Seven Critically Acclaimed Features from AFI FEST 2008 Come to the Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs
Posted by editor@vimooz.com on October 31, 2008 under Documentary, Film Festival, Foreign Film | 
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The American Film Institute (AFI) and Camelot Theatres will once again join forces to present the ninth annual “AFI PALM SPRINGS SHOWCASE.” Seven award-winning and critically acclaimed films from the 2008 AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival (AFI FEST) will be screened beginning Friday, November 14 and continuing through Sunday, November 16, 2008. AFI FEST Artistic Director Rose Kuo said of the program, “We are honored to present these diverse and innovative films from emerging talent as well as masters at our annual showcase in the Camelot Theatres.”
The seven films selected range from DOUBT, directed by John Patrick Shanley, who brings his Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play to the screen, to Director Erick Zonca’s JULIA, a story about an alcoholic who kidnaps a child, starring Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton.
AFI FEST presented by Audi, is the longest-running film festival in Los Angeles and one of the most influential film festivals in North America. Each year the Festival presents one of the world’s most anticipated showcases of international film, demonstrating AFI’s commitment to celebrating the art form. This year, a portion of the proceeds from the Palm Springs Showcase event will benefit the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
Tickets for all screenings will be on-sale beginning October 31: $10 for adults, $9 for Seniors, and an “All Access” pass is available for $55. For more information, please contact the Camelot Theatres box office at 760/325-6565 or visit www.camelottheatres.com.
THE LINEUP INCLUDES:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 – 7:30 PM
DOUBT Director: John Patrick Shanley
John Patrick Shanley brings his Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play to the screen as a gripping story about the quest for truth, the forces of change, and the devastating consequences of blind justice in an age defined by moral conviction. Starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 – 1:00 PM
THE CLASS Director: Laurent Cantet
This Palme d’Or-winning tale of a young teacher in a tough, multiracial Paris high school uses a documentary-like approach to explore the themes of redemption, tough love, and community dynamics, with Cantet (HEADING SOUTH) finding the delicate balance between grit and inspiration. Stars Francois Begaudeau, Nassim Amrabt, Laura Baguela, Cherif Bounaidja Rachedi. (French with English subtitles)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 – 4:00 PM
OF ALL OF THE THINGS Director: Jody Lambert
In the 1970s, songwriter Dennis Lambert had four songs in the top 100 at once, a feat previously accomplished only by the Beatles. Now retired, and selling real estate, Lambert’s discovery of an unlikely cult following-in the Philippines!! -lures him back on tour. This hilarious doc captures every note.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 – 7:30 PM
THE KINSEY SICKS: ALMOST INFAMOUS Director: Ken Bielenberg
ALMOST INFAMOUS takes us backstage with The Kinsey Sicks, a spellbinding drag a cappella performance troupe that has become a phenomenon in the U.S. and abroad. We glimpse the depth, humor and political savvy of the guys behind the girls, as they head to Las Vegas for an opened-run and a shot at infamy. But is Las Vegas ready for The Kinsey Sicks’ brand of edgy, raunchy and ruthlessly honest material? The documentary is a roller coaster ride of concert footage, archival performance footage and “confession cam” interviews that take us behind-the-scenes as the group fights for their artistic freedom, their relationships and their sanity, as they make their way to opening night in Sin City. Featuring Ben Schatz, Irwin Keller, Chris Dilley, and Jeff Manabat.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – 1:00 PM
EVERLASTING MOMENTS Director: Jan Troll
Sweden’s greatest living filmmaker affectionately tells the poignant story of a woman who, to help cope with her at-times brutal family life, turns to photography. “The pictures take me over,” she tells her friend, as she snaps photos that put her, for at least the flash of the shutter, in control of her world. Stars Maria Heiskanen, Mikael Persbrandt, and Jesper Christensen.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – 4:00 PM
TWO LOVERS Director: James Gray
A suicidal young man (Phoenix) is caught between two women: the daughter of his father’s business associate (Shaw), and a gorgeous blonde socialite (Paltrow). With its sincerity and rich characters, this very modern ode to the complications of romance radiates a streak of Golden Age Hollywood moviemaking. Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Isabella Rossellini, Joaquin Phoenix, and Elias Koteas.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 – 7:30 PM
JULIA Director: Erick Zonca
Moving easily between the most challenging art films and mainstream movies, always bringing intelligence, passion and a psychological edge to her roles, Tilda Swinton has proven herself one of the most versatile, compelling performers of her generation.