Despite the ravages to the Napa Valley region from the recent devastating wildfires, co-founders and directors of the Napa Valley Film Festival, Marc and Brenda Lhormer, are undeterred. They are going ahead with the screening of all 120 films, the culinary demonstrations, wine tastings and events that make this annual event so special.
With 10% of Pass Sales – from October 16 through the duration of the event – being donated to the Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund, the festival will contribute to the efforts to rebuild and heal this beautiful and much loved part of Northern California. In addition, Lexus – the Presenting Sponsor of the film festival – is donating 1,000 free tickets to select films to those impacted by the fires.
During the festival, over 120 new independent films and studio previews will be shown, in nine different venues throughout Napa Valley. Included in the line-up of films are award-contenders such as Call Me By Your Name, I, Tonya, Molly’s Game and The Shape of Water, and the wide range of films features stars such as Maude Apatow, Ashanti, Ellen Burstyn, Asa Butterfield, Giancarlo Esposito, Amy Madigan, Zosia Mamet, Dash Mihok, Nick Offerman, Lou Diamond Phillips, Lakeith Stanfield and Usher.
Celebrity Tribute Honorees include Will Ferrell (Maverick Actor Tribute), Nancy Meyers (Legendary Filmmaker Award), Michael Shannon (Trailblazer Tribute) and Michael Stuhlbarg (Spotlight Tribute). Ana de Armas, Odeya Rush, Austin Stowell, Gregg Sulkin and Alex Wolff will receive Rising Star Tributes, and a Special Humanitarian Tribute will be given to Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder
Among additional actors expected to attend are David Arquette, Zoey Deutch, Lou Diamond Phillips, Thomas Middleditch, Haley Joel Osment, Dennis Quaid, Jim Rash, Eric Stoltz, Lea Thompson, Elijah Wood, and over 300 filmmakers are also expected to be present.
The Napa Valley Film Festival takes place from November 8 to 12, and more details can be found at www.nvff.org, or by calling 707-226-7500.
All photographs courtesy Napa Valley Film Festival
Arts Preview home page