Opening and Closing Gala Films and Festival Parties:

The Film Festival kicks off with two films on Thursday, March 6 at the historic Egyptian Theatre. The 7:00 p.m. Opening Night Gala Film is award-winning director Alexandre Rockwell’s 13 MOONS, starring Steve Buscemi, Lorraine Bracco, and David Proval. Mr. Rockwell and members of the cast are expected to attend. At 9:15 p.m., we will screen Spanish director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s debut feature–the international festival favorite INTACTO, starring Max Von Sydow.

Catch filmmakers and stars at the festival parties and film premieres. Click here for a list of attendees.

The Opening Night Gala Party begins at 7:00 p.m. to Midnight at Bardenay, the Official Film Festival Gala Host, and features a catered reception and dancing to live music by The New Trio, featuring Chuck Smith and Sandon Mayhew, and followed by the Walter Ego Band.

On Friday and Saturday night, Night Owls and cult film aficionados can take a walk on the wild side with Midnight Movies at the 8th Street Marketplace Cinemas. After Saturday’s Midnight show, the party will continue until the wee hours across the street at The Big Easy Concerthouse.

The Festival wraps on Sunday, March 9, at Bardenay, the Official Film Festival Host Restaurant, with the Closing Reception with live music from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Bardenay, with live music by The New Trio, and the Closing Night Gala Film, Bend It Like Beckham, at 7:00 p.m. at the Egyptian Theatre.

Throughout the weekend, festival audiences are invited to relax before and after film screenings at the Film Festival’s Host Lounge, Red Feather - the newest downtown hot spot.