Sixth Annual CineVegas Film Festival Boasts World Premieres and Stars Galore

The self-proclaimed “World’s Most Dangerous Film Festival” opens its sixth edition this weekend and is definitely shaping up to be a world-class event. Chaired by the legendary Dennis Hopper, among others, this year’s CineVegas is marking the world premiere of several films making a buzz on the circuit, as well as honoring several thespians with special awards.

On June 12, the “Half-Life Award” will be given to Academy Award-nominee Laurence Fishburne, who will then participate in a Q&A session before of a screening of his film, Five Fingers.

June 14 is when Sylvester Stallone will be given the “CineVegas and Brenden Theatres Star Award” in honor of the 30th anniversary of the actor’s classic film Rocky, which will be shown following the presentation.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Taylor Hackford (Ray) will receive the “Vanguard Director Award” on June 16, with the presentation including a moderated discussion and showings of Hackford’s Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll and The Idolmaker.

Later that same day, multi-award winning British actress Helen Mirren will be presented with the “Marquee Award”, followed by a moderated discussion and a showing of her Emmy-winning film, The Passion of Ayn Rand.

The festival wraps on June 17, with another “Half-Life Award” being awarded to Christina Ricci. The actress will then participate in a moderated discussion and showing of her 1998 film The Opposite of Sex.

Among the films making their world premieres at CineVegas are Danika (starring Marisa Tomei), Park (starring Billy Baldwin, Ricki Lake and Cheri Oteri) and Thanks To Gravity (starring Sean Astin).

All of these events, as well as showing of other films that were accepted into the festival, take place at the Palms and its in-house Brenden Theaters. 

CineVegas 2006 runs today through June 17, with a variety of ticket prices available. Tickets for individual films are $10; passes range from $50 (for a local student pass) and $100 (local film lover’s pass) to $500 for an all-access pass.  For more information on the festival, including a film schedule, visit the website at www.cinevegas.com or call 1-888-8VEGAS8.