Las Vegas Weekly

April 22, 2009 · 2:58 PM

11th Annual CineVegas Film Festival features top lineup of stars and films

By Robin Leach

Steve Buscemi as John in Saint John of Las Vegas, the film that will open the 11th Annual CineVegas Film Festival on June 10.

CineVegas has unveiled the complete lineup for its 11th Annual Festival, including Bobcat Goldthwait’s World’s Greatest Dad as the closing night film. Trevor Groth, artistic director, also announced in addition to the opening night film Saint John of Las Vegas and eight “Jackpot Premieres,” the 2009 festival will offer a selection of documentaries in the “Pioneer Documentaries” section; “Diamond Discoveries,” the best new independent films: “Sure Bets,” advance screenings of high-profile films; a collection of midnight, underground and cult films in the “Area 52” section; shorts programs; and shorts and features from Nevada filmmakers.

“We will be featuring more world premieres than ever before. This year’s CineVegas will rock anyone looking for exhilarating new films from uninhibited and adventurous filmmakers,” Trevor said. “Inspired by the success of last year's inaugural documentary competition, we brought back the ‘Pioneer Documentaries’ section and are thrilled to be able to present seven nonfiction films that are as engaging and enlightening as any fiction film. Our notorious ‘Area 52’ section is back, as well, with a motley collection that is sure to satisfy the most hardcore cinephiles.

“Featuring something for everyone, our ‘Diamond Discoveries’ showcase filmmakers at various stages of their careers and includes the latest from legendary German filmmaker Wim Wenders. Finally, we are ecstatic to welcome back Bobcat Goldthwait, whose hilarious new film World’s Greatest Dad will close the festival. Starring Robin Williams in a role that is sure to shock some and entertain all, it represents the kind of bold storytelling that CineVegas is all about. These films, plus our now legendary parties celebrating them, combine to make up six days and nights in Vegas that you won't want to miss a second. It’s all a good thing as they pump oxygen into the casinos.”

Cash prizes will be awarded to jury award winners, including $10,000 for Best Jackpot Premiere, $2,500 for Best Pioneer Documentary, $1,000 for Best Short and $100 for Nevada Filmmaking Short. The festival will be held June 10-15 at the Palms and Brenden Theatres and encourages artists and art lovers to push the boundaries of cinema. The festival presents work by innovative, uninhibited and renegade artists to an audience of local and national film lovers, journalists and film industry representatives.

Robin Greenspun serves as the festival’s president, and Dennis Hopper serves as the chairman of the Creative Advisory Board. All-access Royal Flush passes and Blackjack ticket packages are now on sale at cinevegas.com/buynow. For more information on the CineVegas Film Festival and the full lineup of films, go to cinevegas.com.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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