September 23-29, 2019 Wheeler Opera House | Aspen Isis Theatre | Aspen Crystal Theatre | Carbondale @aspenfilm #filmfest40 aspenfilm.org 2 Filmfest 2019 Official Program Guide | aspenfilm.org welcome LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD ASPEN FILM LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Hello and welcome to our 40th anniversary Filmfest! TO BOB RAFELSON FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE CINEMATIC ARTS I am gratified to be heading into my third consecutive year with Aspen Film. It is incredible that this organization has been creating inspiring cinematic experiences The tradition of Aspen Film began 40 years ago when our founder, in Aspen and beyond for four decades now. And it’s all thanks to you, our incredi- Ellen Hunt, had a vision for a small-scale but inspiring festival emphasiz- ble members, patrons and audiences. Thank you for supporting us and our mission ing an independent spirit. In its early days, Aspen Filmfest focused on to enlighten, enrich, educate and entertain through film! the work of American independent directors, but soon broadened its lineup to include the work of ground-breaking foreign directors as well. We’re incredibly proud of this year’s program, which focuses very much on family, Four decades later, we continue to showcase work from world-class artistry, perseverance and change-making, particularly in the face of adversity. independent filmmakers. The characters and subjects in our slate of 23 films are all heroes in their own To commemorate our 40th anniversary, we are presenting our first-ever right, illuminating new ways of helping, healing and enlightening a community or Aspen Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in the Cinematic the world in general. Our films present artists, performers and regular people who Arts to Bob Rafelson — renegade and ground-breaking director, pro- have brought about social change through their actions and passion. My take- ducer, and writer whose career spans four decades. away having curated this year’s program is that each of us has the ability to make Rafelson, an Aspen local for the past 40 years, is credited with a difference and bring about positive change, even if that begins with affecting launching the careers of Bruce Dern, Jessica Lange, Sally Field, Arnold one person at a time. One of the most amazing aspects of cinema is its ability to Schwarzenegger, and Jennifer Lopez by giving them their first serious shine a light and stimulate dialogue, which often leads to some transformation. film roles. Jack Nicholson attributes Rafelson with boosting his career, having “saved him from cheap exploitation movies”. Many of our films have found their way to Aspen after premiering and winning awards at notable festivals around the world. Several of our documentaries are His protean skills as an artist and filmmaker, along with his innate abili- discoveries and we are lucky enough to share these with you as they begin their ty to identify talent set Rafelson apart, as did his unflinching approach festival journeys. We are also fortunate to have so many filmmakers coming to to filmmaking. He immersed himself in his work and refused to ever town to talk about their work, and in a couple of instances, go in-depth about compromise his vision. tackling certain subjects, or evolution that has come about for them or their Filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola, Quentin Tarantino, Peter Bog- subjects in the making of these docs. donavich and Wes Anderson extol his style and commitment to what he perceived as an overly obsessive perfection with his work. It is his I am honored to be able to bring this caliber of film to our valley, knowing how independent spirit and resolute style which stand out and make him a much our audience appreciates world-class storytelling. I hope you too will be as true original. inspired, stimulated and encouraged by our program as I am. Aspen Film salutes Bob Rafelson. We hope the foundation that In honor of our 40th anniversary, we are ecstatic to recognize one of Aspen’s nota- he established in the motion pictures carries on through another ble talents with Aspen Film’s first Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Rafelson. generation. Bob was the first recipient of Aspen Film’s Independent by Nature Award back Congratulations on a most defined cinematic career - we are As- in 1999, so twenty years later, it is only appropriate that we bestow this award pen-proud to have a filmmaker of your caliber in our midst. on such a gifted, unique and masterful artist of our time. [Don’t miss Rafelson’s MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON (1991) which will close out the festival.] Wednesday, September 25th This year’s week-long event promises something for everyone. We encourage you to come see as much as you can. As an organization, Aspen Film endeavors Tribute and conversation led by a Special Guest to help transform its movie-going public. Our year-round events, series and 5pm at the Wheeler Opera House educational programs are presented to bring new voices and perspectives to this curious and engaged community. Our goal is to help provide a different glimpse or $25 Aspen Film Members a new view. $30 General Admission We hope that what is presented over this week of cinema sparks something in you. Post Tribute Dinner at L’Hostaria 620 East Hyman Ave., Aspen See you at the movies! 