OFFICIAL PROGRAM
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IDAHO MOUNTAIN
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019 VOLUME 4 4 | NUMBER 30 50¢
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PANELS
PARTIES
SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDE
MEG RYAN
AARON PAUL
HANNAH FIDELL
CHELSEA HANDLER
FISHER STEVENS ALEX ROSS PERRY
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Wednesday, March 6, 2019
WELCOME TO THE SUN VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL By ADAM SILBERBERG Sun Valley Film Festival
W
elcome to the festival. It’s our eighth year! Here, find the 411 for a fantastic fête.
VENUES SVFF Box Office and Ford Main Street Theater at the Argyros 120 Main St. South, Ketchum. Hours: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-noon. Pick up passes, buy individual tickets and learn about films and events. Check out the new Ford Ranger, from our Presenting Sponsor. Sun Valley Opera House 1 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley. Magic Lantern Cinemas 100 Second St., Ketchum. SVFF HQ at the Warfield Presented by Nat Geo WILD. 280 N. Main St., Ketchum.
Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, 4 to close. Stella and Stella Artois Spritzers are always on tap at this open-access lounge. Mingle with fellow cinephiles between films, parties and panels. Open to the public except for select private events. Tito’s Handmade Vodka Loft Upstairs at Whiskey Jacques’, 251 N. Main St., Ketchum. Friday and Saturday. Tipple a Tito’s Handmade Vodka as you attend the Screenwriters Lab and Shop Talk panels. Food and other drinks will be available for purchase from Whiskey Jacques’. Open to the public, with priority access for passholders. Whiskey Jacques’ 251 N. Main St., Ketchum. Thursday and Saturday. Home of the Thursday night “Sorry I Like to Party” Party and the Saturday night SVFF Awards Bash.
PASSES AND TICKETS
Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Relax and mingle with filmmakers. Enjoy engaging panels with complimentary lunch and drinks. Open to Insiders and Festival passholders all day. Open to Party Passholders after 3 p.m. HQ guests perks include: • Lunch and complimentary wine, beer and spirits. • Nat Geo WILD Salon with industry insiders. • Beautycounter Toddies & Touch-ups Thursday to Saturday from 2-4 p.m.: hand massages, hot toddies and product samples. Stella Artois Film Lounge at SVFF 211 N. Main St., Ketchum.
Buy passes online or at the Box Office. Pick up pre-ordered passes at the Box Office. Please remember: Priority access is how we thank those who make the festival possible. Patrons of the festival always get front-of-the-line access. Insiders, Festival, Party and Film passholders get tiered access before individual ticketholders. For priority entry, Patrons and passholders must arrive 30 minutes before any event. Passes are singular and non-transferable. All parties 21-plus. Insiders Pass—$1,000 Gold-priority admission to: unlimited films, Insiders First Look Cocktail Reception (invite only), Festival Open-
Candice Pate and Teddy Grennan, leaders of the Sun Valley Film Festival, with 2018 Pioneer honoree Kate Bosworth, and Chris Albert, senior vice president of communications and talent relations for National Geographic. Courtesy photo
ing Celebration (invite only), unlimited films, Screenwriters Lab, Film Lab, Coffee Talks, Thursday night “Sorry I Like to Party” Party, Friday night Pioneer Party, Saturday night SVFF Awards Bash, and Festival HQ access with Salon and lunch, Toddies & Touch-ups by Beautycounter, and complimentary wine, beer and spirits.
Party Pass—$200 Silver-priority admission to: Thursday night “Sorry I Like to Party” Party, Friday night Pioneer Party, Saturday night SVFF Awards Bash, and Festival HQ access after 3 p.m. for Après Ski with complimentary wine, beer and spirits, plus Beautycounter Toddies & Touch-ups.
Festival Pass—$500 Gold-priority admission to: unlimited films, Screenwriters Lab, the Film Lab, Coffee Talks, Thursday night “Sorry I Like to Party” Party, Friday night Pioneer Party, Saturday night SVFF Awards Bash, and Festival HQ access with Salon and lunch, Toddies & Touch-ups by Beautycounter, and complimentary wine, beer and spirits.
Film Pass—$200 Silver-priority admission to: unlimited films, Screenwriters Lab, the Film Lab and Coffee Talks. Individual Tickets—$10 Buy online or at the Box Office. Redeem online tickets at venues. Any open seats will be released (cash only) at the venue minutes before start time.
2019 SUN VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR
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Take a glimpse behind the scenes How are films and scripts selected? fit for our town.” The lineup of the festival, while it showcases a spectrum of filmmak Though the actual event spans ing, cannot be too disparate. The only five days, preparation for the films must cohere to form a kind Sun Valley Film Festival is almost of artistic statement for the festicontinuous. For months leading val and for Sun Valley as a creative up to the March kickoff, the festi- community. val accepts submissions of feature “A rejection is not necessarily a films, documentaries, shorts and comment on the quality of the film,” screenplays. Mehlhaff said, a sentiment Screen Because the festival consists of writers Lab Director Emily Granville so many smaller events and compe- echoed when discussing submission titions—namely the main screen- for the Screenwriters Lab. ing competition, the Film Lab, “Only three finalists are chosen,” the Screenwriters Lab, the Nat Granville said, “Sometimes you have Geo Wild to Inspire contest, the to say ‘no’ to scripts you love.” Future Filmmakers Forum and the The festival takes in even more 1 Potato Short Screenplay compe- screenplay submissions than it does tition—the festival staggers sub- films, with numbers approaching mission deadlines and, therefore, 500 this year. must also stagger its adjudication of “One year, we had around films and scripts. As of mid-Febru- 900,” Granville said. ary, festival staff memAbout 20 people bers were still working read screenplays to through Film Lab sub“Not only are whittle down the pool missions and reading an effort to find the we looking for in screenplays. final three. The course of film “It’s like an Easter good films, selection—that is, the egg hunt,” she said. process of determin- but we’re also In addition to ing which movies will those scripts and comlooking for pleted films, Mehlhaff screen during the festival and make up the things that are and her staff are also main crux of its proworking through Film a specific fit Lab submissions. This gram—consists of two primary branches. aims to grant for us and a event The first branch finishing aid to movie assumes the form of specific fit for projects that have yet public submissions. to be completed. our town.” According to Laura Watching a finMehlhaff, the festival’s ished movie and passLaura Mehlhaff program director, the ing judgment on it is Program director festival receives “seveasy enough—everyeral hundred submisone does it—but to sions” through this avenue. This identify strength and promising process is open to everyone inter- cinematic qualities in an unfinished ested in taking part in the festival. film presents more challenges. Mehlhaff and her staff, bol- “The Film Lab is a little trickstered by interning Boise State Uni- ier to gauge,” Mehlhaff said. “It’s versity film students, sift through a work in progress, not a polished these hundreds to select the few that final product. We’re looking for make the final cut. something with potential.” The second branch relies not on As that process approaches its submissions, but on building a rap- conclusion, the festival has finalport with industry professionals. ized its cinematic lineup. “The other side is about curating, This year’s festival will screen reaching out to filmmakers and pro- eight documentaries and seven duction companies,” Mehlhaff said. narrative films. In the latter cate Via this process, festival represen- gory are entries featuring stars that tatives build connections with film- include Charlize Theron, Jeff Goldmakers and studios in whom they blum, Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Moss, are interested. This method is, in a Rashida Jones, Andy Serkis, Cara sense, a bit of a recruitment drive. Delevingne, Mary Elizabeth Win At the end of the selection pro- stead, Anna Paquin and this year’s cess, the festival assembles its final Pioneer Award honoree, Aaron Paul. lineup, featuring a mix of publicly On the documentary side, viewsubmitted films and movies their ers will have the opportunity to staff deliberately sought out. explore a wide range of topics that “Ultimately, it comes down to include the Apollo space program, which films are the best,” Mehlhaff American satanism, the endangered said, but she elaborated that the full Siberian tiger and the biography of story is not that simple. “Not only the legendary American rock star are we looking for good films, but David Crosby. we’re also looking for things that See the full schedule of films in are a specific fit for us and a specific the center of this section. By CHRIS MELVILLE Express Staff Writer
After an intense selection process, only a handful of films are chosen to screen at the Sun Valley Film Festival. Courtesy photo
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Festival lineup features special screenings, panels and parties
T
he Sun Valley Film Festival offers much more than its full slate of selected films. Scheduled events include exclusive Coffee Talks, panel discussions, special screenings and exciting parties throughout the festival. PANELS, LABS AND SPECIAL SCREENINGS Please remember: Priority access is how we thank those who make the festival possible. Patrons of the festival always get front-of-the-line access. Insiders, Festival, Party and Film passholders get tiered access before individual ticketholders. For priority entry, Patrons and passholders must arrive 30 minutes before any event. Passes are singular and nontransferable. All parties are 21plus. Coffee Talks 10 a.m. Thursday, March 14; Friday, March 15; Saturday, March 16; Sunday, March 17. Ford Main Street Theater at the Argyros. Caffeination by Counter Culture Coffee. Our engaging talks are the crown jewel of the festival, featuring a moderated Q&A with artists and filmmakers who changed the cinematic landscape. Free and open to the public with priority access to Insiders, Festival and Film passholders. • Thursday: Chelsea Handler is known for her successful seven-year run as host of E’s Chelsea Lately, followed by the talk show Chelsea. She is currently in production on a documentary about white privilege. • Friday: Aaron Paul, this year’s Pioneer Award winner, best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Jesse Pinkman on Breaking Bad and as Eddie Lane in The Path. Born in Emmett, Idaho, Paul is beloved by Idaho filmmakers and enthusiasts for his riveting on-screen performances and inspirational career. • Saturday: Alex Ross Perry, winner of this year’s Rising Star Award for Directing, studied film at NYU. His feature directorial efforts include The Color Wheel, Listen Up Philip, Queen of Earth, and Golden Exits. Her Smell, which stars Elisabeth Moss, Cara Delevingne, Dan Stevens, Amber Heard, Eric Stoltz and Virginia Madsen, is his latest work. • Sunday: Meg Ryan, this year’s Vision Award winner and star of When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail. Recent film credits include Cheryl Hines’ Serious Moonlight, the remake of George Cukor’s 1930 film The Women, Jonathan Kasdan’s In the Land of Women, and Steven Schachter’s The Deal. She made her directorial debut with Ithaca, based on the novel by William Saroyan.
