# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
2015
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# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
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The Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) is an annual celebration of the finest new films enjoyed along with wine country’s incomparable food, wine and hospitality. NVFF takes place from Tuesday (Sneak Preview Night) through Sunday (Closing Night) in screening, hospitality and special event venues clustered in the four walkable villages of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga.
This year’s festival will include: ·· 4 villages & 12 screening venues ·· 120 new independent film and likely awards season contenders ·· 400 filmmakers, industry power players and celebrities ·· 150 wineries & 30 chefs ·· Red Carpet screenings, Q&As with the filmmakers, panel discussions ·· Culinary demonstrations, wine tasting, winemaker dinners ·· Blowout parties, filmmaker and celebrity tributes, juried and audience awards ·· Student education programs, including INSPIRE 2015 and filmmakers-in-the-schools
# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
Festival At A Glance
The flow of this year’s festival is as follows:
“Enjoying dinner with Kevin Costner and his lovely bride was the highlight of our festival.”
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TUESDAY, November 10, Sneak Preview Night WEDNESDAY, November 11, Opening Night THURSDAY, November 12, Festival Gala Night FRIDAY, November 13, Celebrity Tribute Night SATURDAY, November 14, Vintner Circle Dinner Night SUNDAY, November 15, Closing Night
The festival and its year-round programs are produced by the non-profit 501c3 Napa Valley Film Festival organization based in Napa, California.
— FOUNDING PATRONS AND MOVIE MOGULS
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# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
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Elevate your experience by joining our exclusive Patron Circle, a group of old and new friends enjoying the most intimate access to and interactions with filmmakers, industry power players and celebrities, along with Napa Valley's finest food, wine and hospitality.
BEYOND THE VELVET ROPE Never wait in lines, concierge service, private lounges and parties.
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
Introducing: The Patron Circle Where our celebrities and industry power players are, so are you.
DISCOVER NEW TALENT Meet up-and-coming writers, directors, actors and producers.
BEST FOOD, WINE & HOSPITALITY Dinners, galas, tributes, awards…accompanied always with Napa Valley’s finest.
THE INNER CIRCLE
“Each year I’ve attended as a patron has been better than the year before and I always know it’s going to be a terrific experience.” — THREE-YEAR PATRON
Be the first to know. Support and engage with our mission year-round. To customize your Patron Circle experience, choose from one of three levels of inspiration, indulgence and support. The benefits for each of our three Patron Circle levels are outlined on pages 12-13. Join the NVFF Patron Circle - it’ll be the best decision you’ll make all year. The following pages take you on a guided tour of what’s in store for 2015.
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# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience # N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
First Look First Look & Festival Eve
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 - FIRST LOOK 4:30pm – 7:00pm | City Winery, Napa If you are in the area 10 days before the festival begins, join us as Patron Circle and Vintner Circle members come together to break bread, drink great wine, and get the inside scoop on “how best to fest.” NVFF Founders and Directors, Brenda and Marc Lhormer, answer your questions and share a behind the scenes look at what not to miss, how to navigate the festival, breaking news and more. City Winery, Napa.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 - SNEAK PREVIEW NIGHT 5:30pm | Cameo Cinema, St. Helena You’ll get a jump on the festival enjoying a private preview screening of The 33 (about the trapped coal-miners in Chile and starring Antonio Banderas, James Brolin and Juliette Binoche), at the glorious 102 year-old Cameo Cinema, St. Helena.
7:30pm – 10:00pm | Caldwell Snyder Gallery, St. Helena After the screening, meet the filmmakers competing in our Narrative and Documentary Competitions and serving as Artists-in-Residence at the nearby Caldwell Snyder Gallery. Our new Meet-The Artists Reception is an intimate party that promises inspired conversations, great wine, and tasty cuisine courtesy of Estate Events by Meadowood, all on the eve of the Festival.
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continue the day-by-day experience
November 11
SCREENINGS 9:00am – 5:00pm Enjoy screenings throughout the day.
RED CARPET SCREENING OF CAROL 1:00pm | Uptown Theatre, Napa Carol, another dissection of social conventions from auteur Director Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven, Velvet Goldmine) featuring knockout performances by stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
LANDFILLHARMONIC - A 2015 INSPIRE PRESENTATION 1:30pm | Lincoln Theater, Yountville A moving documentary about kids in Paraguay who learn to play classical music on instruments made from trash. Members of The Recycled Orchestra perform live after the screening.
