Running over six days and one weekend, the 11th annual CineVegas film festival, starting this Wednesday, June 10, at the Brenden Theatres inside the Palms in Las Vegas offers a broader range of movie screening opportunities than ever before, providing something for every discriminating taste and style, from world premieres to sneak previews of independent film features that will be soon playing in theatres around the country.
If that’s not enough, many seminars, parties, and A-list celebrity awards are also on tap, offering participants the opportunity to rub elbows with some of the best filmmakers in the country.
Not surprisingly, Las Vegas itself plays a major role in several of the world premiere movie selections.
Although there are way too many movies and events to list here, Las Vegas Backstage Access has put together our best picks, listed in date chronological order:
Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.
“Saint John of Las Vegas” Opening night world premiere movie starring Steve Buscemi as a gambling-addicted Albuquerque insurance adjustor, who returns to the scene of his temptation to investigate a fraud case, encountering a variety of offbeat characters, including a wheelchair-bound stripper and a human torch.
Thursday, June 11 at 3:00 p.m. & Sunday, June 14 at 1:00 p.m.
“Vegas: Based on a True Story,” from Iranian director Amir Naderi, the movie focuses on ex-gamblers trying to keep their family out of trouble- until the temptation of finding cash in the desert proves too irresistible.
Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Friday, June 12 at 12:30 p.m.
“All In: The Poker Movie,” is a documentary world premiere movie that was filmed in Las Vegas that focuses on poker as “a way to chase the American dream,” according to director Douglas Tirola.
Saturday, June 13 at 5:30 p.m.
“Thor at the Bus Stop,” is a U.S. premiere movie all about a Norse god that finds himself in a Southern Nevada suburb trying to save the world.
Sunday, June 14 at 3 p.m.
Willem Dafoe receives Vanguard Actor Award
Sunday, June 14 at 5 p.m.
Filmmakers and Honorees Awards Ceremony & Reception at Rain Nightclub inside the Palms. In addition to awards to Jon Voight, Willem Dafoe and the Kuchar Brothers, Jenova Chen and Kellee Santiago will receive the Planet Illogica Award for New Media.
Sunday, June 14 at midnight:
“Lookin’ to Get Out,” is a totally revamped version of Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight’s 1982 made-in Las Vegas comedy movie filmed at the original MGM Grand (now Bally’s), which director Hal Ashby recut and donated to the film archives of the University of California, Los Angeles just before his 1988 death. Voight will also receive the Marquee Award that accompanies the screening.
Movie screenings listed here are at the Brenden Theatres at the Palms. Individual screening tickets are $10, except for Wednesday’s opening movie premiere of “Saint John of Las Vegas,” which is $25. Festival movie screening passes range form $40 to $500, with Las Vegas, senior, student and military discount packages available. Tickets may be purchased at the CineVegas box office at the Palms, or online at www.cinevegas.com or by phone 888-883-4278.
Be sure to check out prior January 6, April 25 and May 29 Las Vegas Backstage Access articles on the CineVegas film festival.
Vegas Backstage Access (VBA) 