A guide to passholder and free events that round out the schedule SVFF Salon 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 15; Friday, March 16; Saturday, March 17. Festival HQ, Presented by Nat Geo WILD. Join an intimate insider discussion with industry luminaries as they share war stories. Grab complimentary lunch before these exclusive talks begin at noon. Insiders and Festival passholders only. • Thursday: Getting the Shot—For over 130 years, National Geographic has been known for its iconic photography and breathtaking cinematography. Hear from filmmakers including Academy Award-winner Guillermo Navarro (Hostile Planet), National Geographic Explorer Filipe DeAndrade (Untamed) and other cinematographers to find out how they “get the shot.” • Friday: Storytelling for Change—Photojournalist and filmmaker Kate Brooks (The Last Animals) joins National Geographic Explorer submersible pilot and virtual reality engineer Erika Bergman for a conversation on storytelling with impact. • Saturday: Fisher Stevens— Winner of this year’s Snow Angel Award, presented by Beautycounter, Stevens is a celebrated actor-producerdirector and 30-year industry veteran committed to political and environmental activism. He has directed numerous films and series and produced Racing Extinction, a follow-up to Oscar-winning documentary The Cove, as well as Tigerland, which is screening at the festival. Screenwriters Lab 3 p.m. Friday, March 15. Tito’s Handmade Vodka Loft. Presented by Variety. Phil Johnston, writer-director of Ralph Breaks the Internet and Zootopia, hosts this year’s Lab, one of the festival’s most talked-about events. It starts with a discussion with Johnston, followed by the presentation of the High Scribe Award and a reading from the winning script. This year’s competition is judged by Trevor Groth, of 30WEST, formerly of Sundance. The Film Lab 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Magic Lantern Cinemas. Presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and The Farm. This is your chance to weigh in on the next big indie hit. Sit down with the filmmakers of a work-in-progress hand-selected by judge Jay Duplass to receive up to $185,000 worth of post-production services. In an exclusive interview with our host, Hannah Fidell (The Long Dumb Road), the winning filmmakers illuminate the film’s journey from ideation to execution. Audiences will have the chance to provide feedback following a screening of the film. Access for Insiders, Festival and Film passholders. Limited individual tickets available.
The Sun Valley Film Festival schedule includes several special film screenings, in addition to the full slate of films. Sun Valley Film Festival photo
Shop Talks Saturday, March 16. Tito’s Handmade Vodka Loft. Grab a Tito’s Handmade Vodka cocktail and get an inside look at the workings of the industry and nuances of the craft with these cozy discussions. Whether you are a working filmmaker or a cinefile wanting to learn more, these panels and discussions are an opportunity to get a more in-depth look at critical components of successful storytelling. Free and open to the public, with priority admission for passholders.
SVFF Closing Film Running With Beto 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 17. The festival will close with the documentary Running with Beto. Director David Modigliani and Executive Producer Jeff Steen will attend.
1 Potato Screening and Reception 5 p.m. Thursday, March 14. Ford Main Street Theater at the Argyros. Reception to follow at the Stella Artois Film Lounge at SVFF. Presented by Visit Idaho. Shop Talk: Post-production The 1 Potato Initiative is the with The Farm festival’s effort to shine a spot1:30 p.m. Saturday, light on Idaho films and filmMarch 16. makers. This short screenplay Join Matthew Sakimoto, competition provides the winKarol Valencia, Kit Lubold and ner with $5,000 to shoot their Gloria Coronado-Myatt from film on location in Idaho. We The Farm and editor Sunny screen last year’s winning film, Hodge (Transparent) as they The Hole Truth by Irish Johnbreak down pitfalls and best ston, before announcing the practices around editing and 2019 winner. Join us for cockall that it takes to get a project tails and conversation after the screening. Free and open to across the finish line. the public with priority access Shop Talk: The Pitch, Take 2 to Insiders, Festival and Film passholders. 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16. This year, The Pitch brings you a few seasoned filmmakers Sneak-preview screening and producers to tell you the of Like good, the bad and the ugly of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14. the pitch—hear their best hits, Ford Main Street Theater at their worst flops and their favor- the Argyros. ite successes. Fresh off his Best Presented by IndieFlix. Picture Oscar win, Jim Burke Like explores the impact of (Green Book, The Descendents) social media on our lives, and is back and leads Ben Nabors the effects of technology on the (Sound of Silence), Andrew Mia- brain. The goal of the socialno (The Farewell, A Single Man) action, solution-focused film is and Jen Roskind (Unlovable, An- to inspire and equip users to imals) with their worst and best. honestly evaluate and self-regulate their screen time. Free and open to the public with priority SVFF Opening Film access to Insiders, Festival and David Crosby: Film passholders. Remember My Name 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 13. The festival will open with Before the Flood the documentary David Crosby: 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 15. Remember My Name. Director Magic Lantern Cinemas, A.J. Eaton will attend. It will be Ketchum. preceded by Heather Rae’s (Fro- Join Fisher Stevens, SVFF zen River) short documentary, Snow Angel Award winner, for a special screening of Before the Paulette.
Flood, a powerful look at how climate change affects our environment and what society can do to prevent our demise. Free and open to the public with priority access to Insiders, Festival and Film passholders. Future Filmmakers Forum Noon on Saturday, March 16. Magic Lantern Cinemas, Ketchum. Presented by Bex Wilkinson and Peter Burke, with support from Cox Communications, Mary Clare Griffin, Tom Frankel and The Marshall Frankel Foundation, and the Nalen Foundation. Come meet the next generation of cinematic talent with young filmmakers in grades seven through 12. The Hot Shot and Gabriel Spirit awards will be presented by filmmaker Rafael Pease, whose documentary will be screened on Friday and Saturday après ski at The Hot Water Inn at 4 p.m. through the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Following Saturday’s Future Filmmakers Forum screening and awards, join us for a reception for filmmakers, family and friends at the Limelight Hotel. Free and open to the public, with priority access to Insiders, Festival and Film passholders. Wild to Inspire 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 16. Ford Main Street Theater at the Argyros. Presented by Nat Geo WILD. SVFF and Nat Geo WILD host the fifth annual Wild to Inspire short film competition, encouraging filmmakers to capture stories of individuals in their community and the animals who influence their lives. Finalists will have their works screened before the world premiere of Nat Geo WILD’s upcoming show, Hostile Planet, hosted by Bear Grylls. The winner is awarded See LINEUP, next page
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Wednesday, March 6, 2019
How to Fest Tips on getting the most out of the Sun Valley Film Festival By EXPRESS STAFF
Welcome to the eighth year of the Sun Valley Film Festival. Your unforgettable weekend starts here, with these tips to get the most of the festival. Ticket and pass pickup—Collect tickets and passes at the Box Office at the Ford Main Street Theater at the Argyros Performing Arts Center, 120 Main St. S., in Ketchum. Redeem online purchases at the theater or Box Office, starting Tuesday, March 12. Have your receipt ready. If a film is not sold out, limited individual tickets will be available at the door five minutes before showtime. Getting in—Please remember: Priority access is how the festival thanks those who make the event possible. Patrons of the festival always get front-of-the-line access. Insiders, Festival, Party and Film passholders get tiered access before individual ticketholders. For priority entry, Patrons and passholders must arrive 30 minutes before any event. Passes are singular and nontransferable. All parties are 21-plus. Wait-listed? No problem!—A select number of empty seats will be sold prior to start time at the theater
for $10 (cash only). The earlier you arrive, the better your chances. Altitude adjustment—If you’re coming from a lower altitude, remember: drink more water than usual and go easy on the booze. Ready for a drink?—Insiders, Festival and Party passholders can stop by HQ at the Warfield, presented by Nat Geo Wild, to relax and mingle with filmmakers. At the Stella Artois Film Lounge at SVFF, iconic chalices line the bar, and Stella Artois flows nonstop. Everyone can stop in at this lounge-like environment, where you can enjoy a brew with fellow cinephiles. Open through the weekend, except when hosting private events.
WELCOMES
THE
SUN VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
B-reel with industry insiders— Joins the festival as they present Shop Talks, your lens to explore the nuances of filmmaking with the best in the business. It is Friday and Saturday at the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Loft. Complimentary Tito’s drinks on the house. And finally ‌ Share the love—Connect with SVFF on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Help the festival get the word out. Cheers to #SVFF2019!
Please call for reservations P
Bar Opens 4:45 P.M. • Dinner Served 6:00 P.M.
SUN VALLEY ROAD & WALNUT AVENUE IN KETCHUM
726-3388
LINEUP Festival lineup includes special screenings, parties CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
a coveted National Geographic apprenticeship with a worldrenowned National Geographic wildlife cinematographer. Free and open to the public, with priority access to Insiders, Festival and Film passholders.  National Geographic’s Felipe DeAndrade: Untamed 1 p.m. Sunday, March 17. Ford Main Street Theater at the Argyros. National Geographic Explorer and filmmaker Filipe DeAndrade have a passion for wildlife and an addiction to adventure. Winner of the 2015 Wild to Inspire contest, Filipe is host and producer of Nat Geo WILD’s Untamed, an immersive look into the most unique and unimaginable wildlife stories across the globe. In this special live presentation of Untamed, Filipe returns to the festival on a mission: to inspire the next generation of animal lovers, filmmakers, photographers and explorers. Plus, free giveaways for the kids! PARTIES All parties are 21-plus. City of Ketchum, SVFF Downtown Big Air, Rail Jam, & Street Party 6:30-10 p.m. Thursday, March 14. East Avenue and Ketchum Town Square. Building on the success of last year’s Main Street Salute, we take things to the next level, shutting down East Avenue
and adding a big-air competition and rail jam to the melee. Don your best onesie for the costume contest and take home epic prizes. Free and open to the public. “Sorry I Like to Partyâ€? Party 10 p.m. Thursday, March 14. Whiskey Jacques’. 251 N. Main St., Ketchum. Bite off some local flavor with musical guests The Jacks. Party in true Ketchum fashion with complimentary Stella Artois for Insiders, Festival and Party passholders. Free and open to the public. Pioneer Party 10 p.m. Friday, March 15. Stella Artois Film Lounge at SVFF. Presented by Variety. Come raise a glass to this year’s Pioneer Award winner, Aaron Paul. Join DJ N8 at this open-bar celebration. Insiders, Festival and Party passholders only. SVFF Awards Bash with Foxing 10 p.m. Saturday, March 16. Whiskey Jacques’. 251 N. Main St., Ketchum. Finish the weekend at the SVFF Awards Bash, headlined by Indie rock group Foxing. More than a dozen filmmakers and special guests will be fĂŞted with custom SVFF belt buckles, thanks to Rocky Mountain Hardware. Arrive early—this is one of the most popular events. Party access for Insiders, Festival and Party passholders only.
