Unflinching, visceral and operatic in their intensity, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s four remarkable films challenge audiences to journey beyond continents and cultures into the darkest recesses of the soul. Whether he’s weaving together multiple, kaleidoscopic storylines or stripping his focus down to a single character’s journey, Iñárritu always locates the epic, redemptive struggle of every human life. From the heart-pounding opening of Amores Perros to the shattering beauty of his latest, Biutiful, Iñárritu’s films make an undeniable case for a bold new humanism in international cinema.
BIUTIFUL
Spain/Mexico/2010
147 MINS
In his first directorial effort since Babel (2006), Alejandro González Iñárritu gives us this gorgeous tone poem starring Javier Bardem as the heartbreaking and flawed Uxbal, wrestling with mortality, spirit and the shady, complex circumstances of his life.
WITH SUPPORT FROM Gruber Family Foundation
PROGRAM AND RECEPTION
Friday, October 8, 7:00 pm
Spotlight and Reception $100 SPOT08P
Spotlight Only $30 SPOT08R
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center
Reception to follow at Sabor of Spain
Our Spotlight program honoring Alejandro González Iñárritu starts with an onstage interview and a special viewing of Biutiful. After, enjoy a vinoteca-style reception at Sabor of Spain featuring modern Spanish cuisine and tapas, superb wines and great ambiance.
Alejandro González Iñárritu will be presented with the MVFF award, designed by celebrated artist Alice Corning.
RECEPTION SPONSORED BY
TRIBUTE TO EDWARD NORTON
Like many characters he portrays, Edward Norton is a man of many facets: an accomplished actor, a filmmaker, a committed activist. Norton has mastered complex roles, among them a Machiavellian altar boy with multiple personalities (Primal Fear), a reformed neo-Nazi (American History X) and the embodiment of postmodern masculinity in David Fincher’s Fight Club. He’s also helmed a film of his own (Keeping the Faith). More recently still, he was designated a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador for his tireless devotion to community development and conservation.
STONE
US 2010
105 MINS
Convict Stone (Edward Norton) comes before corrections officer Jack Mabry (Robert De Niro) for early release consideration, in this rapid-fire psychological thriller about a lawman and a lawbreaker on parallel life journeys.
TRIBUTE SPONSORED BY Jennifer Coslett MacCready
PROGRAM AND RECEPTION
Friday, October 9, 7:00 pm
Tribute and Reception $100 TRIB09P
Tribute Only $30 TRIB09R
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center
Reception to follow at Piatti Ristorante Bar
MVFF welcomes actor Edward Norton for a Tribute to his stellar career, featuring an onstage interview, a review of clips from his films and a viewing of Stone. Then join us for a memorable reception with regional Italian cuisine, house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas and mesquite-grilled meats at Piatti Ristorante & Bar.
Edward Norton will be presented with the MVFF award, designed by celebrated artist Alice Corning.
RECEPTION SPONSORED BY
TRIBUTE TO ANNETTE BENING
With her sultry voice and distinctive silhouette, Annette Bening announced her arrival in Hollywood with a variety of inspired performances in films like Valmont, The Grifters and Bugsy. As a leading lady, she’s navigated a fickle industry with unusual aplomb, choosing roles in studio films and indies alike that showcase her dramatic chops and genuine gift for comedy. Always balancing that innate glamour with a relatable, contemporary sensibility, it’s no wonder that Bening has carved a Hollywood niche all her own.
SELECTED FILMOGRAPHY
2010 The Kids Are All Right
2009 Mother and Child
2008 The Women
2006 Running with Scissors
2005 Mrs. Harris
2004 Being Julia
2003 Open Range
1999 American Beauty
1999 In Dreams
1995 The American President
1995 Richard III
1994 Love Affair
1991 Bugsy
1990 The Grifters
1990 Postcards From the Edge
1989 Valmont
TRIBUTE CO-SPONSORED BY
Christopher B. and Jeannie Meg Smith and
PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER.
PROGRAM AND RECEPTION
Thursday, October 14, 7:00 pm
Tribute and Reception $150 TRIB14P
Tribute Only $30 TRIB14R
Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center
Reception to follow at Frantoio Ristorante & Olive Oil Co.
Join us for a Tribute program honoring the brilliant career of Annette Bening. The audience will enjoy film clips, a conversation with Ms. Bening and a presentation of the MVFF award. Please note: This Tribute does not feature the viewing of a film.
Annette Bening will be presented with the MVFF award, designed by celebrated artist Alice Corning.
SPOTLIGHT: JAMES FRANCO
From his comic breakthrough in Freaks and Geeks to his command performance in 127 Hours, James Franco has brought his signature charm and intelligence to an impressive variety of characters. This Bay Area native has played everything from a lovable stoner to an iconic Beat poet, somehow making time to earn BA and MFA degrees, direct a documentary and stun the art world with a witty conceptual project involving a role on General Hospital. Filmmaker, artist, writer: Franco is a Renaissance man for the 21st century.
127 Hours
The latest from director Danny Boyle
and writer Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog
Millionaire, MVFF 2008), 127 Hours tells
the true story of Aron Ralston's (James
Franco) remarkable adventure to save
himself after a fallen boulder crashes on
his arm and traps him in an isolated
canyon in Utah.
PROGRAM AND RECEPTION
Sunday, October 17, 5pm PRE-reception 1:30pm @ Frantoio Ristorante & Olive Oil Co.
Spotlight + Reception: $85
Ticket Code SPOT17P
Spotlight Only: $30
Ticket Code: SPOT17R
Our Spotlight program honoring James Franco begins with an intimate pre-reception at Frantoio Ristorante & Olive Oil Co. Afterwards, we'll enjoy an onstage Spotlight interview at the Smith Rafael Film Center and viewing of 127 Hours.
BIUTIFUL
STONE