7pm $150 Aspen Film Member (includes Tribute ticket) $175 General Admission (includes Tribute ticket) Susan Wrubel aspenfilm.org/rafelson-tribute Executive + Artistic Director 2019 Filmfest Official Program Guide | aspenfilm.org 3 FILMFEST at a glance ASPEN MON SEP 23 TUE SEP 24 WED SEP 25 THU SEP 26 FRI SEP 27 SAT SEP 28 SUN SEP 29 FANTASTIC FUNGI PANEL DISCUSSION MOVING STORIES CHANGING THE GAME PANEL DISCUSSION PANEL DISCUSSION THE MUPPET MOVIE 3:00pm 10:30am 12:00pm 12:00pm 10:30am 10:30am 11:00am Isis Theatre Here House Isis Theatre Isis Theatre Here House Here House Wheeler Opera House 81 MIN THE MAGIC BENEATH US: 85 MIN 90 MIN CRACKED UP THE MOVIE: CHANGEMAKERS RISING 95 MIN Q&A TO FOLLOW MYCELIUM & MUSHROOMS LETTING THE LIGHT IN UP: GET CONNECTED, TAKE PICTURE OF HIS LIFE MUSEUM TOWN ACTION, MAKE A DIFFERENCE OPENING SERENDIPITY 2:30pm 2:30pm WeRiseUP: THE MOUNTAINS NIGHT RECEPTION 12:00pm Isis Theatre Isis Theatre FUTURE OF HUMANITY THE TIMES OF OF THE MOON 5:30pm Isis Theatre 72 MIN 76 MIN 12:00PM BILL CUNNINGHAM 2:00pm Wheeler Opera House 76 MIN Q&A TO FOLLOW Isis Theatre 12:00pm Wheeler Opera House Private Reception for 40th ANNIVERSARY 90 MIN Isis Theatre WHAT WILL THE INVISIBLE LIFE OF 136 MIN Aspen Film Members, TRIBUTE: Q&A TO FOLLOW 74 MIN BECOME OF US WORLD PREMIERE Official Festival Guests, BOB RAFELSON EURÍDICE GUSMÃO Q&A TO FOLLOW 2:00pm 4:45pm and Filmfest Volunteers 5:00pm PORTRAIT OF A SHOW ME THE Isis Theatre Wheeler Opera House Wheeler Opera House A HIDDEN LIFE 72 MIN 139 MIN LADY ON FIRE PICTURE: THE STORY 7:00pm JOJO RABBIT PORTUGESE W/ 2:30pm OF JIM MARSHALL JUDY Wheeler Opera House 8:00pm ENGLISH SUBTITLES Isis Theatre 2:00pm 5:00pm 173 MIN Wheeler Opera House 120 MIN Isis Theatre Wheeler Opera House CRACKED UP 108 MIN FRENCH W/ 92 MIN 118 MIN 8:00pm ENGLISH SUBTITLES Wheeler Opera House HONEY BOY THE REPORT PARASITE 95 MIN 4:30pm 5:00pm 7:45pm Q&A TO FOLLOW Wheeler Opera House Wheeler Opera House Wheeler Opera House 93 MIN 121 MIN 119 MIN KOREAN W/ THE LAUNDROMAT SEBERG ENGLISH SUBTITLES 7:00pm 8:00pm Wheeler Opera House Wheeler Opera House 95 MIN 96 MIN CLOSING NIGHT PARTY 9:00pm Location: TBA SCREENING venues CARBONDALE FRI SEP 27 SAT SEP 28 SUN SEP 29 WHEELER OPERA HOUSE 320 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen PICTURE OF HIS LIFE CHANGING THE GAME THE TIMES OF 7:00pm 5:00pm BILL CUNNINGHAM Crystal Theatre Crystal Theatre 4:00pm ISIS THEATRE 72 MIN 90 MIN Crystal Theatre 74 MIN 406 East Hopkins Avenue, Aspe CRACKED UP 7:00pm Crystal Theatre MUSEUM TOWN CRYSTAL THEATRE 95 MIN 5:45pm 427 Main Street, Carbondale Crystal Theatre 76 MIN how to fest PASSES SINGLE TICKETS RUSH TICKETS We strongly recommend purchasing tickets in advance In the case of a sold-out screen- VIP PASS ing, Aspen Film will make any Available to Aspen Film Visionary + Benefactor Level Members; includes unlim- through the Wheeler Opera House Box Office in person, by unfilled seats available for sale ited entry for two (2) to all Aspen Film festivals, year-round membership and phone (970.920.5770) or online (aspenshowtix.com), and at 5 minutes prior to the start of guaranteed reserved seats bearing your name for all screenings. Bonfire Coffee, 427 Main Street, Carbondale (970.510.5327), for all Carbondale shows. Single tickets to Filmfest are $25 each film. The rush line forms at PRIORITY PASS for General Admission and $20 for Aspen Film members, the venue 30 minutes prior to Available to Aspen Film Star + Producer Level Members; includes a year-round except for Opening and Closing Night Wheeler Opera each screening. Rush tickets are membership; Stars receive access to seating in a special reserved section for all House shows which are $30 for General Admission and $25 $25 for General Admission and screenings; Producers receive access to the best available seating 30 minutes for Aspen Film members. $20 for Aspen Film members before showtime. except for Opening and Closing TICKETS FOR PANEL DISCUSSIONS are FREE for Aspen Night Wheeler Opera House 40TH ANNIVERSARY PRIORITY PASS Film and Here House members, and $10 for general public.