2009 Vail Film Festival Announces Film Highlights, Tributes, and Sponsors

Over 50 Films From Around the World to be Screened at Festival

VAIL, Colo., March 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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 starringTricia 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 MarkDuplass and Academy Award
nominated Melissa Leo; and GOSPEL HILL, directed by GiancarloEsposito 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 Vailreturns 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.

Editor's Note: Hi-res images and interviews available.

SOURCE Colorado Film Institute

Sam Chafos of the Colorado Film Institute, +1-970-476-1092,
sam@vailfilmfestival.org