2009 Vail Film Festival Announces Film Hightlights, Tributes, and Sponsors
The Colorado Film Institute today announced tributes and film highlights for the 2009 Vail Film Festival, taking place April 2 - 5, 2009 at America's top-rated ski resort in Vail, Colorado.

VAIL, CO, March 25, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The Colorado Film Institute today announced tributes and film highlights for the 2009 Vail Film Festival, taking place April 2 - 5, 2009 at America's top-rated ski resort in Vail, Colorado.

Filmmaker Kevin Smith (CLERKS, CHASING AMY, ZACK & MIRI) will receive the Renegade Award, and Actor Michelle Monaghan (MADE OF HONOR, EAGLE EYE) will receive the Excellence in Acting Award.

The Festival opens on Thursday, April 2nd with TRUCKER, directed by James Mottern, starring Michelle Monaghan, and Benjamin Bratt.

WEATHER GIRL, directed by Blayne Wilson, and starring Tricia O'Kelley, Mark Harmon and Kaitlin Olson, screens as the closing film on Saturday, April 4.

Other film highlights include Karen Kingsbury's Like Dandelion Dust, based on the best selling novel, from director Jon Gunn, starring Mira Sorvino, Barry Pepper, Cole Hauser, THE DISAPPEARED, directed by Johnny Kevorkian, Bill Plympton's award-winning animated feature, IDIOTS AND ANGELS, TRUE ADOLESCENTS, directed by Craig Johnson, starring Mark Duplass and Academy Award nominated Melissa Leo, and GOSPEL HILL, directed by Giancarlo Esposito and starring Angela Bassett, Danny Glover, Julia Stiles, and Giancarlo Esposito.

Besides films, the festival will feature panels, an awards ceremony, Live Music, and VIP parties. The festival will once again host LA's acclaimed Hotel Cafe, presented by Vail Racquet Club, featuring award-winning musicians Cary Brothers, Buddy, Laura Jansen, and Holly Conlan.

Sponsors of the Vail Film Festival
MetaFoundry is the presenting sponsor of the Vail Film Festival, and also serves as the festival's marketing agency of record. Stella Artois returns as the official beer of the Festival and the presenter of the Opening Night Party. The Town of Vail returns as a premiere sponsor. Lufthansa presents the German Film Showcase, featuring BERLIN CALLING and BEST AREA. Canadian Club Whiskey and Vodka 14 will be served as the official liquors, while the Colorado Film Commission will present the Colorado Film Showcase, with SAG Indie presenting the Student Film Showcase.

About Vail Film Festival
The Vail Film Festival promotes independent film and independent filmmakers. Passes incorporate a combination of movies, filmmaker panels, galas and music, with discounts on skiing for passholders. For information: www.vailfilmfestival.org or call (970) 476-1092.

Press Release Contact Information:

Megen Musegades
Colorado Film Institute
Associate Director
1790 30th Street, Ste. 440
Boulder, CO
USA 80301
Voice: 970-476-1092
Fax: 646-349-1767
Website: Visit Our Website