DAY 1

Pictured at top, from left, Dennis Hopper, Maria Thayer and Elisabeth Harnois.
At left, Chris Pratt. At right, Elisabeth Harnois. Below, Gina Philips.

2006 CINEVEGAS FIM FESTIVAL

My first night at CineVegas was a little disappointing as I wasn’t able to see the premiere of “Strangers with Candy.” The box office oversold the theater, so I was turned away along with about enough people to fill a second screen. Did get to see festival chairman and great actor Dennis Hopper walk the red carpet as well as “Strangers with Candy” stars Maria Thayer (“Storytelling”), Elisabeth Harnois and Chris Pratt. Amy Sedaris was a no show. The only other star worth mentioning was repeat festival attendee Gina Philips of “Jeepers Creepers” and “Dead & Breakfast.” I also managed to grab Gina for a few seconds and here is how that went.

CCF: Could I get a quick comment from you on the film you have showing here?

GP: Absolutely, I have a film here called “Thanks to Gravity.” It’s a wonderful coming of age story about a Jewish-Latin girl who sort of finds herself through the world of debate.

CCF: And are you starring in it?

GP: I am starring in it and I also produced it with my producing partner Amy Greenspun, who is here with me.

CCF: So what do you think of Vegas and their film festival?

GP: I love Vegas. Its fun and I think this is a wonderful festival. I think it’s become one of the top festivals and I’m excited to be here.

CCF: Do you have any more genre movies in your near future?

GP: I actually just did one in London called “The Sick House,” which I love. It’s all British and I play the token American. It’s kind of a Lara Croft meets “The Mummy” kind of movie and it has some horror in it. I’m really excited about it. It’s really different and really good.

CCF: Cool, I’ll be looking forward to it.

AG: We have to go.

“Thanks to Gravity” was written and directed by Jessica Kavana and also stars Sean Astin and Rachel Minor. It’s playing June 11 at 3:30 p.m. and June 13 at 6 p.m. I will be reviewing it here, unless I’m unable to get into one of the screenings.

CCF, June 10

(Day 2 - Cick here)