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Sun Valley Community Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creative Arts Academy (CAA) offers Upper School students the opportunity to pursue an in-depth exploration of visual arts, music, or performing arts alongside a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum. To schedule a tour and learn about a Community School education, including its Creative Arts Academy, please contact our Admissions Ofď&#x192;&#x17E;ce:
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2019 SVFF SCHEDULE FILMS
SHORTS
PANEL
PARTY
DAY 1
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13
2:30PM
6:00PM
DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME (93 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | Q&A
DAY 2
SEA OF SHADOWS (90 MIN) The Opera House
3:00PM
THE FILM LAB (90 MIN)
3:00PM
SCREENWRITERS LAB (90 MIN) Tito’s Handmade Vodka Loft
5:15PM
THE PARTING GLASS (95 MIN) The Opera House | Q&A
THURSDAY, MARCH 14
5:00PM
GHOST FLEET (89 MIN) Magic Lantern | Q&A
5:15PM
THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM (91 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | Q&A
10:00AM
COFFEE TALK: CHELSEA HANDLER (60 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | SVFFreebie
5:00PM
THE SOUND OF SILENCE (87 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | Q&A
5:15PM
SHOP TALK: THE PITCH (95 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | SVFFreebie
11:30AM
NAT GEO WILD SALON: GETTING THE SHOT (90 MIN) Festival HQ at the Warfield
5:00PM
HAIL SATAN? (95 MIN) The Opera House
6:00PM
MARRIANE & LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE (97 MIN) Magic Lantern
12:30PM
LIKE (59 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | SVFFreebie | Q&A
7:30PM
BEFORE THE FLOOD (95 MIN) Magic Lantern | SVFFreebie
7:30PM
LONG SHOT (120 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros
2:30PM
SHORTS PROGRAM 1 (92 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | Q&A
7:30PM
HER SMELL (135 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | Q&A
7:30PM
TIGERLAND (91 MIN) The Opera House | Q&A
2:30PM
LEMONADE (89 MIN) The Opera House
7:30PM
ALWAYS IN SEASON (89 MIN) The Opera House | Q&A
10:00PM
SVFF AWARDS BASH WITH FOXING Whiskey Jacques (21+)
5:00PM
1 POTATO: THE HOLE TRUTH (60 MIN) World Premiere Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | SVFFreebie | Q&A
10:00PM
PIONEER PARTY Stella Artois Film Lounge (21+)
DAY 5
SUNDAY, MARCH 17
5:00PM
APOLLO: MISSIONS TO THE MOON (95 MIN) The Opera House | World Premiere | Q&A
10:30PM
IN FABRIC (118 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros
10:00AM
COFFEE TALK: MEG RYAN (60 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | SVFFreebie
6:30PM
CITY OF KETCHUM + SVFF STREET PARTY Ketchum Town Square, East Ave.| Open to the Public
DAY 4
SATURDAY, MARCH 16
1:00PM
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S FILIPE DEANDRADE: UNTAMED (60 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | SVFFreebie | Q&A
7:00PM
THE PARTS YOU LOSE (94 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | World Premiere | Q&A
10:00AM
COFFEE TALK: ALEX ROSS PERRY (60 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | SVFFreebie
1:00PM
INDIAN HORSE (100 MIN) The Opera House | Q&A
7:30PM
THE MOUNTAIN (108 MIN) The Opera House
11:30AM
NAT GEO WILD SALON: FISHER STEVENS (90 MIN) Festival HQ at the Warfield
3:00PM
DISNEYNATURE’S PENGUINS (76 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | World Premiere
10:00PM
SORRY I LIKE TO PARTY PARTY WITH THE JACKS Whiskey Jacques (21+)
12:00PM
FUTURE FILMMAKERS FORUM (90 MIN) Magic Lantern | SVFFreebie
3:30PM
BREAKING HABITS (87 MIN) The Opera House
DAY 3
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
12:00PM
IDAHO SHORTS PROGRAM (85 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | Q&A
5:30PM
RUNNING WITH BETO PRECEDED BY PAULETTE (119 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | Q&A
10:00AM
COFFEE TALK: AARON PAUL (60 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | SVFFreebie
1:30PM
SHOP TALK: POST PRODUCTION WITH THE FARM (60 MIN) Tito’s Handmade Vodka Loft | SVFFreebie
11:30AM
NAT GEO WILD SALON: STORYTELLING FOR CHANGE (90 MIN) Festival HQ at the Warfield
2:30PM
HOSTILE PLANET PRECEDED WILD TO INSPIRE (90 MIN) World Premiere Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | Q&A | SVFFreebie
2:30PM
SHORTS PROGRAM 2 (96 MIN) Ford Main St. Theater at the Argyros | Q&A
2:30PM
C’EST ÇA L’AMOUR (98 MIN) The Opera House | U.S. Premiere
Magic Lantern
SHIFT HAPPENS Please check the website for up to the minute information on any schedule shifts. WWW.SUNVALLEYFILMFESTIVAL.ORG
PATRONS ARE OUR FOUNDATION
SVFF THANKS YOU
As a nonprofit, we rely on a small group of supporters who share our passion for connecting people through the magic of storytelling. We want the Sun Valley Film Festival to be the alma mater of the next wave of awardwinning storytellers. To do this, we create year-round opportunities and propell emerging voices with grants, education and professional guidance. We could not do it without the following generous contributors.
VISION PATRON
PLATINUM PATRONS
SILVER PATRONS
Kim and Rick Selby
The Dupre Family Fund Dan, Pattie, Kristina and Daniel Frandson Dr. Molly Brown and Felicitas Funke
Robert and Joan Adolph Anne and Gary Borman Amber Busuttil Mullen
GOLD PATRONS
BRONZE PATRONS
Innovative Artists Gilman Contemporary Nancy and Ross Goldstein Frank Haney Elizabeth and William Kahane Katherine Milias Sally and Marc Onetto Suzie and Garry Pearson Robert Rand and the James L Colt Foundation. Barbara and Jeff Steen Lisa Holley Studio
McNair and Will Bailey Cyd Bernard Ruth and Jake Bloom Kia and Christy Brown Susan and Johnathan Dolgen Rhoda Glickman Julie and Richard Harrah Cindi and Todd Osborn David Perdue Marcia and Brigg Smart Katie and Todd Traina
PIONEER PATRON Susie and Richard Granville
AMBASSADOR PATRON Bex Wilkinson and the Marshall Frankel Foundation
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SVFF 2019 NARRATIVES U.S. PREMIERE
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Claire Burger PRODUCER: Isabelle Madelaine DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Julien Poupard CAST: Bouli Lanners, Justine Lacroix, Sarah Henochsberg
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Alex Ross Perry PRODUCERS: Matthew Perniciaro, Michael Sherman, Adam Piotrowicz, Elisabeth Moss, Alex Ross Perry CINEMATOGRAPHY: Sean Price Williams EDITING: Robert Greene CAST: Elisabeth Moss, Cara Delevingne, Dan Stevens, Amber Heard, Eric Stoltz, Virginia Madsen
Forbach, eastern France. Present day. Since his wife walked out on the family, Mario has raised their two daughters on his own. Frida, 14, blames him for her mother leaving. Niki, 17, dreams of independence. Meanwhile, Mario waits for his wife to come home. 98 MINUTES
C’EST CA LA’MOUR
HER SMELL
in fabric
118 MINUTES
INDIAN HORSE
135 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE SPONSORED BY LIONSGATE WITH PATRON SUPPORT FROM THE DUPRE FAMILY FUND DIRECTOR: Jonathan Levine WRITERS: Dan Sterling, Liz Hannah PRODUCERS: Charlize Theron, A.J. Dix, Beth Kono, Evan Goldberg, Seth Rogen, James Weaver CAST: Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron, O’Shea Jackson, Andy Serkis, June Diane Raphael, Bob Odenkirk, Alexander Skarsgard, Ravi Patel
Based on a true story, this feature debut follows Mara, a young mother from Romania who is awaiting a green card. As she begins to navigate the labyrinth of modern U.S. immigration, she soon realizes that the American Dream is much darker than it seems. Corruption and abuse lie in wait for Mara and, as she fights to build a better life for her young son, we are left to wonder, at what cost?
He’s a hard-hitting political writer with a talent for trouble. She’s the country’s top diplomat with a talent for...well, everything. When Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) reunites with his first crush who also happens to be the current US Secretary of State, Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), he charms her with his self-deprecating humor and his memories of her youthful idealism. As she prepares to make a surprise run for the Oval Office, Charlotte hires Fred to punch up her campaign speeches and their unmistakable chemistry leads to a round-the-world affair. But Fred’s carefree indiscretions, past and present, could bring down her campaign before it even begins. The film redefines “international relations” with a profane, funny and unexpected love.
LEMONADE
WORLD PREMIERE
In late 1950s Ontario, eight-year-old Saul Indian Horse is torn from his Ojibway family and committed to one of the notorious Catholic Residential Schools. In this oppressive environment, Saul is denied the freedom to speak his language or embrace his Indigenous heritage while he witnesses horrendous abuse at the hands of the very people entrusted with his care. Despite this, Saul finds salvation in the unlikeliest of places and favourite winter pastime – hockey. Fascinated by the game, he secretly teaches himself to play, developing a unique and rare skill. He seems to see the game in a way no other player can. His talent leads him away from the misery of the school, and eventually to the Pros. But the ghosts of Saul’s past are always present, and threaten to derail his promising career and future. Forced to confront his painful past, Saul draws on the spirit of his ancestors and the understanding of his friends to begin the process of healing.
DIRECTOR: Ioana Uricaru WRITERS: Ioana Uricaru, Tatiana Ionascu PRODUCERS: Cristian Mungiu, Yanick Létourneau, Eike Goreczka, Christoph Kukula, Sean Wheelan, Anthony Muir DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Friede Clausz CAST: Mălina Manovici, Steve Bacic, Dylan Scott Smith, Milan Hurduc, Ruxandra Maniu
88 MINUTES
THE MOUNTAIN
135 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE DIRECTOR: Stephen Campanelli WRITERS: Paula Devonshire, Dennis Foon PRODUCERS: Christine Haebler, Trish Dolman EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Clint Eastwood CAST: Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck, Ajuawak Kapashesit
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Peter Strickland PRODUCERS: Andy Starke CINEMATOGRAPHY: Ari Wegner EDITING: Matyas Fekete CAST: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hayley Squires, Leo Bill, Julian Barrett, Gwendoline Christie A lonely woman (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), recently separated from her husband, visits a bewitching London department store in search of a dress that will transform her life. She’s fitted with a perfectly flattering, artery-red gown –which, in time, will come to unleash a malevolent curse and unstoppable evil, threatening everyone who comes into its path. From acclaimed horror director Peter Strickland (the singular auteur behind the sumptuous sadomasochistic romance The Duke of Burgundy and auditory gaillo-homage Berberian Sound Studio) comes a truly nightmarish film, at turns frightening, seductive, and darkly humorous. Channeling voyeuristic fantasies of high fashion and bloodshed, In Fabric is Strickland’s most twisted and brilliantly original vision yet.
Becky Something (Elisabeth Moss) is a ‘90s punk rock superstar who once filled arenas with her grungy all-female trio Something She. Now she plays smaller venues while grappling with motherhood, exhausted band mates, nervous record company executives, and a new generation of rising talent eager to usurp her stardom. When Becky’s chaos and excess derail a recording session and national tour, she finds herself shunned, isolated and alone. Forced to get sober, temper her demons, and reckon with the past, she retreats from the spotlight and tries to recapture the creative inspiration that led her band to success.
LONG SHOT
120 MINUTES
DIRECTOR: Rick Alverson WRITERS: Colm O’Leary, Dustin Guy Defa PRODUCERS: Ryan Zacarias, Sara Murphy, Eddy Moretti, Allison Rose Carter DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Lorenzo Hagerman EDITING: Michael Taylor CAST: Jeff Goldblum, Tye Sheridan, Udo Kier, Denis Lavant, Hannah Gross
DIRECTOR: Stephen Moyer PRODUCERS: Cerise Hallam Larkin, Mark Larkin, Stephen Moyer, Denis O’Hare, Anna Paquin WRITER: Denis O’Hare CINEMATOGRAPHY: Guy Godfree CAST: Denis O’Hare, Ed Asner, Cynthia Nixon, Melissa Leo, Rhys Ifans, Anna Paquin
1950s America. Since his mother‘s confinement to an institution, Andy has lived in the shadow of his stoic father. A family acquaintance, Dr. Wallace Fiennes, employs the introverted young man as a photographer to document an asylum tour advocating for his increasingly controversial lobotomy procedure. As the tour progresses and Andy witnesses the doctor’s career and life unravel, he begins to identify with the institutions’ patients. Arriving at a California mountain town, a growing center of the New Age movement, they encounter an unconventional French healer who requests a lobotomy for his own daughter, Susan.
