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Woodstock unrolls red carpet for indie film festival

By Colin DeVries

HUDSON VALLEY — One of the premier film festivals in the Hudson Valley, and second largest of New York state, will be kicking off next week with a bevy of off-the-beaten-path flicks.

The 9th annual Woodstock Film Festival is being held Oct. 1st through the 5th. Screens across the valley will feature a variety of “fiercely independent” films, including Upstate Films in Rhinebeck, Tinker Street Cinema in Woodstock, Rosendale Theater in Rosendale, and the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock. Alternate venues throughout Ulster County will also feature panels, shorts and other films.

The festival, which attracts artists, filmmakers, actors and people from all over the world, will feature much more than film. Musical performances, special events and expert panels will also be featured at the festival, adding depth and scope to the content available.

Film screenings, which will include several premieres, will total more than 150. Opening night films on Oct. 2 include one U.S. premiere and films starring Edward Norton, Colin Farrell and Greg Kinnear:

n “Pride and Glory,” starring Edward Norton and Colin Farrell, directed by Gavin O’Connor: “An authentic, gritty and emotional portrait of the New York City Police Departments.” Showing at 6:15 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Tinker Street Cinema.

n “Flash of Genius,” starring Greg Kinnear and Lauren Graham, directed by Marc Abraham: “Based on the true story of college professor and part-time inventor Robert Kearns’ (Greg Kinnear) long battle with the U.S. automobile industry, “Flash of Genius” tells the tale of one man whose fight to receive recognition for his ingenuity would come at a heavy price.” Showing at 8 p.m. at Rosendale Theater.

n “Happy-Go-Lucky,” starring Sally Hawkins, directed by Mike Leigh: “An irrepressibly free-spirited school teacher who brings an infectious laugh and an unsinkable sense of optimism to every situation she encounters, offering a touching, truthful and deeply life-affirming exploration of one of the most mysterious and often the most elusive of all human qualities: happiness.” Showing at 7:30 p.m. at Upstate Films.

Tickets for individual screenings are available online at woodstockfilmfestival.com and vary from $7 to $20, depending on the screening. The complete schedule will indicate ticket pricing and availability.

Closing night films, which are anticipated to be fan favorites, include Kevin Smith’s new film “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” starring Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks, a comedy about lifelong friends and roommates Zack (Rogen) and Miri (Banks) who are facing hard times and mounting debt, turning to the homemade pornography business for quick cash after the electricity and plumbing are cut off. Hilarity ensues after their friends are enlisted into the business.

“The Great Buck Howard,” directed by Sean McGinly, stars John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Emily Blunt and Steven Zahn, tells the tale of Buck Howard (Malkovich), mentalist extraordinare, and his descension from the limelight of Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show” in Las Vegas, and his attempt to bring together a cast of professionals to revive his illustrious career.

There are also numerous films that have ties to the Hudson Valley, including the world premier of “Gospel Hill,” directed by Giancarlo Esposito, who has ties to Saugerties. The film stars Julia Stiles, Danny Glover, Angela Bassett, Samuel L. Jackson, Adam Baldwin and Esposito.

Award ceremonies will also be presenting the Maverick Award to Kevin Smith, representing his unique voice and independent emergence into American filmmaking, and the Trailblazer Award to Focus Features CEO James Schamus, also an award-winning writer and producer.

Musical performances will feature Bela Fleck during the Oct. 2 opening at Bearsville Theater. Bluegrass artists Abigail Washburn and The Sparrow Quartet will be playing alongside Bela Fleck, Casey Driessen and Ben Sollee to kick off the festival’s fierce celebration of independent film.

Legendary folk-rock-pop troubadour Donovan Leitch will also be featured at the BMI Music panel at 2 p.m. Oct. 3.

The five-day festival offers a variety of activities, with a star-studded ensemble of filmmakers, celebrities and rising stars that are sure to imbue a passion for independent film in all who attend.

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