AFI FEST 2003 kicks off with the North American Premiere of Nigel Cole’s “CALENDAR GIRLS,”7:30 p.m. at The ArcLight Hollywood’s Cinerama Dome. “CALENDAR GIRLS” is inspired by the true story of a group of women who bare all-or nearly all-for charity and become international celebrities as a result. The Women’s Institute in Great Britain encourages the ancient skills of jam-making, flower pressing, knitting and baking. So when a group of extraordinary women are looking for a new way to raise money, they decide to take the annual fundraising calendar, normally featuring landscapes or flowers, and create something traditional-but with a twist. Behind the baked goods, the apple pressing and the flower arranging, the women are completely nude. “CALENDAR GIRLS” stars Helen Mirren and Julie Walters, is directed by Nigel Cole (“SAVING GRACE”) and written by Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi.
The AFI FEST 2003 Closing Night Gala on Sunday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m. will feature the World Premiere of Patty Jenkins’ “MONSTER,” starring Charlize Theron as Aileen Wuornos, a highway prostitute who was executed in Florida for killing seven men during the 1980s. Christina Ricci also stars as Aileen’s girlfriend, Selby Wall, and Bruce Dern portrays Aileen’s friend Thomas, who tries to protect her in the end. “MONSTER” is written and directed by Patty Jenkins.
For more info, visit the AFI website.
