Napa Valley Film Festival Announces Captivating Line-Up

After a Sneak Preview Night (Tuesday, November 12) presentation of Alexander Payne's new film Nebraska, starring Bruce Dern and Will Forte, NVFF will open officially with the highly anticipated film, August: Osage County, directed by John Wells and starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. Two screenings will take place the evening of Wednesday, November 13 at the Napa Valley Opera House, followed by an Opening Night VIP Dinner Party, hosted by Benchmark Wine Group along the Napa Riverfront.

On Thursday, November 14, the Napa Valley Opera House will host a red carpet screening of Saving Mr. Banks, directed by John Lee Hancock (The Blindside) and starring Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson and Colin Farrell. Mr. Hancock and Mr. Farrell will be in attendance with other special guests. Following the film, members of the festival's exclusive Patron Circle and Pass Plus holders join filmmakers and sponsors at the biggest party of the week at 500 First Street in Napa for the spectacular Festival Gala from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. At the Gala, attendees will enjoy live entertainment from half a dozen different acts, and culinary offerings and exclusive wine pairings from more than 25 Napa Valley top chefs and wineries. As the night moves on into the wee hours, the party will debut a VIP lounge on the building's mezzanine level for cocktails, nibbles and late night dancing.

On Friday, November 15, Access Hollywood's Billy Bush will host the Celebrity Tribute Program at The Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theatre in Yountville. Billy will show video highlight reels and conduct onstage interviews with Festival honorees, Director John Lee Hancock, and Rising Stars Dianna Agron and Miles Teller. Additional honorees are expected to be announced. Following the ceremony, there will be a VIP after-party sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter at Groezinger's Lounge.

On Saturday, November 16, NVFF hosts the New Power Lunch: Celebrating Women Making a Difference in Film at 500 First Street. The luncheon will honor the women behind the inspirational and influential films Anita and Sewing Hope, as well as raise funds for the NVFF's year-round Education & Outreach Programs. On Saturday evening, NVFF Patrons, filmmakers and VIPS will attend a screening of Philomena, starring Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, at the Yountville Community Centre Theatre, followed by a series of 18 delectable Winemaker / Filmmaker Dinners, featuring the Valley's most acclaimed wines and fare.

On Sunday, November 17, NVFF will close the festival with the powerful film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, directed by Justin Chadwick and starring Idris Elba and Naomie Harris. The screening at the Napa Valley Opera House will be followed by NVFF's Awards Ceremony & Wrap Party hosted by NBC Bay Area weeknight anchor, Raj Mathai.

NVFF will also debut a new LifeStyle Pavilion this year, which will be centrally located in downtown Napa's Oxbow District. Here, credentialed pass holders will enjoy interactive exhibits, daily film industry panels and culinary demonstrations, and an array of premier wines or refreshing chalices of Stella Artois. The four festival villages will also host individual Wine Pavilions in each town for passholders from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m., Friday – Sunday.

For information or to buy passes, visit NapaValleyFilmFest.orgor call 707-226-7500.