CineVegas Festival Is True Film Lovers Showcase
Las Vegas Film Festival Puts the Focus on Finding Great Indie Films
Jul 9, 2009
While there are Hollywood decision makers in the crowd to check out new talent, the unpretentious setting and lack of major industry press glare make the festival all about the movies. The films are screened at Brenden Theatres which is located inside the Palms Casino Resort (the official headquarters of the festival). The quality level of the festival is kept in check by Artistic Director Trevor Groth whose day job happens to be head programmer at Sundance.
The films are screened at Brenden Theatres which is located inside the Palms Casino Resort (the official headquarters of the festival). The quality level of the festival is kept in check by Artistic Director Trevor Groth whose day job happens to be head programmer at Sundance.
Holding the festival in a casino has the added benefit of providing various diversions to fill the time between screenings such as hanging out in the CV Headquarters, catching a bite to eat at the food court, hitting the casino, and/or checking out the Playboy gift shop. The Sunset Strip is just a ten minute bus ride from the Palms Casino.
VIP Status Not Required
Additionally, since the festival is held in a venue where other activities are ongoing (i.e. gambling) the all encompassing sense of self-importance that is sometimes evident at other festivals is not apparent. Directors (identifiable via their festival passes) are not escorted around the area by assigned volunteers. Filmmakers, talent, and industry press members can be seen munching McDonald’s and checking out the casino with everyone else. The lack of exclusivity is a friendly and non- intimidating environment for “non-filmies” (the cinema equivalent of non-foodies).
CineVegas 2009
The 2009 festival marked the eleventh year of showcasing independent film in Sin City. While the media glare may be low, the production value of the festival is high. The marketing and media materials are polished, the after-parties are held in major Vegas nightclubs, and the quality of the films is on par with larger festivals. While the 2009 festival was a little shorter this year (June 11-14), compensation was made by adding more films to each day’s docket.
The celluloid celebration is not devoid of glamour. Celebrity supporters include Jack Nicholson, who was holding court in the VIP area of the film headquarters and Holly Madison was in the audience for the second showing of Beautiful Darling.
The last night of the festival is dedicated to honoring special contributors to the world of film. This year’s honorees were Jon Voight and Willem Dafoe who graciously participated in question and answer sessions after the ceremony.
The one blight on an otherwise perfect festival is the lack of festival information available outside the Palms Hotel. While the city is papered with girlie flyers, not one festival brochure was on display in any other casino lobby, city magazine rack, or convenience store.
The list of 2009 festival winners, information on viewing the films, and what you need to know before you visit next year's festival can be found on the official website. Check out CineVegas for more information.