The Parting Glass is the story of a suicide and how it ripples and tears through a family –testing their bonds to each other and their memories. The family gathers in Missouri, where Colleen (Anna Paquin), now dead, was last living. Her brother, Danny (Denis O’Hare) and his two sisters, Mare (Cynthia Nixon) and Al (Melissa Leo) meet up with their father, Tommy (Ed Asner), and their sister’s estranged husband, Karl (Rhys Ifans), and they set out on an odyssey. Together, they attempt to piece together Colleen’s last moments and to make sense of her death.
108 MINUTES
THE PARTING GLASS
DIRECTOR: Christopher Cantwell WRITER: Darren Lemke PRODUCERS: Mark Johnson, Tom Williams, Aaron Paul, Nic Crawley, Kenneth Huang, Doug Jones, Paula Van Der Oest CAST: Aaron Paul, Scoot McNairy, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Danny Murphy
DIRECTOR: Michael Tyburski WRITERS: Ben Nabors, Michael Tyburski PRODUCERS: Ben Nabors, Michael Prall, Tariq Merhab, Charlie Scully, Mandy Tagger Brockey, Adi Ezroni CINEMATOGRAPHER: Eric Lin EDITOR: Matthew C. Hart CAST: Peter Sarsgaard, Rashida Jones, Rony Revolori, Austin Pendleton
The Parts You Lose follows the unlikely friendship that unfolds between a young deaf boy, Wesley, and a fugitive criminal who takes refuge in an abandoned barn on the family’s rural North Dakota farm. 135 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
THE PARTS YOU LOSE
95 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
THE SOUND OF SILENCE
A self-taught scientist, Peter (Peter Sarsgaard), works in New York City as a “house tuner”—a unique, highly specialized profession he’s invented. His clients approach him with troubles like depression, anxiety, or fatigue. After extensive analysis of their homes’ acoustic characteristics, he identifies some sonic combination that’s altering their mood — a radiator mixed with a kitchen appliance, for instance — and is able to calibrate it. On a routine house call, Peter meets Ellen (Rashida Jones), who is experiencing exhaustion. After his initial conclusion proves incorrect, Peter obsessively searches for the fault in his practice. The more Peter tries—and fails—to help her, the more Ellen’s resulting skepticism pokes holes in his previously airtight theories. Mannered, meticulous, methodical, Peter is shaken when the years he’s spent mapping New York’s natural harmonies come into question. 135 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
SVFF 2019 DOCUMENTARIES DIRECTOR: Jacqueline Olive PRODUCERS: Jacqueline Olive, Jessica Devaney CINEMATOGRAPHY: Patrick Sheehan, S. Leo Chiang EDITING: Don Bernier NARRATOR: Danny Glover
WORLD PREMIERE
As the world prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first manned lunar landing, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Tom Jennings (“Challenger Disaster: Lost Tapes,” “Diana: In Her Own Words”) uses his signature style of first-person storytelling to create an immersive account that spans the breadth and depth of NASA’s Apollo Space Program. In Apollo: Missions to the Moon, newly transferred film and never-before-heard audio recordings recount the United States’ remarkable journey to land on the Moon before 1970. With no narration and no modern-day talking heads; the missions are experienced entirely through archival TV coverage, radio broadcasts, home movies, NASA film and Mission Control audio that is expertly edited together to create an eyewitness-like experience.
Claudia Lacy wants answers. When her 17-year-old son, Lennon, was found hanging from a swing set in Bladenboro, North Carolina, the authorities quickly ruled his death a suicide. In light of suspicious details surrounding his death, and certain that her son would not take his own life, Claudia is convinced Lennon was lynched. 89 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
ALWAYS IN SEASON
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTARY FILMS DIRECTOR: Tom Jennings
APOLLO: MISSIONS TO THE MOON
95 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
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Express
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SVFF 2019 DOCUMENTARIES DIRECTOR: Robert Ryan PRODUCERS: Nick Taussig, Paul Van Cartery CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mikul Eriksson
DIRECTOR: A.J. Eaton PRODUCERS: Cameron Crowe, Michele Farinola, Greg Marotti CINEMATOGRAPHY: Edd Lukas, Ian Coad EDITORS: Elisa Bonora, Veronica Pinkham MUSIC: Marcus Eaton, Bill Laurance
Cheated by her stealing, polygamist husband of 17 years, once highflying corporate exec Christine Meeusen fled penniless with her 3 young children as her American dream began to unravel. Determined to make a living for her family, she discovered the lucrative business of cannabis farming and met her calling as founder of medicinal-marijuana empire Sisters of the Valley. Shedding her former life, Christine became Sister Kate; on a mission to provide her products to those in need. Fighting off the country sheriff, and protecting her crop from deadly black market thieves, BREAKING HABITS is a story of rebellion, hope and revival. This is Sister Kate’s journey to becoming the head of a fast growing enterprise, a voice for the unheard, and create possibly the most controversial sisterhood in the world.
BREAKING HABITS
87 MINUTES
WORLD PREMIERE
SPONSORED BY SUSIE AND RICHARD GRANVILLE DIRECTORS: Alastair Fothergill, Jeff Wilson PRODUCERS: Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield, Keith Scholey, Roy Conli COMPOSER: Harry Gregson-Williams EDITING: Robert Greene NARRATOR: Ed Helms
DAVID CROSBY: REMEMBER MY NAME
DISNEYNATURE’S PENGUINS
DIRECTOR: Penny Lane PRODUCER: Gabriel Sedgwick DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Naiti Gámez EDITORS: Amy Foote, Aaron Wickenden ORIGINAL MUSIC: Brian McOmber
HAIL SATAN?
Chronicling the extraordinary rise of one of the most colorful and controversial religious movements in American history, Hail Satan? is an inspiring and entertaining new feature documentary from acclaimed director Penny Lane (Nuts!, Our Nixon). When media-savvy members of the Satanic Temple organize a series of public actions designed to advocate for religious freedom and challenge corrupt authority, they prove that with little more than a clever idea, a mischievous sense of humor, and a few rebellious friends, you can speak truth to power in some truly profound ways. As charming and funny as it is thought-provoking, Hail Satan? offers a timely look at a group of often misunderstood outsiders whose unwavering commitment to social and political justice has empowered thousands of people around the world. 95 MINUTES
93 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE DIRECTORS: Shannon Service, Jeffrey Waldron PRODUCER: Jon Bowermaster EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Paul G. Allen, Jannat Gargi, Rocky Collins, Shari Saint Plummer, Shannon O’Leary Joy, Geralyn Dreyfous, Julia Ormond Ghost Fleet follows a small group of activists who risk their lives on remote Indonesian islands to find justice and freedom for the enslaved fishermen who feed the world’s insatiable appetite for seafood. Bangkok-based Patima Tungpuchayakul, a Thai abolitionist, has committed her life to helping these “lost” men return home. Facing illness, death threats, corruption, and complacency, Patima’s fearless determination for justice inspires her nation and the world.
Narrated by Ed Helms (“The Office,” “The Hangover” trilogy, “The Daily Show with John Stewart”), and the filmmaking team behind “Bears” and “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature’s all-new feature film “Penguins” is a comingof-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. None of it comes easily for him, especially considering he’s targeted by everything from killer whales to leopard seals, who unapologetically threaten his happily ever after. 76 MINUTES
A revealing and deeply personal documentary exploring the life and creative renaissance of music icon David Crosby. A cultural force for over fifty years, Crosby faced uncertain future after the 2015 dissolution of Crosby, Stills and Nash. Racked with health issues and personal obstacles, Crosby forged a new path at the age of 77. Seeking out younger musicians and recording a pair of critically-praised new albums, Crosby now sets out to make a mark in a world now so different from the generation he came to define in the 60’s. With unflinching honesty, self-examination, regret, fear, exuberance and an unshakable belief in family and the transformative nature of music, Crosby shares his often-challenging journey with humor and bite. You thought you knew him. Meet David Crosby now in this portrait of a man still tilting against every windmill, with everything but an easy retirement on his mind. This inspirational story, filled with music, will speak to loyal fans, and legions of new ones.
89 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
GHOST FLEET WORLD PREMIERE
Hostile Planet will screen in conjunction with WILD to Inspire –a collection of shorts celebrating the everyday explorer from the finalists of this year’s National Geographic WILD to Inspire film contest.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXECUTIVE PROCUERS: Guillermo Navarro, Martha Holmes SERIES PROCUERS: Guillermo Navarro, Martha Holmes HOST: Bear Grylls
HOSTILE PLANET: MOUNTAINS
The highest mountains on Earth are home to snow leopards, golden eagles, mountain goats, barnacle goslings and gelada monkeys. But only the toughest can endure the extreme weather, scarce food supplies and limited oxygen on these peaks. Hostile Planet: Mountains is the first episode in a new six-part series from executive producer and Academy Award-winning cinematographer and director Guillermo Navarro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”), Emmy Award-nominated producer Martha Holmes (“The Blue Planet”) and Emmy Award-winning Tom Hugh-Jones (“Planet Earth II”). Hosted by survivalist and adventurer Bear Grylls, Hostile Planet: Mountains zooms in on one of the world’s most extreme environments to reveal the animal kingdom’s most epic stories of survival on this fast and continuously changing planet. As animals face an overwhelming host of challenges including punishing weather, intense competition for resources and constant predator-vs.prey conflict, life still finds a way.
75 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE DIRECTOR: David Modigliani PRODUCERS: Rachel Ecklund, Rebecca Feferman, Greg Kwedar, David Modigliani EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Alex, Heather, Jon and Linda Halbert, Andrew and Lindsey Gill, Akbar and Rishma Mohamed, Lias Jeff Steen CINEMATOGRAPHERS: Ellie Ann Fenton, Kelly West EDITORS: Penelope Falk, David Bartner
RUNNING WITH BETO
This behind-the-scenes documentary follows Beto O’Rourke’s rise from virtual unknown to national political figure through his bold attempt to unseat Ted Cruz in the US Senate. Embedded with Beto for the final twelve months of his campaign, the film follows his journey in real time through intimate access to Beto, his family, and a team of political newcomers who champion a new way of getting to know a candidate —one Texas county at a time. The film reveals the challenges and triumphs of an unconventional campaign as Beto navigates an onslaught of negative advertising, inevitable strain on his family, and the pressure of delivering for legions of supporters. 94 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
WITH PATRON SUPPORT FROM DR. MOLLY BROWN AND FELICITAS FUNKE DIRECTOR: John Chester WRITERS: Mark Monroe, John Chester PRODUCERS: Sandra Keats, John Chester EDITOR: Amy Overbeck It all began with a dog named Todd. Filmmaker John Chester and his wife, Molly, a private chef, promised their rescue dog a happy life, but their Los Angeles apartment just isn’t cutting it. So the couple decides to take a leap of faith and realize a long-held dream. Locating a patch of land outside the city—and a veteran farmer to shepherd them through the process—they set about building Apricot Lane Farms. As the couple faces a seemingly endless cascade of challenges from weather, predators, infestations, and disease, John documents their setbacks— and progress—over eight years.
THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM
SPONSORED BY DAN, PATTIE, KRISTINA & DANIEL FRANDSON DIRECTOR: Ross Kauffman PRODUCERS: Xan Parker, Zara Duffy, Fisher Stevens, Ross Kauffman CINEMATOGRAPHY: Matt Porwoll, Ross Kauffman EDITOR: Keiko Deguchi
DIRECTOR: Richard Ladkani PRODUCERS: Walter Köhler, Wolfgang Knöpfler DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Richard Ladkani EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson, Philip Watson, Dinah Czezik-Müller, Michael Frenschkowski, Rebecca Cammisa, Laura Nix
Tigers are the stuff of myths and folktales, poetry and art. Half a century ago, in the jungles of India, a young forest officer rallied the world to save tigers from extinction. Today, the creed is carried on in Far East Russia by the guardians of the last Siberian tigers, who risk everything to save the species. Tigerland is the story about our relationship with one of the world’s most revered creatures.
A looming disaster in one of the most spectacular environments on Earth sparks a rescue mission unlike any other in Sea of Shadows, a riveting new documentary with the intensity of a Hollywood thriller. When Mexican drug cartels and Chinese traffickers join forces to poach the rare totoaba fish in the Sea of Cortez, their deadly methods threaten to destroy virtually all marine life in the region, including the most elusive and endangered whale species on Earth known as the vaquita porpoise. But a team of brilliant scientists, high-tech conservationists, investigative journalists and courageous undercover agents as well as the Mexican Navy put their lives on the line to save the last remaining vaquita and bring the vicious international crime syndicate to justice.
91 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
TIGERLAND
SEA OF SHADOWS DIRECTOR: Nick Broomfield PRODUCERS: Nick Broomfield, Marc Hoeferlin, Shani Hinton, Kyle Gibbon EDITOR: Marc Hoeferlin ORIGINAL SCORE: Nick Laird-Clowes Marianne and Leonard is a beautiful yet tragic love story between Leonard Cohen and his Norwegian muse Marianne Ihlen. Their love began on the idyllic Greek island of Hydra in 1960 as part of a bohemian community of foreign artists, writers and musicians. The film follows their love from the early days on Hydra, a humble time of ‘free love’ and open marriage, to how their love evolved when Leonard became a successful musician. It was on Hydra in 1968 that director Nick Broomfield, then aged 20, first met Marianne Ihlen and for a short while became her lover. Under the Greek moon and stars Marianne introduced him to Leonard Cohen’s music. Marianne also encouraged Nick to make his first film and was an enormous influence on him.
MARIANNE & LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE
91 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
Marianne and Leonard’s was a love story that would continue for the rest of their lives. Along the way we learn of the tragedy that befell those that could not survive the beauty of Hydra, the highs and lows of Leonard’s career, and the inspirational power that Marianne possessed. In later life when Marianne lay dying, Leonard himself old and sick wrote to Marianne. “Know that I am so close behind you that if you stretch out your hand, I think you can reach mine, I’ve always loved you for your beauty and for your wisdom, but I don’t need to say anything more about that. Goodbye old friend. Endless love, see you down the road.”Marianne and Leonard died three months apart 91 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
104 MINUTES
FUTURE FILMMAKERS FORUM
FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE TOTAL RUN TIME: 90 MIN
SATURDAY, NOON, MAGIC LANTERN LIFE AT A JAPANESE HIGH SCHOOL LEAVE A MESSAGE ELEMENT FOR US BEYOND THE WALL GLASS MIRRORS DATE NIGHT CONTROL YOURSELF IMPERCEPTIBLE MR. ORANGE & BABY SNOT NOT ALONE *SVFFREEBIE
Come meet the next generation of talented young filmmakers grade 7 through 12. The Hot Shot, Gabriel Spirit and Gem State Junior Awards will be presented by Rafael Pease.
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SVFF 2019 SPECIAL FEATURES DIRECTOR: Fisher Stevens WRITER: Mark Monroe PRODUCERS: Leonardo DiCaprio, Trevor Davidoski, Jennifer Davisson, James Packer, Fisher Stevens MUSIC: Trent Reznor A look at how climate change affects our environment and what society can do to prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and native communities across the planet.
BEFORE THE FLOOD (2016)
96 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE SVFFREEBIE
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Explorer and filmmaker Filipe DeAndrade has a passion for wildlife and an addiction to adventure. Winner of National Geographic’s Wild to Inspire short film contest at the 2015 Sun Valley Film Festival, Filipe is host and producer of Nat Geo WILD’s UNTAMED –an immersive look into the most unique and unimaginable wildlife stories across the globe. In this special live presentation of UNTAMED, Filipe returns to Sun Valley on a mission: to inspire the next generation of animal lovers, filmmakers, photographers and explorers.
SPONSORED BY INDIEFLIX DIRECTOR: Scilla Andreen PRODUCERS: Scilla Andreen, Ian Andreen DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY/EDITOR: Ian Andreen COMPOSER: Dan Gieschen NARRATORS: Max Stossel, Leah Pearlman
LIKE explores the impact of social media on our lives and the effects of technology on the brain. The goal of the socialaction, solution-focused filmis to inspire and equip users to honestly evaluate and self-regulate their screen time.
LIKE
95 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE SVFFREEBIE *SPECIAL SNEAK PREVIEW
FILIPE DEANDRADE: UNTAMED
60 MINUTES | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE SVFFREEBIE *FAMILY FRIENDLY
FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE TOTAL RUN TIME: 98 MIN
SVFF 2019 SHORTS BLOCK 1 DIRECTOR/WRITER: Paavo Hanninen PRODUCERS: Lauren Cargo, Michael Collins DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Justin Zweifach CAST: Jamie Neumann, Craig Leydecker
In October of 2017, the most destructive fires in U.S history descend into Sonoma Valley. When the flames are finally extinguished, an immigrant, an artist, and a pool servicer return home to Sonoma, charting uncertain futures as they come to understand how their community has been changed by natural disaster.
Tourist tells the story of Martha, a woman who travels to New Orleans to escape mounting family pressure back home in the wake of her mother’s recent passing. While searching for human connection, she takes on an assumed identity and finds herself wrapped up in a romantic encounter that quickly spirals out of control.
DIRECTOR: Alison-Eve Hammersley WRITERS: Alison-Eve Hammersley, Samantha Silvay PRODUCERS: Maud Bellaiche, Arthur Cohen DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Austin Kite EDITOR: William Connor Jones CAST: Amelia Rose Blaire, Bryan Dechart
YOU’LL ONLY HAVE EACH OTHER
17 MINUTES
7 MINUTES
ALLEN ANDERS - LIVE AT THE COMEDY CASTLE (CIRCA 1987)
AFTER THE FIRE
After the death of her mother, a disconnected daughter, Maggie, struggles to reconnect with her twin brother, Gabe. As she pushes through the day of the funeral reception, her guilt for having left their mother in her final months begins to tangibly manifest itself in strange and horrifying ways.
The fever dream of a 1980s stand-up comic who is either having a nervous breakdown or the best set of his life.
18 MINUTES
14 MINUTES
TOURIST
DIRECTOR: Laura Moss WRITER: Tony Grayson PRODUCERS: Brendan O’Brien, Jacqueline Dow DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Ethan Maidhof
DIRECTORS: Derek Knowles, Spencer Seibert PRODUCER: Paul Martinez
DIRECTOR: Darwin Serink WRITERS: Darwin Serink, Misael Vargas PRODUCERS: Darwin Serink, Misael Vargas DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Jon Kang EDITOR: Andrew Hogg CAST: Tonee Acevedo, Tine D’Marco
DIRECTOR: Katia Badalian WRITER: Sara Jane Bowers PRODUCER: Christopher Nataanii Cegielski DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Rafael Gomez EDITOR: Ben Montemayor CAST: Sage Adler, Anna Khaja
After several unsuccessful attempts, Raul finally gets the courage to ask his co-worker, Rosa, out on a date. To his surprise, she says yes, but when the anticipated day arrives, Raul is met with an unforeseen event that changes his life forever.
A young girl with blooming awareness, Nina, interacts with her crass neighbor who explains the tangled world of intimacy and love. Drawing on her own experiences, Nina understands more than she thought. 7 MINUTES
11 MINUTES
EL AGUACATE
HEROINES FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE TOTAL RUN TIME: 98 MIN
SVFF 2019 SHORTS BLOCK 2 WRITER/DIRECTOR: Caroline Lindy PRODUCERS: Robbie Fritz, Emily Wolfe DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Jordan McNeile EDITOR: Joshua Margolin CAST: Caroline Lindy, Jack Henry Robbins
WORLD PREMIERE
When Eloise matches with Jonathan on a dating app and learns that he’s no average bachelor, Eloise has to decide whether she can date someone who she can’t see or hear…
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Emily Tomson PRODUCERS: Adrienne Childress, Jordan Michaud-Scorza DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Allie Schultz EDITOR: Ashley Monti CAST: Audrey Corsa, Daniel Ahearn
DIRECTORS: Courtney Bush, Will Carington, Jake Goicoechea WRITER: Courtney Bush PRODUCERS: Courtney Bush, Will Carington, Jake Goicoechea DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Julian Kapadia EDITOR: Erin DeWitt CAST: Courtney Bush, Courtney Bush, Deb Carington, Gabe Bush, Kelsey Myrick, Kim Bush, Lauren Van Kirk, Meg Newman, Sarah Fortenberry, Stephanie McAuliffe
Kate moves to a small coastal town for a bartending job, anticipating a summer of freedom. What she finds instead is less idyllic, and she comes to realize she’s much more vulnerable than she thought. A female coming-of-age story.
18 MINUTES
19 MINUTES
KATE IN OXNARD
KINDRED SPIRIT DIRECTOR: Andrew Stephen Lee WRITERS: Andrew Stephen Lee, Neda Jebelli, Emre Gulcan PRODUCER: Caleb Negassa DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew Crighton EDITOR: Andrew Hogg CAST: Jon Norman Schneider, Rafael Roco Jr., Reynald Raissel Santos
MANILA IS FULL OF MEN NAMED BOY
Manila, July 7, 2009. As Michael Jackson’s televised funeral plays throughout The Philippines despite terrorist attacks in the south, an estranged son purchases a child who can drink and smoke to impress his father. However, when the patriarch and his friends embrace the new child as one of their own, the question must be asked: what determines who is more valuable of attention? 21 MINUTES
KIM BUSH’S ABDUCTION DIRECTOR: Carlyn Hudson WRITER: Jeff Whitaker DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Simpson EDITOR: Andy Young CAST: Jake Elitzer, Lauren Knutti, Paige Collins, Jeff Whitaker
8 MINUTES DIRECTOR/WRITER: Andre Hyland PRODUCERS: Michael J. Rizzo, Andre Hyland, Shane Bruce Johnston DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Shane Bruce Johnston EDITOR: Andre Hyland CAST: Andre Hyland, Paul Erling Oyen, Brent Weinbach, Becky Garcia, Noel Wells
After a failed date, Jake maintains a friendly connection with a part of Brooke that no one saw coming.
