AFI FEST 2008 presented by Audi: AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival has announced that DreamWorks Pictures and Universal Pictures’ “The Soloist” has been selected as the Festival’s Opening Night Gala presentation. “The Soloist” will have its North American Premiere when it opens AFI FEST on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at ArcLight Hollywood’s Cinerama Dome Theatre. The Opening Night Gala is presented by Audi of America.
THE SOLOIST, produced by DreamWorks and Universal in Association with StudioCanal and Participant Media, is an emotionally inspiring drama about the redemptive power of friendship and music. Journalist Steve Lopez (Oscar nominee Robert Downey Jr.) discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Oscar winner Jamie Foxx), a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez endeavors to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique bond is formed, one that transforms both their lives. “The Soloist” is directed
by Joe Wright (Golden Globe winner for Best Drama and Oscar nominee for Best Picture “Atonement”). The film is due for release on November 21.
“We are thrilled that AFI FEST has chosen ‘The Soloist’ for its Opening Night Gala,” said Stacey Snider, Chairman and CEO of DreamWorks Studios and AFI Trustee. “We think it’s a wonderful, emotionally powerful film and, especially given its Los Angeles setting, believe there couldn’t be a better way to introduce it to the public.”
“AFI FEST is delighted to host this dynamic and thought provoking film featuring the work of Wright, who has quickly established himself as a true artist behind the camera and two actors in Downey Jr., and Foxx, who could not make more of an electric pairing on the big screen,” said Rose Kuo, AFI FEST Artistic Director.
AFI FEST 2008 will run October 30-November 9, 2008.
