The internationally acclaimed Mill Valley Film Festival, greatly anticipated by cinema fans and film industry veterans alike, offers a high-profile, prestigious, noncompetitive environment that is perfect for celebrating the best of independent and world cinema. Considered by many to be a launching pad for the Oscar campaign, this year's film festival promises to be no exception.
Opening and Closing Night Galas
This year's MVFF opens Thursday, October 6 with two films that are favored among the top major independent releases of 2011. ALBERT NOBBS, starring Glenn Close, who is expected to attend, will be screened at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center at 7pm. ALBERT NOBBS tells the story of a woman avoiding poverty in mid-19th-century Ireland by dressing and working as a man. JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME will be screened at the CineArts Sequoia in Mill Valley at 7pm and 7:15pm. JEFF WHO LIVES AT HOME is the story of a 30-year-old unemployed stoner on a collision course with destiny in a funny, sincere, and rousing exploration of life's Big Questions. The film stars Jason Segel, Susan Sarandon, Ed Helms and Judy Greer. Directed by Jay and Mark Duplass, who will also be in attendance, this marks the film's US premiere. After the screenings, the Opening Night Gala kicks off at the Mill Valley Community Center at 9pm.
Closing Night at the festival will feature a special screening of THE ARTIST starring Jean Dujardin (who won Best Actor at this year's Cannes Film Festival), John Goodman, James Cromwell, Penelope Ann Miller and Bérénice Bejo. Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, who is expected to be in attendance, THE ARTIST is the story of a silent-film star resisting the transition to sound, set in 1927 Hollywood. After the film, the Closing Night Party will take place at Albert Park/San Rafael Community Center from 7-10pm.
Spotlight, Centerpiece & Tribute Events
Tribute to Glenn Close with Q&A – Friday, October 7 at 8pm at the Smith Rafael Center
Spotlight honoring Michelle Yeoh (THE LADY) with Q&A – Saturday, October 8 at 7:30pm at the Smith Rafael Center
Centerpiece film: MY WEEK WITH MARILYN – Tuesday, October 11 at 6:45pm
Spotlight on Ezra Miller (WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN – US premiere) and conversation – Thursday, October 13 at 7:30pm
Spotlight on Elizabeth Olsen (MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE) – Saturday, October 15 at 8pm
34th Mill Valley Film Festival
Presented by the California Film Institute, the 34th Mill Valley Film Festival runs October 6-16, 2011 at the CineArts Sequoia (25 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, CA), Christopher B. Smith Rafael Theater (1118 4th Street, San Rafael, CA) and other venues throughout the Bay Area. Tickets ($13.50, $11.00 for members) are available online at mvff.com for the general public on September 19. For additional information, please visit mvff.com or call 877.874.MVFF (6833).