Timed to a rainbow of changing fall foliage, Aspen Filmfest’s 28th edition kicks off September 26 – October 1 at Aspen’s historic Wheeler Opera House, Carbondale’s Crystal Theatre, and the Springs Theatre in Glenwood Springs.

Considered this mountain resort’s favorite fall party, Aspen Filmfest attracts movie lovers from around the country eager to preview some of the season’s most anticipated releases, alongside acclaimed hits from the international festival circuit. They will also enjoy Aspen Filmfest’s annual centerpiece, the Independent by Nature Award. Recent tributes have celebrated such film luminaries as Rob Reiner, Michael Douglas, Anjelica Huston and William H. Macy. Other special presentations including a family program round out the program.

Discussing Aspen Filmfest’s growth, executive director Laura Thielen observes: “Increasingly, we’re becoming a destination festival for people seeking a high quality mix of features, documentaries, and special presentations in a truly spectacular setting. For many movie lovers, Filmfest offers the key ingredients of a wonderful time: great movies, great restaurants and lodges, and magical scenery. Our audience treasures Filmfest as a ‘small town’ event in the best, most genuine sense of the word — we’re manageable, affordable, and above all, convivial and fun.”

Recent Aspen Filmfest audiences have had the pleasure of mingling with actors and directors like Kathy Bates, Felicity Huffman, Sydney Pollock (Tootsie), Bob Rafelson (Five Easy Pieces), and William Friedkin (The French Connection). Morgan Spurlock (SuperSize Me), Zana Briski (Born Into Brothels), and Jeff Katz (Spellbound) are just a few who have brought their documentaries to Aspen in advance of receiving Oscar accolades. Filmfest participants have been among the first to see critical hits like Capote, Transamerica, The Squid and the Whale, The Station Agent, The Best of Youth, Motorcycle Diaries, Tarnation, and more.

The complete festival program will be announced right after Labor Day. Tickets go on sale September 19 through the Wheeler Box Office in Aspen and other locations. For more information on this and other Aspen Filmfest events and programs, please visit www.aspenfilm.org.


A non-profit organization presenting festivals, film series, and youth education programs year-round, Aspen Filmfest is made possible in part by the generosity of the Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine Kaye Foundation, City of Aspen and Reel People: The Friends of Aspen Filmfest. For more information on Aspen Filmfest and its programs, please contact 970.925.6882 or visit www.aspenfilm.org.