As a big time movie fan, I always look forward to film festivals: Sundance, CineVegas, etc. I love them all. The Red Rock Film Festival is of particular interest because it happens to be right in our own backyard.

This outstanding festival resides in Springdale, a charming little town nestled right outside the breathtaking Zion Canyon. It is this very same spot Robert Redford initially chose for the Sundance Film Festival over 30 years ago. Ultimately, that legendary movie showcase would find its home in Park City, making way for the eventual birth of The Red Rock Film Festival.

The Red Rock Film Festival runs November 12-15. While the bulk of the festivities will take place in Springdale, there will be a couple of RRFF events happening in St. George. A majority of the films will screen multiple times over the four day run, and many of the directors and cast members are expected to attend.

RRFF co-founder and Events Director Matt Marxteyn promises a wide range of films from all over the globe. He and his crew want to encourage serious movie fans and casual filmgoers to come out and see what this young but passionate festival has to offer. He promises a little something for everyone. And because the festival is still relatively new, you won’t have to endure long hours in line to get into a screening. In fact, tickets are readily available now at the festival website.

For more information on The Red Rock Film Festival, including ticket sales, package deals, scheduling, venues, parties, and extensive film descriptions, log onto www.redrockfilmfestival.com. In the meantime, here are some noteworthy titles playing the festival:

 

NOVEMBER 12, ZION FLIX 1: OPENING NIGHT SHORTS, 7:15 P.M., RED CLIFFS CINEMA (LOCATED BEHIND RED CLIFFS MALL IN ST. GEORGE) 

The Red Rock Film Festival kicks off four days of independent cinema with a special opening night ceremony and a Short Film Showcase at Red Cliffs Cinema, including: A Film From My Parish: 6 Farms, Inukshuk, Far Sighted, The Bake Shop Ghost, Blue Boy, and Free Lunch.

 

NOVEMBER 12: SPEED DATING, 9:30 P.M., RED CLIFFS CINEMA

The story of an individual so unlucky in love that he tries his hand at speed dating only to find that he doesn't generate much success there either.

 

OTHER RED ROCK FILM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:

 

DOCUMENTARIES: 

 

SIGNS OF THE TIME 

An entertaining piece that explores the history of hand signals used in Major League Baseball.

 

BICYCLE DREAMS

An intense exposé on cross-country bicycling and how an awful accident affects the lives of these driven individuals.

 

EVERY SECOND COUNTS 

A glimpse into the 2009 Cross Fit Games and those startling athletes who put themselves through a tough workout regime in preparation for the big event.

 

FEATURES:

 

HOW I GOT LOST 

A character-driven love story set to the backdrop of 9/11.

 

THE FULL PICTURE 

The story of a man who’s afraid of commitment due to emotional turmoil stemming from the disintegration of his parents' marriage.

 

YOUNG FILM MAKER SHORTS SHOWCASE 

This shorts session will feature a handful of films made by high school students. The Young Film Maker Shorts Showcase is always exciting because it features projects from filmmakers who are just starting out. Included in the Young Film Maker Showcase: a few select titles from St. George's recent Guerilla Film Making Competition (Carved, Killer Queen, and Guerilla Warfare). Titles subject to change.

 

SPECIAL PANELS:

 

TRIBUTE TO DIRECTOR GRAEME CLIFFORD 

Graeme Clifford may best be known for his auspicious directorial debut, Frances, starring Jessica Lange. He also directed Gleaming the Cube, a Christian Slater skateboarding thriller that's garnered quite the cult status. Clifford started out as an editor on several noteworthy projects including Robert Altman's Images, The Postman Always Rings Twice, The Man Who Fell to Earth, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Join the Red Rock Film Festival as they salute this outstanding filmmaker.

 

ACTING PANEL 

Sit back and listen to professional actors discuss their craft and give insight into everything from embodying a character to the difference between stage and screen. The panel will include Deborah Geffner (A Chorus Line, Star 80, and All That Jazz) and Jai Koutrae (Dark Island, Point of View).

 

In addition to the previously mentioned events and film screenings, there will be several short films as well as a handful of exceptional animated titles for your viewing pleasure.

Come on out, enjoy the sights and sounds of the breathtaking Zion Canyon, and take in a movie courtesy of RRFF. Again, for more information, log onto redrockfilmfestival.com.

We hope to see you at the festival!

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