BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. – June 3 – Established in 1981, the Breckenridge Festival of Film is one of the oldest film festivals in the country. The festival boasts an incredible Indie presence – perhaps taking a cue from the independent spirits of the miners and gold seekers who settled in Breckenridge in 1859 – 150 years ago. The Breckenridge Festival of Film returns Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, June 14, 2009 to celebrate the art of filmmaking.

 

This year’s event features 62 independent dramas, short dramas, comedies, short comedies and documentaries films. It also is a showcase for young student talent, an arena for gay and lesbian topics, and a focus on spiritual and Latin films. Independent filmmakers from all across the country and the world attend the four-day event.

 

In addition, the festival plays host to an impressive list of Hollywood premieres; past notables include KungFu Panda (2009 Academy Award winner for Best Animated Film), La Vie en Rose (featuring actress Marion Cotillard, winner of the 2008 Academy Award for Best Actress, and winner of the 2008 Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy) and Babel (the 2006 Golden Globe winner and Academy Award nominee for Best Picture).

 

Each year, the Breckenridge Festival of Film is hosted by none other than WNBC-TV Film Critic and “Reel Talk” co-host Jeffrey Lyons, along with his son Ben Lyons, the E! Network Daily Top 10’s film critic. More than 80 Hollywood luminaries have appeared in Breckenridge over the past 28 years, including Thomas Haden Church, Donald Sutherland, Jon Voight, Michael York, Connie Nielsen, Eva Marie Saint, Alan Arkin, Lou Diamond Phillips, Jon Favreau and the late Rod Steiger. This year is no exception; AnnaSophia Robb will be on-hand for the showing of her film, Race to Witch Mountain, on Saturday, June 13 at 3 p.m.

 

In addition to independent films and premiere events, the Breckenridge Festival of Film features the University of Colorado (CU) Film Studies program. This year’s topics for discussion will be dedicated to Breckenridge’s 150^th anniversary,  Now & then: re-imagining the American West:  3:10 to Yuma 1957, and 3:10 to Yuma 2007, and a Summit High School Film.

 

The festival also showcases Breckenridge, Colo. This fascinating town, the largest historic district in Colorado, was established in 1859 as a Victorian mining town. Breckenridge celebrates its 150^th anniversary this year with special events and festivities planned throughout the summer. In addition to its rich history and mining culture the town also offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, shopping and dining activities. 

 

The Breckenridge Festival of Film is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. Funding for the festival comes from local public and private grants, sponsorships, fundraising events, individual contributions, in-kind assistance, and revenue from tickets and merchandise. More than 150 individual volunteers, four local theaters and other venues are involved in this annual event. Breckenridge is located 80 miles west of Denver International Airport via Interstate 70.

 

Prices for the event range from $10 for individual tickets to $199 for an all-access pass, making the festival – including premieres – a very affordable option. Breckenridge Festival of Film movie tickets go even further this year as guests get two for the price of one ticket for any film before 6 p.m. Share with a friend or watch two movies before 6 p.m. for the price of one ticket. All tickets are available for purchase online at www.breckfilmfest.com.

 

The Breckenridge Festival of Film offers a great “voluntourism” opportunity for film buffs. Volunteer at one of the theaters during the Film Fest for a three-hour movie block and receive one free movie ticket per three-hour volunteer session (volunteers can also watch the movies showing during their shift). To volunteer for the festival, call 970-453-6200. Volunteers are also invited to the volunteer party at Fatty's Pizzeria in Breckenridge on Thursday, June 4th from 5 - 7 p.m. with free pizza & beer.

 

Breckenridge Festival of Film lodging rates from ResortQuest Breckenridge start at $95 per room per night. ResortQuest is also offering an exceptional value with its VIP Lodging Package, including lodging in a one-bedroom condo at at BlueSky Breckenridge, the resort’s newest luxury property, starting at $191 per night. The package includes the option to purchase Peak Ten “All-Access” passes to the festival for a discounted rate of $175 per pass. Four “Punch Passes” are also available for $34.00. For lodging reservations and information call ResortQuest Breckenridge at 800-627-2973 and reference Code # INT BFF.

 

For more information about the 29^th Annual Breckenridge Festival of Film visit www.breckfilmfest.com or call 970-453-6200.

 

###