FLiFF Line up 2010 announced

The 25th Anniversary of the

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival

Opens with Edward  Burns’ NICE GUY JOHNNY and

Closes with Hickenlooper’s CASINO JACK

Special Guests include:

Edward Burns, Kerry Bishé, Matt Bush, Judd Nelson

Honorees include:

Michael Murphy, Jimmy Bennett, Claire Bloom, Jane Russell

(Fort Lauderdale, FL) – September 27, 2010 –  The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLiFF) announced their highly anticipated film line-up for the 25th Anniversary edition. The landmark event will begin September 27 and conclude November 11 presenting over 175 films including 10 World Premieres, 11 U.S. Premieres and heralding a host of celebrity and filmmaker guests.

“In celebration of our 25th year, we’re pleased to announce one of our most exciting film line-ups ever.  With so many wonderful films, and only one auditorium at our year-round art theatre, Cinema Paradiso, we opted to extend the festival to include them all.” commented Gregory von Hausch, President and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.

The festival begins with FLiFF Rewind, a representation of festival films from  2009 – 1986 which takes place September 27 and concludes October 21.  Showcased throughout this earlier segment are several of the festival’s official selection of shorts, documentaries, and feature films.

FLiFF goes into high gear October 22nd with a star-studded Opening Night Film and Gala.  Selected for their opener is the Southeast Premiere of the laugh-a-minute comedy Nice Guy Johnny. Writer/producer and actor Edward Burns (The Brothers McMullen, She’s The One) and the two leads in the film – Kerry Bishé (Scrubs) and Matt Bush (Adventureland) will attend the screening followed by the spotlight event, the Starry, Starry Night Gala.  In Nice Guy Johnny, Bush stars as Johnny Rizzo, a sports-talk jock devoted to his fiancée Claire (Anna Woods) who has promised that he will trade in his dream job for one that pays bigger bucks. So, Johnny flies off solo to The Big Apple repeating a silent mantra that this is all for the best.  The weekend changes when he’s met in NY by his Uncle Terry (Burns) -  a lovable rogue, screw-up, womanizer whose plans for Johnny’s weekend eventually lead to the alluring Brooke (Kerry Bishé).

The opening night short film, selected for its inspiring story and unique subject matter, is Riding the Wave of Autism directed by Josh Hansbrough who will attend the Opening Night festivities.  The film, features volunteers from all walks of life who throw off their coats and ties for a week to teach autistic kids to surf at HEAL’s surf camp. We relive the euphoric feelings of child-like excitement as the children break down their own barriers of capability.

The official Closing Night film, held November 7, is the Southeast Premiere of Casino Jack, from award-winning director George Hickenlooper, the film traces the rise and fall of one of the most fascinating characters in recent political history …Jack Abramoff, lobbyist extraordinaire. Of particular interest to South Florida audiences is the Abramoff/Scanlon takeover of Sun Cruz Casinos (SunSail in the film) and its founder Gus Boulis. The film’s all-star cast includes Kevin Spacey as the ambitious Abramoff, Barry Pepper as the scandalous Scanlon, Jon Lovitz as the sleazy mattress monarch, Kelly Preston as Pam Abramoff, and a host of other wonderful performances of some intriguing individuals.

Throughout the festival filmmakers and celebrities are scheduled to attend screenings of their films including actor Judd Nelson, for his new filmed-in Florida crime thriller and FLiFF’s Centerpiece film, Endure. Nelson stars as detective Emory Lane who is called to the site of a traffic accident on a remote highway. Discovered inside the wreckage: a photograph of a young woman gagged and tied to a tree. Assigned to help Lane unravel the identity and whereabouts of the woman is detective, Zeth Arnold (Devon Sawa) a college-educated, smart-ass transplant from Seattle.

World Cinema features include: Cafe Du Pont, from France, stars Bernard Campan, Cécile Rebboah, Thomas Durastel, and Sergi Lopez in a delightful tale that captures a slice of life during a nostalgic period of French provincial life in the 40’s.  Empire of Silver, from Hong Kong, is a dynastic saga, a passionate romance, and a moral parable drawn from historical events starring Aaron Kwok and Jennifer Tilly. Jerry Cotton, from Germany, stars Christian Tramitz as New York’s star FBI agent in this crime comedy based on the dime-store novel series.  Carancho, stars Martina Gusman and Ricardo Darin in what Screen International describes as an “expertly crafted thriller steeped in the social injustices of Buenos Aires.”  As If I’m Not There, from Macedonia-Ireland-Sweden, is about an extraordinary woman who endured the most frightful and traumatic situation during the Balkan wars in 1992.  At World’s End, from Denmark, is an action- adventure-comedy with thrills and surprises akin to a Bond film.

American Independent features include: Chameleon, starring Ellen Barkin, reveals the bizarre and unsettling mystery thriller based on the true story of the missing teen found in Europe and returned to his dysfunctional family in Louisiana.  Black Swan stars Natalie Portman as a ballerina who finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company; also starring Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Winona Ryder, Barbara Hershey. 127 Hours, from Oscar® winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), comes the remarkable true story of mountain climber Aaron Ralston.  A Marine Story highlights the absurdity of the military ban on gays through the personal story of one courageous woman. Clear Blue Tuesday is a rousing indie rock musical drama. Conviction, stars Hillary Swank and Sam Rockwell, in the inspirational true story of a devoted sister who dedicates her life to overturning the murder conviction of her brother. Rounding out the cast are Minnie Driver, Melissa Leo and Juliette Lewis.

