Telluride Film Festival (September 4-7, 2009), presented by National Film Preserve LTD., is proud to announce its 2009 Guest Director, Alexander Payne. The acclaimed American film director and screenwriter has been invited by Telluride Film Festival’s co-directors, Tom Luddy, Julie Huntsinger and Gary Meyer, to enhance the already prestigious program and select a series of films to show at the 36th Telluride Film Festival.

Each year the Festival’s directors select one of the world’s great film lovers to join them in the creation of the Festival. The Guest Director serves as a key collaborator in the Festival’s programming decisions, bringing new ideas and overlooked films to Telluride.

“Alexander has succeeded in programming a group of films with both rarity and variety,” said co-director Gary Meyer. “We have a sophisticated audience at Telluride and he has met the challenge and exceeded our highest expectations.”

Payne won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe in 2005 for Best Screenplay for the film SIDEWAYS. Another of Payne’s acclaimed works, ABOUT SCHMIDT, earned Jack Nicholson an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Payne’s film credits also include ELECTION and CITIZEN RUTH. Upcoming projects include HUNG and FORK IN THE ROAD.

“I have had the pleasure of knowing Alexander for many years – from the time he was a Stanford student who came to see rare films at the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley and throughout his career,” said co-director Tom Luddy. “I have long admired his work and his obvious love of the art of film. Our partnership with him on this year’s Festival has been seamless.”

Julie Huntsinger, the Festival’s Managing Director adds, “In addition to his inspired film selections, Alexander's wit and enthusiasm will captivate our audience. We are thrilled he'll join us this year.”

Past Guest Directors include Salman Rushdie, Buck Henry, Laurie Anderson, Stephen Sondheim, Peter Sellars, Don DeLillo, Phillip Lopate, J.P. Gorin, Edith Kramer and Slavoj Zizek.

In keeping with Telluride Film Festival tradition, Payne’s film selections, along with the rest of the Telluride program will be kept secret and unveiled on Opening Day, September 4, 2009.