OPENING NIGHT WORLD PREMIERE 5:00pm | Uptown Theatre, Napa World Premiere of Somm: Into the Bottle, the highly anticipated sequel to Somm, the documentary sensation that world premiered to open NVFF 2012. Only Patron Circle members, top sponsors and invited VIP guests gain access to this very special screening and the party that follows.
# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
Wednesday
OPENING NIGHT PART Y 7:30pm – 10:00pm | Napa Riverfront Promenade Celebrate the world premiere of Somm: Into the Bottle and Opening Night of NVFF with the subjects from the movie, visiting sommeliers, film industry guests, celebrities, and top sponsors. The Party takes place steps from the Uptown Theatre at the Napa Riverfront Promenade, home of NVFF’s culinary demonstration stage, wine pavilion, Stella Artois beer garden and interactive festival sponsor exhibits. Expect great food, over-the-top varietals from the Valley’s most exclusive vintners, lively conversation and entertainment. This will be the party of the year for those who appreciate the art of making and drinking very fine wine.
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# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
Thursday
November 12
SCREENINGS & PANELS, FOOD & WINE 9:00am – 5:00pm Enjoy screenings, panels, culinary demonstrations, wine tastings throughout the day. VARIET Y PRESENTS 10 TO TASTE 11:00am – 1:00pm | Napa Riverfront Promenade Patron Circle members and Pass Plus holders are invited to an exclusive tasting sponsored by Food Network and Cooking Channel. Rising Star Chefs create innovative dishes to pair with iconic films. Rub shoulders with celebrities, including Chef Bobby Flay (Throwdown! With Bobby Flay, Iron Chef) and Lee Schrager, founder of the New York and South Beach Food & Wine Festivals. Invitations will be sent the first week of November. RSVP Required. SUPER BOWL 50 LOMBARDI TROPHY TOUR 12:00pm - 5:00pm | Napa Valley Museum, Yountville Stop by this fascinating traveling exhibit for a look at the 8 Lombardi Trophies won by the 49ers and Raiders. Great Super Bowl history and fun photo opportunities. Family friendly.
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GALA SCREENING OF SPOTLIGHT 5:30pm | Lincoln Theater, Yountville Director Thomas McCarthy tells the compelling true story of Pulitzer prize-winning Boston Globe investigative reporters who uncovered the story of widespread child abuse in the Catholic Church with riveting performances by Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Billy Crudup, Stanley Tucci, John Slattery and more.
THE FESTIVAL GALA 8:00pm – 2:00am | Lincoln Theater, Yountville You and other Patron Circle members are special guests at the remarkable Festival Gala, the must-go-to splashiest event of each year’s festival. The Gala is an evening featuring boutique and cult wines; artisanal cocktails and Stella Artois; reserve tastings; epicurean fare from more than 30 local top chefs; live music on multiple stages and dance floors; art exhibits; and sheer spectacle. Enjoy the exclusive Patron Circle Supper Club next door at Domaine Chandon and then return to the Lincoln Theater to dance the night away.
November 13
SCREENINGS & PANELS, FOOD & WINE 9:00am – 5:00pm Enjoy screenings, panels, culinary demonstrations, wine tastings throughout the day.
CELEBRIT Y TRIBUTES 6:00pm | Lincoln Theater, Yountville Walk the Red Carpet along with this year’s honorees and rising stars starting at 5:30pm. Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush hosts on-stage conversations with Legendary Actors John Travolta and Bruce Dern, Trailblazer Keegan-Michael Key, and Rising Stars Evan Peters, Zoe Kazan, Lydia Hearst, and Finn Wittrock.
AWARDS SEASON SCREENING: YOUTH 1:00pm | Cameo Theater, St. Helena Directed by Paulo Sorrentino (Oscar Winner for The Great Beauty) this film features a star-studded cast and impressive performances by Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Jane Fonda, Rachel Weisz, Paul Dano and more.