A procrastinating writer stays in an Airbnb to get some work done, but after an unexpected visitor arrives, he finds himself in an increasingly unsettling set of situations that he can’t explain.
3 MINUTES
11 MINUTES
OLD HAUNT
NICE ASS DIRECTOR: Dan Warner PRODUCER: Jackie Kinealy EDITOR: Dan Warner MUSIC: Miët
DIRECTOR: Ben-Alex Dupris PRODUCERS: Ben-Alex Dupris, Ceylon GreyMountain, Alex Goetz, Heather Rae, Rahdi Taylor, Davis Guggenheim
DIRECTOR: Roy Eisenstein WRITER: Larry Hankin PRODUCERS: Roy Eisenstein, Larry Hankin DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Matthew David Hickney EDITOR: Tim Starnes MUSIC: Leon Rubenhold
A seemingly innocuous grass ordinance leads to a suburban resident’s perplexing battle with the city of St. Peters, Missouri, with devastating criminal penalties in the balance. A story emerges of zoning gone wrong and its corrosive effects on neighborly relationships.
Sweetheart Dancers is a story about Sean and Adrian, a Two-Spirit couple determined to rewrite the rules of Native American culture through their participation in the “Sweetheart Dance.” This celebratory contest is held at powwows across the country primarily for men and women couples, until now.
A homeless man wandering the streets late at night grapples with the answer to a simple question about himself and his situation that makes no sense.
24 MINUTES
3 MINUTES
13 MINUTES
SWEETHEART DANCERS
Several hours of unanswered texts and phone calls have everyone at a Christmas party wondering: where is Kim Bush? The answer is eventually revealed in this Southern Gothic holiday thriller with an all-female ensemble cast.
TURF WAR
JUST A QUESTION
10
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SVFF 1 POTATO DIRECTORS: Mike Luciano, Phil Matarese WRITERS: Mike Luciano, Phil Matarese PRODUCERS: Mike Luciano, Phil Matarese ANIMATION: Isabelle Aspin MSUCI: Dan Arnes
WORLD PREMIERE
A pair of twin brothers’ fraught relationship as told over lifetime of vignettes, from inside the womb to hologram-enhanced old age.
THE HOLE TRUTH
DIRECTOR: Russell Friedenberg WRITER: Irish Johnston PRODUCERS: Irish Johnston, Karen Headings DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY/EDITOR: Gregory Bayne CAST: Sprague Grayden, Phil Burke
DIRECTOR: Heather Rae PRODUCERS: Ben-Alex Dupris, Russell Friedenberg EDITORS: Derek Doneen, Jaki Covington MUSIC: Jennifer Kreisberg FEATURING: Paulette Jordan History has been made when for the first time a Native American candidate, Paulette Jordan, has won the Primary in the run for Governor. The stakes are set high for her journey to November — it would have been the first time an Original citizen has taken this role in the United States. From a heroic win in May to hard-hitting loss in November, Paulette stays true to her path as an Indigenous leader.
16 MINUTES | SHOT IN IDAHO
PAULETTE
15 MINUTES | SHOT IN IDAHO * WORK IN PROGRESS
FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE TOTAL RUN TIME: 95 MIN
SVFF 2019 IDAHO SHORT BLOCK DIRECTOR: Michael Tetro WRITER: Jane Merrow PRODUCERS: Jane Merrow, Cary Judd, Annie Bulow EDITOR: Nyk Fry CAST: Jane Merrow, Austin Von Johnson
OPENS FOR RUNNING WITH BETO
SVFF 2019 IDAHO SHORT BLOCK
A Dark Comedy - When a suicidal woman in a dead end job, breaks the rules to overhear the confessions of strangers, her initial excitement quickly unravels into despair, however, as she carries out her “exit strategy” she encounters love in an unexpected way.
6 MINUTES
TWINS
2018 1 POTATO SHORT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION WINNER | FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE
WORLD PREMIERE
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Stephen Heleker PRODUCERS: Annie Bulow, Michael Tetro DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: David Kirkeby EDITOR: Marcus Heleker CAST: Johny Ortiz, Bert Torundo, Justin Ness
WORLD PREMIERE
In the wild west, two trash-talking rustlers stand tall in a gunslinging duel. Will their pistols shoot off as well as their mouth?
An accident at work sets a young construction worker on an adventure that will put his job and even his safety on the line.
After the recent death of her husband, Anne, now alone and disabled, receives a visit from a new caregiver. She soon comes to realize the attention she’s receiving is the beginning of a nightmare.
DIRECTOR/WRITER/PRODUCER: Jake Kuwana CAST: Greg Ilk, Jeffrey Paul Agosta
4 MINUTES | SHOT IN IDAHO
15 MINUTES | SHOT IN IDAHO
15 MINUTES | SHOT IN IDAHO
ABOUT ANDY
ACCIDENTS DIRECTOR: Martin McGreevy WRITERS: Martin McGreevy, Eve Weston PRODUCERS: Martin McGreevy, Eve Weston EDITORS: Martin McGreevy, Eve Weston MUSIC: Mike Dunkley CAST: Eve Weston, Jen Bobier
DRAW DIRECTOR/WRITER: Quentin Ransohoff DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Carlo Rinaldi CAST: Sierra Green, Crystal Yaskulski, Max Schlossberg, Katerina Tana
Mar, a lonely healer addicted to the pain of others, must learn to heal herself.
Blake discovers an unsettling truth on the day of birthday that reveals what her Rocky Mountain town has planned for the total solar eclipse.
7 MINUTES | SHOT IN IDAHO
15 MINUTES | SHOT IN IDAHO
MAR : EPISODE 1
DIRECTOR/WRITER: Jake Fullilove PRODUCER: Lorena Davis DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Lincoln Lewis CAST: Dwayne Blackaller, David Cowan, Chad Ethan Shohet, Aaron LombardBloom When two devils influence poverty-stricken boys to hold up a gas station, one devil’s conscience leads the mission astray. 10 MINUTES | SHOT IN IDAHO
SAWTOOTH
UNDAMNED PRESENTED BY THE FARM & TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA
THE FILM LAB DIRECTOR: Delaney Buffett PRODUCERS: Delaney Buffet, Heather Branstetter DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY: Frances Chen EDITOR: Nick Weiss-Richmond MUSIC: Michael Simonelli
3PM SAT MAR 16 AT MAGIC LANTERN CINEMAS This is your chance to weigh in on the next big indie hit. Sit down with the filmmakers of a work-in-progress hand-selected by judge Jay Duplass to receive up to $185k in post production services. In an exclusive interview with our host, Hannah Fidell (The Long Dumb Road), the winning filmmakers illuminate the film’s journey from ideation to execution. Audiences will have the chance to provide feedback following a screening of film. Access for Insiders, Festival and Film Passholders. Limited individual tickets available.
In the tiny mining town of Wallace, Idaho, old west brothels were open and tolerated up until the year of 1991. The short documentary, Wallace, takes you on a trip to the past of a community where prostitution was deeply ingrained for over a century. 18 MINUTES | SHOT IN IDAHO
WALLACE
JUDGED BY JAY DUPLASS HOSTED BY HANNAH FIDELL
SVFF STAFF
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SVFF INTERNS
Teddy Grennan, Executive Director
Jena Schindler, Development
Emily Granville
Andrea Carrizales
Candice Pate, Director
Katie West, Guest Services
Teddy Grennan
Matt Czopek
Laura Mehlhaff, Director of Programming
Chloe Jory, Events & Copywriting
Tracy Groll
Nell Gallogly
Emily Granville, Screenwriters Lab
Bradley Geist, Food & Beverage
Mark Hancock
Nick Marciel
Celeste Matika, General Manager
Kari Rasmussen, Event Design
Howard Owens
Kelsie Rose
Heather LaMonica Deckard, Operations
Tiffani Black, Box Office
Heather Rae
Jenny Dupre, Development
Sharon Heitur, Volunteers
Jonas Pate
Erica Talley, Guest Services
Sean McNearney, Tech
Joshua Pate
Adam “Zonky” Silberberg, Marketing & Communications
Thomas Euyang, Media Manager
Jack Sullivan
Steven Wilsons, Public Relations
Lila Streicher, Staff Photographer
Justin Williams
Bennett Krishock, Assistant Programmer
Kendall Rock, Staff Photographer
Caspar von Winterfeldt
Justine Timms, Festival Assistant
Liza Ayers, Production Assistant
Hannah Lynch, Creative Services & Social Media
Genoa Gail, Production Assistant
Carol Waller, Public Relations
Vanessa Vandenworm, Production Assistant
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Get up close and personal with Hollywood stars Big names will discuss the film industry at Coffee Talks, Salon gatherings By PETER JENSEN Express Staff Writer
What draws attendees to the Sun Valley Film Festival? Is it the chance to rub elbows with Hollywood icons and filmmaking legends, or to check out buzz-worthy films that you can’t catch on the big screens? Many answers to that question will undoubtedly come out in the festival’s Coffee Talks and Salon events, which feature discussion sessions where attendees can get a glimpse of what it takes to make it big in Hollywood. This year, attendees will have the chance to see Golden Globe-nominated actress Meg Ryan, Emmy Award-winning actor Aaron Paul, producer and director Fisher Stevens, comedian Chelsea Handler, director Alex Ross Perry, filmmakers Guillermo Navarro and Filipe DeAndrade, photojournalist Kate Brooks and virtual reality engineer Erika Bergman.
turn on her on-camera charm that worked so well in romantic comedies like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail” opposite actor Tom Hanks. “Real charm is probably innate,” Ryan said in the interview. “It’s just there or not. I can see it in people like Jennifer Lawrence or Emma Stone or Ryan Gosling. … Early on, I didn’t have a lot of acting technique. What I thought about was trying to tell the truth. The camera is a truth machine, and it knows everything you’re thinking, so you don’t have to pretend anything.”
Aaron Paul An Idaho native, Paul was born in Emmett and grew up in Boise. He starred in the hit TV show “Breaking Bad,” which ran from 2008 to 2013 on AMC. Paul will star in a sequel, which will be produced as a movie and released on Netflix and AMC, the Hollywood Reporter reported in February. Paul will also take on a role in an upcoming episode of the HBO series “Westworld,” and has a voice role on the animated series “BoJack Horseman.” Speaking at Friday’s Coffee Talk, Paul is the Pioneer Award winner at this year’s film festival.
