Renowned vacation spot Lake Tahoe, NV draws filmmakers from around the world for the upcoming Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival running August 24- August 28th, 2005.
Showcasing this year’s best in independent short and feature films from the world over, festival goers will find chances to mingle with directors, filmmakers, celebrities, and fellow film lovers at parties and tributes. The festival will host five different venues at North and South Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Carson City from which to choose films. And so much more . . .
This year, the festival is thrilled to premiere “Dave Barry’s Complete Guide to Guys”. Affectionately referred to as ‘G2G’, the film recently screened to rave reviews at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. It’s based on the book of the same title written by Pulitzer Prize winning humorist Dave Barry, screenplay adapted and directed by Jeff Arch, Academy Award nominated writer of “Sleepless in Seattle”.
“This is a coup for us,” says festival Executive Director Katrina Wilson. “We’re excited to host the cast, crew, and executives and are looking forward to introducing them during the Celebrity Cast Reunion Party, which will be held in their honor on August 24th at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe.”
The festival will hold a tribute to Hollywood icon Mickey Rooney, who will be in attendance to present his critically acclaimed off-Broadway production, “Let’s Put on a Show” with his wife Jan Rooney — a walk down memory lane through songs and stories. And as a bonus, festival attendees will get to see Mickey’s latest film, “Strike the Tent”—one of 80 films chosen to be screened throughout the festival.
“We’re excited to screen “The Wendall Baker Story” co-directed by actors Luke Wilson (“Old School,” “The Royal Tenenbaums”) and Andrew Wilson (“Charlie’s Angel’s 2,” “Bottle Rocket”). The film stars Luke Wilson, Eva Mendes, Jacob Vargas, Seymour Cassel, Harry Dean Stanton, Kris Kristofferson, Owen Wilson and Eddie Griffin. The screenplay was written by Luke Wilson, and the film is produced by Mark Johnson (“Rain Man,” “The Rookie,” “The Notebook”), David Bushell (“Sling Blade,” “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”), and David Bergstein. Both David Bushell and Andrew Wilson will be in attendance to discuss their film and meet with festival attendees.
Another festival screening highlight is director Jim Thebaut’s explosive documentary, “Running Dry.” A compelling exposé of the global water crisis narrated by award winning actress Jane Seymour. The film stands shoulder to shoulder with films from domestic and international locations that will provoke thought, bring laughter, draw tears, touch hearts, or simply make one smile.
And how can films do all that? The Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival will speak to that, as well; there’ll be a minimum of seven workshops and panels that promise to be fascinating. From a ‘Screenwriting Master Class’ to ‘Animation A to Z’, top Hollywood talent will offer up Emmy-winning and Academy Award nominated perspectives into the world of film.
“We’ve hand-picked some of the industry’s most seasoned veterans to lead our education programs,” says Wilson. Director Tod Robinson will inspire attendees with knowledge gleaned during his career and make important points about filmmaking with never before seen clips of the newest John Travolta film “Lonely Hearts.”
Jeff Arch, “Sleepless in Seattle” and “G2G” screenwriter, will discuss directing a feature film. The producer of “G2G”, David Shor, will outline a new model for film financing that promises to change the way Hollywood does business. Mike Blum, Disney veteran and technical supervisor of “Toy Story III” will be on a panel on animation.