CELEBRIT Y TRIBUTES PATRON DINNER PART Y 7:30pm – 10:00pm | The Inn at Randolph, Napa If you are at the Patron level, join fellow Patrons and VIP guests at a festive post-tribute gathering at the site of this year’s Traditional Home Designer Showhouse. Enjoy fabulous food and wine while ogling the height of interior design.
FILM INDUSTRY MIXER 1:00pm – 4:00pm | Solage Resort, Calistoga If you are an A-Lister or Movie Mogul, join in the fun tasting outstanding wine and chatting with this year’s filmmakers, celebrities and industry power players.
CELEBRIT Y TRIBUTES A-LISTER & MOVIE MOGUL DINNER PART Y 8:00pm – 1:30am | Raymond Vineyards, St. Helena As an A-Lister or Movie Mogul, your evening with our honorees continues at an extravagant and delightfully entertaining dinner party hosted by master international vintner and entertainer Jean-Charles Boisset.
# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
Friday
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# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
Saturday
“The winemaker dinners were a consistent highlight throughout the Festival.” – PATRON MEMBER
November 14
SCREENINGS & PANELS, FOOD & WINE 9:00am – 5:00pm Enjoy screenings, panels, culinary demonstrations, wine tastings throughout the day. LIVE WORK-IN-PROGRESS PRESENTATION 12:30pm | Lincoln Theater, Yountville You'll enjoy reserved seating at a live read-and-sing-through concert performance of the new show Bottle Shock The Musical being
developed for the stage. Post-show reception with the cast, musicians, and creators. Wines by Chateau Montelena and Gustavo Brambila, naturally. WORLD PREMIERE: LIFE ON THE LINE 5:00pm | Lincoln Theater, Yountville You'll enjoyed reserved seating at a star-studded world premiere screening of John Travolta's new independent film Life on the Line. Co-stars include Kate Bosworth, Gil Bellows, Devon Sawa, Sharon Stone, and Julie Benz.
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VINTNER CIRCLE DINNER SERIES 7:00pm | Winteries throughout the Valley Patron Circle members choose from one of two dozen intimate winemaker-filmmaker dinners hosted by members of our Vintner Circle at boutique wineries located throughout Napa Valley. Filmmakers, winemakers and local chefs share an epicurean feast and colorful stories. A-Listers get first choice; Movie Moguls enjoy the most decadent dinner hosted at Meadowood with Hollywood celebrities and the Valley's most sought after wines shared by the vintners.
VINTNER CIRCLE VIP AFTER-PART Y 10:00pm – 1:30am | Lincoln Theater, Yountville You’re not ready to say good night and neither are your fellow Patrons, Vintners and visiting filmmakers. VIP's will experience an exclusive art-forward Richard Von Saal-designed backstage lounge -- not to be missed! Enjoy a night cap (or two) and spirited conversation into the wee hours.
November 15
SCREENINGS, FOOD & WINE 9:00am – 8:00pm Enjoy screenings, culinary demonstrations, wine tastings throughout the day. PITCH COMPETITION: FINAL SMACKDOWN 9:00am - 11:00am | City Winery, Napa You won’t want to miss one of the highlights of each year’s festival. Ten finalists with creative ideas for new films or TV shows pitch their concepts to top studio executives with the power to say yes. A fast-paced pressure-packed simulation of what it means to be “in the room.” CLOSING NIGHT SCREENING OF BORN TO BE BLUE 5:00pm | Lincoln Theater, Yountville Ethan Hawke plays troubled jazz great Chet Baker. Critics are hailing the performance as the finest of his career in this deeply affecting tale of a man dedicated to his music despite seemingly insurmountable odds.
AWARDS CEREMONY 8:30pm - 10:00pm | Uptown Theatre, Napa You’ll be cheering for your favorite films and filmmakers as both juried and audience awards are announced. Winning filmmakers are presented 3-liter collectible bottles of Napa Valley’s finest wines. Meadowood presents twin $10,000 cash prizes to winners for Best Narrative Feature and Best Documentary Feature as determined by our prestigious jury. Lexus Short Films announces the four winning filmmakers from its 2015 global talent s earch.
# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
Sunday
WRAP PART Y 10:00pm - Midnight | City Winery, Napa Close out this year’s festival in style by celebrating with the winning filmmakers. Enjoy appetizers, drinks and live entertainment. Hugs and tears all around as we say farewell to this year’s film festival. Thank goodness there are only 360 days until next year’s NVFF.
