: Lee Daniels (Producer MONSTER'S BALL)
Cast: Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe, Mo'Nique , Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, and Sherri Shepherd
A compelling, redemptive story of Precious Jones, a teenage girl in Harlem struggling to overcome unimaginable obstacles and discover her own voice.
Awards: Sundance Grand Jury Prize: U.S.- Dramatic; Sundance Audience Award; Special Jury Prize for Acting to Mo'nique;

AN EDUCATION (United Kingdom) 2009
Director:Lone Scherfig Writer: Nick Hornby
Cast: Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Emma Thompson, Rosamund Pike, Carey Mulligan
In the early 60's, a sharp 16-year-old with her sights set on Oxford meets a handsome older man whose sophistication enraptures and sidetracks both her and her parents.
Awards: 2009 Sundance Audience Award World Cinema - Dramatic; 2009 Sundance Cinematography Award World Cinema - Dramatic

MORE THAN A GAME (USA) 2009
Director / Writer / Producer: Kristopher Belman - in attendance
Cast: Lebron James, Dru Joyce, Romeo Travis, Sian Cotton, Willie McGee
A true-life coming of age documentary about five talented young basketball players featuring future NBA star, LeBron James and a charismatic but inexperienced coach from Akron, Ohio, who overcome the odds and uncommon adversities to end up on the doorstep of the National High School Championships.
Awards: 2009 SilverDocs Audience Award

Aspen Film will take place in Aspen at the Wheeler Opera House and the Isis Theatre, as well as in Carbondale at the Crystal Theatre. Aspen Filmfest's full program is scheduled for release Labor Day Weekend. Tickets go on sale September 21 at Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler Opera House, online at aspenshowtickets.com or call (970) 920 5770. For more information, visit www.aspenfilm.org or call (970) 925 6882.

Aspen Filmfest is made possible in part by The City of Aspen, The Aspen Times, Aspen Peak, Aspen Public Radio and REEL PEOPLE, Aspen Film's membership program.

About Aspen Film
ORGANIZATION
Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado's most active film arts organizations, presenting more than 200 programs and featuring dozens of guest speakers throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major film event in every season, along with an extensive education program:


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.