Editor

Filmfest's 30th edition kicks off September 24 - 28 at Aspen's historic Wheeler Opera House, the Isis Theatre and Carbondale's Crystal Theatre.

Considered the town's this mountain resort's favorite fall event highlight, Aspen Film attracts movie lovers from around the country eager to preview new features and documentaries from the international festival circuit not only some of the season's most anticipated releases, alongside including acclaimed hits from the international festival circuit, but amidst the majestic Rocky Mountain fall foliage as well. Critically acclaimed Award-winning films from the Cannes, Sundance, and Berlin film festivals will be part of this year's lineup. Aspen Film's annual centerpiece, the Independent by Nature Award will be announced soon. Recent tributes have celebrated such film luminaries as Julie Christie, Harrison Ford, Rob Reiner, Michael Douglas, Anjelica Huston and William H. Macy. Other special presentations including a family program round out the program. Aspen Filmfest audiences were among the first to see films like The Queen, Bernard and Doris, Capote, Across the Universe, War/Dance and The Savages.

During Filmfest, Aspen Film audiences have had the pleasure of mingling with actors and directors including Kathy Bates, Felicity Huffman, Sydney Pollock (Tootsie), Bob Rafelson (Five Easy Pieces), and William Friedkin (The French Connection). Morgan Spurlock (SuperSize Me), Zana Briski (Born Into Brothels), and Jeff Katz (Spellbound) are just a few who have brought their documentaries to Aspen in advance of receiving Oscar accolades. Filmfest participants have been among the first to see critical hits including Capote, Transamerica, The Squid and the Whale, The Station Agent, The Best of Youth, Motorcycle Diaries, Tarnation, and more.

The complete festival program will be announced after Labor Day. Tickets go on sale September 15 through Aspen Show Tickets at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Sounds Easy in Carbondale and other locations. For more information on this and other Aspen Film events and programs, please visit www.aspenfilm.org.