*All screenings, dates, and times are subject to change, but you'll be the first to know.
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# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
Levels & Benefits
Choose from one of three levels of membership & experience. Patron, A-Lister, Movie Mogul Join online at www.nvff.org/patron-circle or call Ryan Donovan 707-226-7500.
Patron: The Essential VIP Experience NO WAITING in lines. You always have priority access to all
TRIBUTE NIGHT: Friday, November 13, reserved seats.
festival screenings, panel discussions, culinary demonstrations, wine pavilions, and more.
Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush conducts live on-stage interviews at Lincoln Theater with our 2015 honorees (John Travolta, Bruce Dern, Keegan-Michael Key and Rising Stars Evan Peters, Zoe Kazan, Lydia Hearst and Finn Wittrock). Patrons’ AfterParty at the Traditional Home Designer Show House in Napa.
FLEXIBILITY in planning schedules: no need to lock in to a specific schedule in advance. Just show up 20 minutes before show times, flash your Patron Circle credential and you’re in!
FIRST LOOK: Personalized preview receptions with NVFF Founders Brenda & Marc Lhormer who provide guidance on how best to fest. Events being planned for Silicon Valley, SF and Napa. The official 2015 Napa Valley First Look is Sunday, November 1, 4:30pm - 7:00pm at City Winery in Napa.
SNEAK PREVIEW NIGHT: Tuesday, November 10, the eve before the festival, enjoy a first screening at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena, and a Meet the Artists Reception.
OPENING NIGHT: Wednesday, November 11, World Premiere of Somm: Into the Bottle, followed by an exclusive notto-be missed VIP party
GALA NIGHT: Thursday, November 12, multiple red carpet awards-season screenings leading into the Festival Gala (our biggest party), all at Lincoln Theater in Yountville, with our hidden away Patron Circle “Supper Club” at Domaine Chandon next door.
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SATURDAY NIGHT VINTNER CIRCLE DINNERS: Saturday, November 14. After the world premiere of John Travolta's new film Life on the Line, indulge with one of our twenty-one intimate Vintner Circle Dinners. Late night after-party with the filmmakers follows.
CLOSING NIGHT: Sunday, November 15, final screenings, panels, tastings, then enjoy VIP Seating at the Awards Ceremony and say goodbye for now at the Wrap Party.
YEAR-ROUND EVENTS: Patrons also receive invitations to an increasing number of events year-round.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Patrons are recognized and thanked for their support.
$2,500 per person ($1,750 tax deductible)
All Patron benefits, plus: CONCIERGE SERVICE to assist with all aspects of your NVFF
FRIDAY, invitation to the exclusive Celebrity Tributes VIP DINNER PARTY hosted by vintner Jean-Charles Boisset at
experience.
Raymond Vineyards in honor of all of this year’s tributees who will of course attend.
Personalized FILM SPONSORSHIP of an important festival presentation.
SATURDAY, prioritized assignment to one of the top Vintner
THURSDAY, reserved seating at Variety's Ten to Taste Event, sponsored by Food Network and Cooking Channel, with ten rising star chefs presenting unique dishes paired with iconic films. Celebrity judges to be announced. 11am – 1pm on the Napa Riverfront.
Circle Dinners.
SPECIAL THANK YOU GIFT
$5,000 per person ($4,000 tax deductible)
FRIDAY, mingle with filmmakers and industry VIPs at the Film Industry Mixer, 1 - 4pm, Solage Resort in Calistoga.
# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
A-Lister: The Elevated VIP Experience
Movie Mogul: The Ultimate VIP Experience All A-Lister benefits, plus: Dedicated luxury LEXUS CAR and private driver throughout the Festival (this benefit is reserved for Movie Mogul couples, or two singles sharing). Dedicated PRIVATE CONCIERGE service.
RESERVED SEATS at Red Carpet Awards-Season screenings. Personalized FILM SPONSORSHIP of one of our Red Carpet Awards-Season Contenders with exclusive access to the filmmakers. Opportunity to participate on the FILM FESTIVAL BOARD.
THURSDAY: exclusive Movie Mogul green room with top film industry guests at the Festival Gala
FRIDAY Personal Green Room meet-and-greet with tributees backstage at the Lincoln Theater, and more intimate mingling with tributees at Tribute Night Dinner Party.
