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April 15, 2009

Salem Film Festival begins Friday

(Press release)

A heady blend of creative and cinematic excellence comes to Salem April 17-26 with the fourth annual Salem Film Festival, which will treat moviegoers to a kaleidoscopic selection of 70 films and visits from some 40 filmmakers.

Among the highlights is a grand opening night April 17 with director Jeff Lipsky showcasing his latest feature, "Once More With Feeling," a romantic drama starring Chazz Palminteri and Linda Forentino.

Also coming opening weekend will be Oscar-winning documentary director Megan Mylan, with her winning film "Smile Pinki," and director Irene Taylor Brodsky with her documentary "The Final Inch." Both filmmakers have Oregon roots.

The opening weekend also features illustrious cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and director James Chressanthis with the director's debut film, the documentary "No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo (Kovacs) & Vilmos." Zsigmond and Chressanthis will be part of "A Celebration of Cinematography," an Arpil 18 forum on cinematography. Other highlights include a NW Emerging Artist Feature and Shorts Competition and an April 24 evening with clay animation guru Bruck Bickford, whose collaboration with Frank Zappa is explored in the documentary "Monster Road." Bickford's new animated release, "Cas'l," will include live musical accompaniment by Salem musicians.

Animated films, features, American and foreign films, documentaries and shorts are part of the festival, which includes several Oregon and Northwest premieres.

Many films will have two showings, with filmmakers appearing for Q&A sessions with their films on weekends.

A local highlight of the festival is the opening of its new venue, a new three-screen Salem Cinema at 1127 Broadway NE, part of the new Broadway Town Square development. The theater, owned by festival coordinator Loretta Miles, features rocking chair seats, Art Deco fixtures with a Cirque du Soleil flair and new projection equipment. The theater, which replaces a one-screen facility, will open with the festival. Some opening weekend films will be shown at the Grand Theatre, a historic theater at 191 High St. NE.

Admission ranges from $8 a film to $125 for a 10-Day All-Access VIP Pass, including priority seating, opening night festivities, all parties and receptions and exclusive backstage access to the Filmmakers' Lounge. Other ticket options include a $60 Weekend Pass.

More information is available at http://www.salemfilmfestival.com or at info@salemfilmfestival.com.

Advance tickets are now on sale at Travel Salem, 181 High St. NE, and online at www.boxofficetickets.com. A small service charge applies. Advance tickets are available until two days before the festival. After that, tickets will be available at the Grand and Salem Cinema.

Posted by hustons at April 15, 2009 9:45 AM