Other stars
Chelsea Handler will be a featured guest at one of the Sun Valley Film Festival Coffee Talks. Courtesy photo
Past festivals have included talks by famed director Oliver Stone, who in 2016 talked about his big breaks in filmmaking, his biggest cinematic busts and how his most famous flicks came together. In 2017 and 2018, festival-goers heard from actress Allison Williams, director Brett Ratner, writer/ director team Peter and Bobby Farrelly, actress Gwyneth Paltrow, filmmaker Jay Duplass and actress Kate Bosworth. Take note: The Coffee Talks are open to the public and are free to attend, but space is limited and priority is given to festival passholders. The Salon events can be attended by festival pass-holders, and will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Festival HQ. The Salon events are sponsored by Nat Geo WILD. Here are more details about who’s coming to the film festival this year:
Handler will speak at Thursday’s Coffee Talk, and has hosted a latenight comedy show called “Chelsea Lately,” and a documentary program called “Chelsea Does.” Perry will speak at Saturday’s Coffee Talk and will receive the Rising Star Award. His latest project is titled “Her Smell” and features Elisabeth Moss, Cara Delevingne, Dan Stevens, Amber Heard, Eric Stoltz and Virginia Madsen. Thursday’s Salon event is titled “Getting the Shot” and is devoted to National Geographic’s heralded ability to capture iconic and breathtaking images and cinematography. Navarro, DeAndrade and other cinematographers will speak. Friday’s Salon event is titled “Storytelling for Change” and features Brooks and Bergman, who will discuss how to tell stories with impact. Saturday’s Salon event features Stevens, who will be presented with this year’s Snow Angel Award. Stevens has helped make numerous films and documentaries focusing on environmental and political causes, including the Oscar-winning documentary “The Cove.”
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Welcome
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Meg Ryan Headliner Meg Ryan established herself as a star with her role in “When Harry Met Sally,” the 1989 comedy classic from director Rob Reiner. She further cemented her bona fides as a top actress with roles in “Sleepless in Seattle,” “You’ve Got Mail,” “Courage Under Fire” and “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Ryan will be awarded the Vision Award at this year’s film festival and will speak at a Coffee Talk on Sunday. In a recent interview with the New York Times Magazine, Ryan discussed how she was able to
If you go The Sun Valley Film Festival’s Coffee Talks and Salon events are can’t-miss opportunities to hear some of Hollywood’s brightest stars explain their craft. Check Page 6 of this program for details on times, dates and places for the Coffee Talks and Salon events.
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Festival doubles down on career-advancement programs Labs and panels offer vital support to up-and-coming filmmakers By CHRIS MELVILLE Express Staff Writer
More and more with each passing year, the Sun Valley Film Festival has zeroed its focus in on up-and-coming filmmakers. The festival is dedicated to finding the next generation of independent talent and helping to jumpstart careers. Amid celebrities and parties, the festival is working to double down on career advancement for aspiring and independent filmmakers. “It’s really about helping to launch these careers and giving people a toehold in the industry,” festival Director Candice Pate said. “That’s what we want to be known for. We want to be the alma mater for this next wave of working storytellers.” To support that mission and transform their vision into a reality, the festival specifically targets young, new or previously unproduced filmmakers in a number of events and competitions. Perhaps chief among the many career-advancement programs offered by the festival is the Film Lab. Submissions to the Film Lab cannot be final, polished projects, but instead must be works in progress. The advent of digital film recording devices and the continued advancement of camera technology means that film production is easier and more affordable now than it ever has been before, but countless projects wrap filming only to reach a financial roadblock in post-production, the phase in which a movie is edited, mixed and otherwise finalized. “A lot of filmmakers have a story they want to tell, and maybe they even get to the point where they can film it, but the post-production process is so expensive,” Program Director Laura Mehlhaff said. “We were looking for ways to give practical support to filmmakers. It’s something we’re really excited about.” This year, the winner of the Film Lab, as determined by judge and Emmy Award winner Jay Duplass, will receive $185,000 worth of post-production work from The Farm Group, a professional company in Los Angeles. “Post-production is one of the major challenges, especially with independent film,” said Teddy Grennan, the festival’s executive director. “You do everything to get over the finish line, and then you don’t have any gas left.”
Emmy Award winner Jay Duplass will judge the Film Lab competition. Courtesy photo by Lila Streicher
This money will help cover everything from editing to sound mixing, as well as vital processes that most moviewatchers will never even consider, things like color correction, Foley artistry (everyday sound effects) and telecine (transferring motion picture film into video). “The cake’s baked, and we’re going to help them put the icing on it,” Grennan said. The aid does not begin and end with finishing funds, however. In Hollywood, studios can easily spend tens of thousands of dollars to mount test screenings, wherein an audience views a nearly completed film and comments on elements they liked,
what they disliked and how they believe the director and producers should implement necessary changes. In some cases—a recent example is Best Original Screenplay Oscar winner “Get Out”—audience feedback even leads to filmmakers’ altering the ending of a movie. Bolstering the already enticing reward of nearly $200,000 in finishing funds, the Sun Valley Film Festival will provide the Film Lab winner with a test screening. Local audiences will be able to attend that event, view the work in progress and provide constructive criticism. See LABS, next page
Film Festival offers more than movies 4 after-screening evening parties will liven up Ketchum By ALEJANDRA BUITRAGO Express Staff Writer
When the films have stopped rolling, the party starts bumping in celebration of the annual Sun Valley Film Festival. Four parties over three days will punctuate each evening of the festival, to take place this year from March 13-17, with parties happening Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in different areas of downtown Ketchum. On March 14, the city of Ketchum will team up with the festival to deliver an epic event built on the success of last year’s Salute to Warren Miller party. The city will close East Avenue in front of Town Square to host, in conjunction with the film festival, a big air competition and rail jam. Throw on your best onesie and enter the costume contest for a chance to take home prizes. This event is free and open to the public. Following the street party, revelers can head to the “Sorry I Like To Party” Party, taking place at Whiskey Jacques’. This high-energy party will also be free and open to the public, but Insiders, Festival and Party passholders will receive a complimentary Stella Artois. The party will feature Los Angelesbased rock ’n’ roll band The Jacks. The Jacks recently signed on with Edgeout Records, distributed by Universal Music Group. The label was founded by veteran music industry executive Tony Guanci, with the purpose of breaking new rock-focused artists around the world. “More than any other genre of music, successful rock bands have historically built their fan base through touring and live performances,” Guanci said in an article published by musicbusinessworldwide.com on Dec. 3. “At Edgeout, I plan to use my 30 years of experience and connections in touring and promotion to ensure our artists have access to the most coveted tours and festivals, which will allow them to organically reach new audiences and promote their latest tracks.” The Jacks were formed in 2016, during band members Thomas Hunter and Scott Stone’s senior year of college at the University of Southern California. At an open-mic night, they discovered Johnny Stanback, who became the vocalist and one of the guitarists for the band. Along with Hunter on guitar and vocals, Stone on bass and vocals, and Josh Roossin
The band Foxing will play American indie music at the Sun Valley Film Festival Awards Bash. Courtesy photo
on drums, the band says that they are reminiscent of artists Idaho, native Aaron Paul for his groundbreaking work in telesuch as The Black Keys and Cage the Elephant. The group says vision and film. Paul is best known for his role in the AMC they pull inspiration from the “British Invasion,” a period in series “Breaking Bad,” portraying Jesse Pinkman. Early in his the mid-1960s when rock and pop from the United Kingdom, career, Paul appeared in popular TV shows including “Bevsuch as The Beatles and The Yardbirds, became popular in erly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place.” The party will pulsate with beats the United States. The band also pulls inspiration from Southern rock sounds by DJN8 at this open-bar celebration of the 1960s and ’70s. “We are not a rock band— open to Insiders, Festival and Party passholders only. “We are not a rock band—we are The final night of the festival will a rock ’n’ roll band,” the band states we are a rock ’n’ roll band.” feature Foxing, a St. Louis, Mo.-bred on their website. The Jacks “The Jacks have developed a rare American indie rock band that will set sound that is unruly, bold and hard to be ignored—they won’t the tone for the One and Only SVFF Awards Bash. Foxing settle with blending in the scene,” the website adds. released their third album, “Nearer My God,” last summer This is not the first time The Jacks have made their way to via Triple Crown Records and have been featured on a varithe valley. In December 2017, they opened for The Social Ani- ety of playlists on Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. mals at Whiskey Jacques’, and soon they will be back again to Beginning in 2011 following the end of the group Hunter “deliver fresh but timeless music,” as stated on their website. Gatherer, the group went through several bandmates On the night of March 15, the annual Pioneer Party will before settling into its most current ensemble of Jon Hellfeature presentation of the Pioneer Award by Variety maga- wig on drums, Conor Murphy on vocals and trumpet, Ricky zine. This year’s award will be given to actor and Emmett, See SOCIAL, next page
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LABS Audience can weigh in at festival Film Labs CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
“We have this amazing audience here who will give really thoughtful feedback,” Pate said. While of undeniable and invaluable benefit to the winning filmmaker, this event also provides a unique chance to Wood River Valley moviegoers. “This is your opportunity to see and potentially influence and weigh in on the next big independent film hit,” Pate said. Following the March festivities, the Film Lab winner will take to the road for additional screenings in both Los Angeles and Austin, further ensuring that this work in progress will evolve into a polished final product. The Film Lab, sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, will be hosted and moderated by Hannah Fidel and judged by Duplass. In addition to the Film Lab, several other competitions—namely the 1 Potato short screenplay contest, the Future Filmmaker Forum for students and the Screenwriter’s Lab—also focus on establishing new voices in the cinematic world. This year, the Screenwriters Lab, hosted by Oscar nominee Phil Johnston, will offer additional practical experience, enhancing the already valuable criticism and feedback that participating writers will receive. The Pitch offers writers a chance to hone what some consider the most important part of the whole process. There is a delicate art to convincing producers and studio representatives to greenlight a project or buy a script. Writers often have to do that in a window of mere minutes. To provide the full experience, real producers and studio heads will take part in The Pitch, helping writers to master this difficult but vital act. One participant in the
Screenwriters Lab will be selected by this year’s judge—Trevor Groth, head of the production company 30WEST—to receive the High Scribe Award. Historically, even those writers who do not take home the High Scribe still land industry management representation following their participation in the Screenwriters Lab, according to the lab’s director, Emily Granville. Those and other festival competitions receive major funding from the Vision Award dinner, set to take place on Saturday night. “It’s a tent-pole event with our biggest talent, celebrating visionaries in the business, funded by our biggest patrons,” Pate said. However, she stressed that the event isn’t “some kind of exclusive velvet rope situation.” “This is how we underwrite the core of the whole event and this growing career-advancement program. It’s a benefit gala.” Grennan similarly characterized the Vision Award dinner as serving a dual purpose, both as a celebration of landmark achievements in the cinematic industry and as a fundraiser to ensure the prizes won by up-andcoming filmmakers. This year’s Vision Award winner is Meg Ryan. Best known as an actress, the Golden Globe nominee has, in more recent years, moved behind the camera, debuting as a director and fleshing out her portfolio as a producer. For more information on the events, the competitive labs and the ways in which the festival is focusing in on the next generation of independent filmmakers, visit sunvalleyfilmfestival.org. For dates, times and locations, see the schedule on Page 6.
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après ski happy hour 3-6pm $100 off draft beers • $700 house wines $800 specialty cocktails
live music 6-9pm thu, mar 7
thu, mar 14
the faculty lounge
afro rhumba
fri, mar 8
fri, mar 15
hart gibson & blackwolf
crazy love
sun, mar 10
sat, mar 16
the mitchell/gregory project
haywire hopefuls
mon, mar 11
sun, mar 17
kevin ware
all night diners
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SOCIAL Parties and social events liven up the scene CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Sampson on guitar and Eric Hudson on guitar and vocals. Their first album, “The Albatross,” came out in 2013 and was described as “classicist emo” by Alt Press, an Ohio-based music magazine. Their music has since evolved to their latest album, which has been described as “big, beautiful and audacious, an artful leap toward creating the new sound of rafter-shaking indie rock,” according to Pitchfork, an online music magazine owned by Condé Nast. The party centers around the presentation of several film festival awards, including the Rising Star Award for Directing, being given to Alex Ross Perry this year, and the Snow Angel Award, being awarded to actor Fisher Stevens. For details on times and locations of events, see the master schedule on Page 6. For the latest information on the film festival, visit sunvalleyfilmfestival.org.