SATURDAY Meadowood hosts our Movie Moguls for the top filmmaker-winemaker dinner, pairing Napa Valley’s most sought after wines with Meadowood’s three Michelin-star cuisine. Top filmmakers and celebrities attend, including John Travolta and Kelly Preston, celebrating the world premiere of John’s new independent film Life on the Line.
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# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
How-to-Fest FAQs
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS Our Patron Circle program operates on a calendar year basis. While we refer to you and others as “members,” the program is more specifically an annual subscription, with a significant tax-deductible charitable contribution. You can join initially at any time to enjoy your first festival. Afterwards, we encourage you to renew promptly for the following year, settling into an annual year-end renewal cycle (December or January, whichever is better for you tax-wise). As a core part of our support structure, you and other Patron Circle members are providing essential working capital that helps fund both our team’s festival planning work and our year-round student education and community outreach programs. PATRON CIRCLE CREDENTIALS A personalized credential is required for access to all NVFF events. When you make your Patron Circle purchase, you let us know where you’d like to pick up your credential(s). You’ll choose from one of our four village box offices (especially if you live here in Napa Valley), or choose to visit us at our private VIP check-in lounge at the Westin Verasa Napa. Of course, you can always contact us to make special arrangements. Credentials are always delivered in person with photo IDs and a signature required to make sure you - and not someone else are actually taking possession of what you paid for.
Private VIP checkin lounge, Westin Verasa Napa
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ACCESS TO FESTIVAL VENUES With credential in hand, you always enter first, provided you are present when the doors open, typically 20-30 minutes before show times. Some venues have private entrances, and all special events have dedicated staff waiting to welcome you. Patrons are followed by Pass Plus holders, and then Festival and Day Pass holders. Non-passholders wait in a rush line and purchase tickets if space remains after all Patrons and passholders have entered. Please be aware that if you are running late, you do run the risk of being shut out of popular screenings at our most intimate venues. A-Listers and Movie Moguls are able to call our concierge line to have seats held. FESTIVAL DRESS CODE For the most part, Napa Valley is casual in a stylish and chic manner. For evening events, we encourage dressing-to-impress given the caliber of attendees and celebratory nature of the festival. The Festival Gala is the most fancy, with men in colorful jackets and suits and women in everything from party dresses to ball gowns. Keep in mind that Napa cools down considerably each evening; we encourage you to dress in layers. GETTING AROUND For maximum enjoyment, we recommend staying out of your car. If you must travel from one village to another, you can use your own car (though please festival responsibly), or call Uber (more active in the Valley), of for pre-arranged private transportation, please call Rose at Beau Wine Tours at 707.257.0887. Remember to ask for your Patron Circle discount. If you are Movie Moguls, enjoy the added benefit of a dedicated luxury LEXUS car and driver during the length of your festival stay.
# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
GUIDANCE ON PLANNING YOUR FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE Our festival program can be overwhelming. To make sure you have the most amazing experience each year, we do our best to get to know you and your particular likes and preferences. Once you’ve signed up for the first time, we’ll be in touch for a conversation. At the Patron Circle First Look Preview Party, we provide a comprehensive and customized screening and event itinerary. We will email this to everyone not able to attend. NVFF Founder and Executive & Artistic Director Marc Lhormer is also happy to talk with you about your particular interests. Any questions, please call Fearon DeWeese or Michael Fox at anytime at 707.226.7500. CONCIERGE SERVICE DURING THE FESTIVAL We provide contact names and numbers you can call for support while you are here during the festival. Patrons have a hotline to Patron Circle support. A-Listers have more focused and full concierge service. And Movie Moguls enjoy dedicated concierge service to go along with private cars and drivers. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? We encourage you to call Fearon or Michael or visit our web site: www.napavalleyfilmfest.org. Always check our website for the most current information. Our site should be responsive to your mobile phone; do let us know if it’s not getting you the answers you need.
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# N V F F 1 5 the ultimate film, food and wine experience
T H E S H O W I S A B O U T T O S TA R T. JOIN US. THANK YOU.
N A PAVA L L E Y F I L M F E S T. O R G / PAT R O N - C I R C L E #NVFF15 16