Ever since CineVegas went on hiatus a lot of people have wondered if film festivals in Las Vegas would cease to exist. Speculation like that is far from the truth, however. There are other events scheduled to take place in and around the city where fans can enjoy independent film projects of all types. In fact, coming up on December 3rd and 4th is the Nevada Film Festival, which is being held at the Rampart Casino in Summerlin. Beginning with an Opening Night Party and Filmmaker Reception at J.C. Wooloughan's Irish Pub inside the hotel on Friday evening, screenings start on Saturday morning at 10am with a feature, "The Rise and Fall of the American Dream". Afterwards, movies in the Nevada Film Block and Short Film Blocks 1 & 2 will follow before the Closing Night Awards Ceremony. A VIP Vegas Pass is $50 and grants priority access to films, panels and receptions; a Mini-Pass is $25 and allows attendees to see any five films. Individual tickets are also available to screenings and the other festivities.
After the holiday season, the 7th Annual Dam Short Film Festival runs from February 9-12, 2011 at the 400 seat Boulder Theatre in Boulder City. Founded in 2003 by Lee an Anita Lanier, they developed a love for short films while traveling to film festivals throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. The Theatre itself was built in 1931 and was once Boulder City's movie house and the only air conditioned structure in the area. Purchased in 1999 by Desi Arnaz and his wife Amy, the building has been restored and is also the home of the Boulder City Ballet Company.
The Las Vegas Film Festival returns from June 10-12, 2011 at the Las Vegas Hilton and will feature Full Length Films, Shorts, Documentaries, Animation, Foreign Films, A Screenplay Competition, The Nevada Filmmakers Showcase, Television Pilots and Music Videos. Last year there were also parties, a Filmmakers Panel and Q&A discussions held with producers and directors following the screenings.
Although it is in Northern Nevada, another fan favorite is the Reno Film Festival, which will return for its 11th season from June 16-19, 2011. This event prides itself on being a celebration of film and filmmakers and will be emphasizing indie short films and their directors this year. Categories of shorts include: Animated, Comedy, Documentary/Non-Fiction and Drama/Fiction. There is also a Nevada Short grouping for projects filmed or set primarily in the state.
In May 2011, Cinekink will be coming back to Las Vegas. Last year the 3 day event was held at the Onyx Theatre. Founded in 2003, Cinekink recognizes and encourages the positive depiction of sexuality and kink in film and television. Aside from Las Vegas, the festival also visits New York, Los Angeles, DC and Portland.
The International VegasFest is tentatively scheduled to debut from June 10-15, 2011 and will screen both indies and studio films at a newly built Center Strip location. Plans to show over 50 movies including features and shorts, as well as a Dennis Hopper Retrospective are in the works. The event is being developed by First Glance Films, which has been producing and programming festivals since 1996 in Philadelphia and Hollywood, and locally based Giordano World Entertainment.
Founded in 2008 by producers, directors and writers, a date and location has yet to be announced for the 2011 Vegas Cine Fest, which offers one screenwriter the opportunity to have a short script produced into a short film, and showcases Shorts, Featurettes, Film Ttrailers,Music Videos and TV Commericals as well.
Finally, one more festival worth mentioning, is the 48 Hour Film Project that takes place in late July. The annual event happens in numerous cities and invites filmmakers to complete a short movie in two days. Once the panel of judges determines the winning projects, they are screened for the public.
Comments