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Don your favorite onesie for the annual street party, scheduled to take place following the rail jam competition in front of Ketchum Town Square. Courtesy photo
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Trailing of theSheep the e v a d 23r ual n An
Festival
S ate! D October 9-13, 2019 Ketchum, Hailey & Sun Valley TrailingOfTheSheep.org
— One of America’s Top Festivals — Sheep Jam Dinner & Show Championship Sheepdog Trials Folk Life Fair Cooking Classes Sunday, October 13, 12 noon • Main Street, Ketchum
Big Sheep Parade
— VOTED BEST FESTIVAL LAST 4 YEARS —
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MARY ROBERSON
High Desert Stream, 9” x 12” Oil on panel
Representation by: Altamira Fine Art, Jackson, WY Booth Western Art Museum, Carterville, GA Gerald Peters Gallery, Santa Fe, NM Dick Idol Gallery, Whitefi sh, MT Visions West, Bozeman, MT National Museum of Wildlife Art, Jackson, WY
Film Festival competitions celebrate excellence Up-and-coming auteurs meet industry professionals DeAndrade graduated from the University of Florida and started the Comfort Theory production house. He is a 20-time New York Emmy Award-winning producer Several Sun Valley Film Festival competitions are and photographer, currently producing the WILD Yougeared toward providing professional guidance to those Tube show “Untamed” for National Geographic. just starting out in the film industry. Winners will be The Future Filmmakers Forum was developed to announced during the respective program screenings. allow students to experience the full spectrum of film The 1 Potato short-script competition is designed making, from conception to production and festival to promote filmmaking in Idaho, awarding a $5,000 submission and attendance. prize to be used in the making of a film from an origi- The Future Filmmakers Forum Hot Shot prizes are nal script of 15 pages or less. The winning script must available to films no longer than 10 minutes, submitbe filmed in Idaho with an Idaho crew. ted by students in grades seven through 12. The best Scriptwriters are judged according to strength of film submitted by a student from the U.S. will win a story, originality and creativity, as well as clarity and fea- $1,000 cash prize, sponsored by the Marshall Frankel sibility (given financial and location-based constraints.) Foundation. The second-place award for $300 will be The 1 Potato Award winners are also provided with offered as the Gabriel Spirit Award. The best Idaho stuan opportunity to network with dent filmmaker will receive a $500 film-industry professionals at the cash prize, presented by the Nalen festival. Family Foundation. Returning this year will be High school seniors Aurora 2018 1 Potato winner Irish JohnWilkinson and Jack Nordstrom ston, to premiere her film “The joined a team of students and adults Hole Truth,” which was shot in who selected 15 films from almost Boise and directed by Russell 300 submissions. Nordstrom won Friedenberg, starring Sprague the first-place Hot Shot award Grayden and Phil Burke. two years ago for his film “Puget “It’s been almost a year since Sound.” His younger brother, Will winning the 1 Potato Award, and Nordstrom, won second place for I’ve found myself in so many unexhis film “In the Trees.” pected roles,” Johnston said. “As a Future Filmmakers Forum screenwriter, the ultimate goal is to co-producer Bex Wilkinson said see what you’ve written become a it has been gratifying to watch film. That’s an incredibly fulfilling young filmmakers go into the experience, and one I have learned competition as students and come a lot from. Coming back to Sun Valout as filmmakers. ley for the premiere screening feels “They follow all the protocol absolutely like coming full circle.” of adult filmmakers, a rigorous “The Hole Truth” is described submission, a selection process and as a dark comedy that begins Rafael Pease, shown seated on a horse in finally being judged on a set of criwhen a suicidal woman in a dead- Kyrgyzstan, will present “Yugen” during teria by several people,” Wilkinend job breaks the rules to over- the Future Filmmakers Forum. Courtesy photos son said. “This takes a lot of guts hear the confessions of strangers. and they deserve respect, whether “Her initial excitement quickly unravels into despair, or not they make the cut. Exposing your craft at such a however,” Johnston said. “As she carries out her ‘exit young age takes diligence, hard work and commitment. strategy,’ she encounters love in an unexpected way.” We love our future filmmakers!” The 2019 1 Potato winner will be one from more During the forum, snowboard mountaineer Rafael than 100 submissions. The competition is judged by Pease will screen his film “Yugen,” presented by the Sun local and alumni filmmakers, in partnership with fes- Valley Ski Education Foundation. The film is a mix of tival staff. adventure travel, eco-consciousness, cultural explora The National Geographic Wild To Inspire compe- tion and adrenaline, described in press materials as a tition matches filmmaking with nature and adventure. three-year “borderless mountain-based documentary” The short-film contest winner will receive $1,000 and that explores the connection that mountaineers and an all-expenses-paid expedition with National Geo- environmentalists share with the natural world. graphic explorers. In addition, the Sun Valley Film Festival will present 2015 Wild To Inspire winner Filipe DeAndrade will Shop Talk, a series of talks and presentations by indushost the program. The Brazil-born, Cleveland-raised try insiders. Topics and speakers are to be announced. filmmaker has a passion for wildlife and describes him- For details on event dates, times and locations, see self as “addicted to adventure.” Page 6 of this section. By TONY TEKARONIAKE EVANS Express Staff Writer
Hailey, ID Studio—Visitors Welcome maryroberson.com 208-720-5698 for appointment
Irish Johnston will screen “The Hole Truth,” based on a 1 Potato Award-winning script from 2018.
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Newcomers, industry vets to be honored at Film Festival Meg Ryan, Aaron Paul among 2019 honorees By JOSHUA MURDOCK For the Express
Masters of film and television young and old—some on the silver screen and some who work behind the scenes—will convene in Ketchum next week to receive honors awarded at the eighth Sun Valley Film Festival. Award recipients include veteran soap opera and film actress Meg Ryan and breakthrough television star Aaron Paul, an Idaho native who rocketed to prominence for his role as Jesse Pinkman in the highly acclaimed series “Breaking Bad,” as well as directors Alex Ross Perry and Fisher Stevens. To be held March 13-17, the festival offers “five days of films, panels, parties and more, including three world premieres,” according to the organization.
Meg Ryan The festival will honor Ryan, 57, with this year’s Vision Award, which honors “industry icons who have provided the keen insight, influence and initiative needed to see their creative visions come to fruition.” “This is an honor we have waited years to bestow upon this iconic actor,” festival Director Candice Pate said. “She is not only America’s sweetheart but also Sun Valley’s.” Ryan, a native of Connecticut, began acting to earn money while pursuing a journalism degree at New York University. Her featurefilm debut was as Candice Bergen’s
daughter in the 1981 film “Rich and Famous.” From 1982 to 1984, Ryan played Betsy on the soap opera “As the World Turns.” After a minor role in the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun,” Ryan costarred alonside Dennis Quaid, whom she married in 1991, in Steven Spielberg’s 1987 film “Innerspace,” and she again starred with Quaid in a 1988 remake of “D.O.A.” One of Ryan’s most famous roles was as Sally Allbright in 1989’s “When Harry Met Sally,” the first of many romantic comedies she would star in, including “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail,” both starring Tom Hanks. Ryan was nominated for a Golden Globe award for each of the three films. Ryan’s directoral debut came in 2015 with “Ithaca,” her adaptation of the William Saroyan novel “The Human Comedy.” Ryan’s marriage to Quaid ended in 2001. She announced her engagement to classic-rock musician John Mellencamp in late 2018. The festival will honor Ryan during a private dinner at the Roundhouse restaurant, on Bald Mountain, on March 16.
Aaron Paul Hailing from Emmett, Idaho, Paul, 39, is this year’s recipient of the Pioneer Award, which “honors an individual whose unique contribution to the arts is reflective of a true trailblazer.” “We’re thrilled to welcome back Aaron to his home state of Idaho and celebrate his incredible journey,”
Pate said. “He has many fans around these parts, [the Sun Valley Film Festival] being chief among them.” Paul acted throughout high school in Boise and was an usher at Universal Studios’ Hollywood movie theatre in the late 1990s before landing television appearences in episodes of “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Melrose Place.” After feature film roles in 2001’s “K-PAX” and 2006’s “Mission: Impossible III,” Paul’s meteoric rise to mainstream acclaim began in 2008 with his role as Jesse Pinkman in the AMC series “Breaking Bad,” for which he won Emmy awards in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Paul is set to appear in Apple’s upcoming thriller series “Are You Sleeping.” The festival will honor Paul on March 15.
Alex Ross Perry Perry, 34, is this year’s recipient of the Rising Star Award, which “recognizes breakthrough talent in the film and television industry.” “For the first time, we celebrate a director as our Rising Star, and what a voice Alex Ross Perry has,” festival Executive Director Teddy Grennan said. “We’re fortunate and looking forward to sharing Alex and his film, ‘Her Smell,’ with our audiences in March.” Born in Bryn Mawr, Pa., Perry studied film at New York University. His other feature films include “Impolex” in 2009, “Listen Up Philip” in 2014 and “Golden Exits” in 2017.
The festival will honor Perry on March 16.
Fisher Stevens Stevens, 55, is this year’s recipient of the Snow Angel Award, which “celebrates industry leaders on the frontlines of enacting change.” “Fisher Stevens is exactly why [the Sun Valley Film Festival] created the Snow Angel,” Grennan said. “His work, his ethics, his style of storytelling represent everything we honor as a festival.” After moving from his native Chicago to New York City at age 13 to pursue a career in acting, Stevens initially struggled to land roles. He eventually found work on the stage, slowly moving from offBroadway productions to Broadway shows. His film debut came in 1981, when he appeared in the horror flick “The Burning.” Stevens appeared in 1983’s “Baby It’s You,” and he co-starred in the successful comedy “The Flamingo Kid” in 1984. According to the film festival, “[Stevens] also works closely with the United Nations Peacekeepers, for whom he has directed various films. His political and environmental activism has been a main focus of his work.” The festival will screen “Tigerland,” a documentary on tiger conservation produced by Stevens and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, in January. The festival will honor Stevens on March 16.
Meg Ryan
“[Meg Ryan] is not only America’s sweetheart but also Sun Valley’s.” Candice Pate Festival director
Aaron Paul
16
Express
www.mtexpress.com
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
HIGHER GROUND HERO’S JOURNEY GALA Save the Date July 2, 2019 featuring
Sebastian Junger Director of Academy Award nominated Restrepo + Korengal Author of Tribe + The Perfect Storm TED Speaker Don’t miss the Sun Valley Community Library free screening of Restrepo on April 3rd at 6pm and a special Book Club discussion on Tribe (date TBD).
Join us for an evening of inspiration honoring veteran and local heroes
Reserve today, seating limited:
Erin Rheinschild erin@highergroundusa.org 208.726.9298 x103 highergroundusa.org/heros-journey