October 23, FLiFF proudly honors actor Michael Murphy (M*A*S*H, An Unmarried Woman) with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and promising young actor Jimmy Bennett (Trucker, Star Trek) will receive The Star on The Horizon Award.  In November, film icons Claire Bloom and Jane Russell will be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Murphy will be presented with his award prior to the Southeast Premiere of The Trotsky, in which he appears opposite Jay Baruchel (Tropic Thunder). This riotous new comedy is about seventeen year-old Leon Bronstein who is convinced he is the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky.  Bennett will receive his award prior to his new film Bones, a dark tale about four teens growing up in a blue collar Long Island town. A single incident that turns their world upside down leads them to search for strength within each other to survive the confines of their dead-end town. Claire Bloom’s award will be presented to her on November 6, prior to the tribute screening of Charlie Chaplin’s Limelight in which she starred. After the film, Foster Hirsch will host an Inside the Actor’s Studio style Q&A. Following Limelight, FLiFF will present the original 1963 horror thriller The Haunting, directed by Robert Wise and starring Bloom as Theo. On November 8, following the tribute screening of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Jane Russell will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

A complete line-up of films is attached.

The 2010 Event highlights include:

FLiFF Rewind: from September 27 – October 20, is presented by Autonation, and features films from each year of the festival beginning with 2009 and ending with 1986.

Short Film Program: beginning October 5- October 21, official festival selections of Short Films will be showcased within 12 compilation programs titled to reflect the themes of the shorts; The Office, Hmmm, Why Can They Be Like We Were, On With The Show, The Dating Scene, Love Is In The Air, Love Means Never Having to Say You’re Sorry, Family Bonds, Short & Gay, Justice Served, Redemption, and a Florida Shorts program titled Come’On Down.

The Starry Starry Night Gala: sponsored by Wayne & Marti Huizenga, the Gala will be held October 22 at Signature Grand, directly after the opening film at Bailey Hall. The event offers a silent auction and a Chinese auction providing everything from one-of-kind items to weekend getaways. Hors D’oeuvres and a sumptuous buffet dinner are included in the price and drinks will be available for purchase. Live music by the popular band Euphoria is sure to have everyone dancing by night’s end.  Edward Burns, Kerry Bishé, Matt Bush, Michael Murphy and Jimmy Bennett are expected to attend.

The Whole Foods Festival Cafe: open throughout the event to festival Fast Past holders, sponsors, members and filmmakers offers a casual outdoor setting to gather for food, drink and conversation before or after films at Cinema Paradiso.

Parties: held throughout the festival at trendy area night clubs and restaurants after films provide plenty of opportunities to hob-nob with film talent and movie buffs.

The Chairman’s Brunch Cruise: October 24, offers a two-hour sightseeing cruise down the Intracoastal Waterway aboard the beautiful Sun Dream Yacht. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous buffet, coffee, juice and cash bar.

Centerpiece Party: October 30 in Cinema Paradiso’s Courtyard, before & after the film ENDURE, The Monterey Club presents live music beginning at 7:30pm. The Centerpiece Party begins at 9:00pm..  Enjoy an array of your favorite Asian appetizers: California rolls, egg rolls, lo mein, potstickers & fortune cookies.

Free Community Events: Cinema By The Sea features free movies on Fort Lauderdale beach every Saturday evening beginning October 23.  FLiFF brings back the Halloween BOO-tacular, October 31, a free night of fun for families, beginning at 5:00pm, offering a spooky pumpkin patch, hay rides, a scream contest, and the movie Quackbusters starring Daffy Duck. FAB! Films for kids features Here Comes Lola, on Saturday, November 6 at 10:00AM followed by Ice Cream and a Kids Dance Party in the courtyard.  A farewell to Around The World in 80 Nights features the film, Map of the Human Heart on November 9 and the Adorno Senior Matinee of Fort McCoy, will be held November 11.

Halloween night: October 31 at 8:00pm, catch the premiere of the groundbreaking new political horror film 7:02.  Its a rollercoaster ride of images that the audience will not be able to erase. At 11:00pm, The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to Cinema Paradiso.

The FLiFF Wrap Party: November 7, following the 5:15pm screening of Casino Jack there will be Light hors d’oeuvres and wine at Allied Kitchen & Bath.  Prior to the Prior to the 7:30pm screening of Casino Jack there will be a wine & cheese party in the Courtyard

Behind The Scenes of Saturday Night Live: on November 10 offers film footage and an audience discussion with NBC cameraman, Jon Kasoff, who covered news, sports (including the Olympics) and politics (including Watergate) and SNL during his 36 years at the network.

Venues:

The Opening Night Film, Nice Guy Johnny, will be held at Bailey Hall on Broward College Campus, 3501 SW Davie Road, Davie. The event begins with introductions at 7:00pm followed by the film at 7:30pm.

The Gala will be held at The Signature Grand, 6900 State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale.

The balance of films and most of the events throughout the festival will be held at Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6 Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

The Chairman’s Cruise – Dock TBD.

Wrap Party – Allied Kitchen & Bath, 616 West Oakland Park Blvd.  .

Tickets

Opening Night:

Film Only: $10 general admission | $8 Students & Seniors | $6 FLIFF Members

Film & Gala:  $60 FLIFF member | $75 non-member | $80 at the door

Regular screenings: $10 general admission | $8 Students & Seniors | $6 FLIFF Members

Special Screenings: $15 General Admission | $10 FLIFF Members,

Children’s Films: Free

Rocky Horror Picture Show (Halloween late night): $5.00

Chairman’s Cruise: $75

Centerpiece Party: $20 Members, $25 General Admission

Wrap Party: $25 Members, $30 General Admission

FLiFF Rewind: FLIFF members are $3 and non-members $5

FAST Passes: $395 Members, $450 Non-Members includes all films Sept 27 – Nov 11.

For Advance Tickets and Film Schedule: www.FLiFF.com or 954-525-FILM (3456)