AFI FEST 2009 LINEUP

AFI FEST 2009 is almost here with a launch date of October 30 and running through November 5. AFI makes history this year with its “See a Film on Us” vehicle to help promote attendance during a weak economy and lagging interest. “…on Us” features complimentary tickets to all films, plus a limited number of seats at each Gala Presentation.

For the second year in a row, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre will act as the festivals hub, with the last two days in Santa Monica as part of American Film Market.

This year’s Opening Night Gala will feature Wes Anderson’s FANTASTIC MR. FOX in its North American premiere, October 30. This stop-motion animated feature, based on Roald Dahl’s book by the same name, gets its official release on November 13. The cast includes Hollywood heavyweights, George Clooney and Meryl Streep, plus Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Wally Wolodarsky, Eric Anderson, Michael Gambon, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, Jarvis Cocke. FOX was produced by Allison Abbate, Scott Rudin, Wes Anderson and Jeremy Dawson. USA

The Centerpiece Gala will feature Terry Gilliam’s THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS in its U.S. premiere. Christopher Plummer, Tom Waits, Heath Ledger, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Colin Farrell star in this morality tale where an entertainer in a traveling road show makes extraordinary deals with the devil. Producers are Amy Gilliam, Terry Gilliam, Samuel Hadida, William Vince; with Executive Producers Patrice Theroux and David Valleau. USA

The Closing Night Gala will showcase Tom Ford’s A SINGLE MAN in its U.S. Premiere. After the death of his long time partner, a college professor struggles to find meaning in life. The cast includes Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Matthew Goode and Ginnifer Goodwin. Producers are Tom Ford, Andrew Miano,Robert Salerno and Chris Weitz. USA

Three other Gala highlights are the World Premiere of Kirk Jones’ EVERYBODY’S FINE, John Hillcoat’s THE ROAD and Lee Daniels’ PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE.

EVERYBODY’S FINE stars Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell and Melissa Leo. An update of the 1990 classic STANNO TUTTI BENE by Giuseppe Tornatore, Jones sets the story in everyday America in “a moving, deep and surprisingly funny exploration of the family ties that bind.” (AFI Fest) Producers are Vittorio Cecchi Gori, Ted Field, Glynis Murray and Gianni Nunnari; with Executive Producers Craig J. Flores and Callum Greene. USA

One of the year’s most highly anticipated films is John Hillcoat’s THE ROAD. An adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, THE ROAD presents a stripped down view of an apocalyptic world and a story that focuses on simple survival.

This U.S. Premiere also serves as a Tribute to Viggo Mortensen who stars in the film along with Charlize Theron, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce and Molly Parker. Producers are Paula Mae Schwartz, Steve Schwartz and Nick Wechsler; Executive Producers include Marc Butan, Mark Cuban,Rudd Simmons and Todd Wagner. USA

Another one of this year’s most anticipated films is Lee Daniels’ PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL PUSH BY SAPPHIRE, the story of an overweight, illiterate teen who finds hope despite seemingly insurmountable odds. Newcomer, Gabourey Sidibe, takes on the lead character, among an all-star cast of Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sheri Shepherd and Lenny Kravitz. Executive Producers include Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. A November 6 Lionsgate release. USA

There will be a special Tribute showing of Michael Hoffman’s THE LAST STATION, with the cast including Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, Paul Giamatti and James McAvoy. This historical drama is about Russian author Leo Tolstoy's struggle with fame, wealth and material temptation. This film is produced by Bonnie Arnold and Chris Curling; with Executive Producers, Andrei Konchalovsky, Robert Little, Phil Robertson and Judy Tossell. Germany/Russia

Other films to look for this year…

THE BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL, NEW ORLEANS (USA)

Director: Werner Herzog

Set in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Nicolas Cage plays a rogue detective who is as devoted to his job as he is to scoring drugs – while playing fast and loose with the law. With the prostitute he loves, the couple descends into a world marked by desire, compulsion and conscience. The film also stars Eva Mendes and Val Kilmer.

BELLAMY (France)

Director: Claude Chabrol

A famous French detective (played by Gerard Depardieu) on vacation in Languedoc investigates a mystery man who approaches him claiming to have killed someone. The film also stars Clovis Cornillac and Jacques Gamblin.

EVERYONE ELSE (Germany)

Director: Maren Ade

Drama follows the volatile relationship resulting from the psychological and emotional ties between two young lovers.

LOOKING FOR ERIC (UK)

Director: Ken Loach

Eric, a football fanatic postman whose life is descending into crisis, receives some life- coaching from a poster of the famously philosophical footballer, Eric Cantona.

MOTHER (Madeo) (South Korea)

Director: Bong Joon-ho

This thriller follows the investigation of a murder by a mother desperate to find the killer who framed her son for the crime.

POLICE, ADJECTIVE (Romania)

Director: Corneliu Porumboiu

This drama follows the impact on a young policeman’s life after he refuses to arrest another man for offering drugs to his friends.

THE WHITE RIBBON (France/Italy)

Director: Michael Haneke

Just prior to World War I, an obscure German farming village witness sudden mysterious acts of cruelty and violence that redefine German identity. Winner of this year’s Palme d’Or and two other Cannes awards.

RED RIDING (UK)

Directors: Julian Jarrold, James Marsh, Anand Tucker

Three inter-connected films set in the years 1974, 1980 and 1983 trace the crime and corruption in West Yorkshire, England. The film stars Mark Addy, Sean Bean, Paddy Considine, Andrew Garfield and Rebecca Hall.

TRASH HUMPERS (USA)

Director: Harmony Korine

A cinema verite look at a fringe cult-freak collective with a penchant for antisocial behavior and activities.

VINCERE (Italy/France)

Director: Marco Bellocchio

This drama tells the story of Mussolini’s secret lover, Ida Dalser and their son, Albino.