5-Day Napa Valley Film Festval Begins
NAPA (CBS SF) – The 5-day Napa Valley Film Festival that starts Tuesday featuring 120 films, tributes, 300 filmmakers, 150 wineries, 30 chefs, parties, culinary demonstrations and industry panels in Napa, Calistoga, Yountville and St. Helena.
More than 1,000 films were submitted to the festival and the selections include narratives, documentaries, features and shorts and special presentations.
The festival also includes screenings of important awards season films presented by the directors, actors, writers and producers. Each of the four venues has a main box office, screening locations, wine pavilion, wine stroll, and pass holder perks.
Three passes are available: Festival Pass, Pass Plus and VIP Patron Circle. Attendees do not need individual screening tickets, do not have to choose films in advance and can attend as many screenings and panel discussions as they like.
Day passes and last minute Rush Tickets are sold at the door when seats are available after pass holders have been admitted. Question and answer sessions with the directors follow almost every screening.
Audience Awards are determined by popular vote. The juried and audience award winners are announced at the closing ceremony 8:30 p.m. Sunday at the Uptown Theater in Napa. Admission is free to pass holders and $25 for non-pass holders.
The four venues are about nine miles apart with 30 miles between Napa and Calistoga. Many films screen at multiple venues limiting the need to travel throughout the Napa Valley. Transportation options include The Vine bus, Uber and taxi cabs.
The Festival Gala with 10 live music performances is 8 p.m. Thursday at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville.
The Celebrity Tribute begins at 6 p.m. Friday at the Lincoln Theater in Yountville. Doors open at 5 p.m.
This year actor Bruce Dern, actor, writer and producer Keegan-Michael Key and actor, singer and dancer John Travolta will be honored.
A Wrap Party is scheduled for 10 p.m. Sunday at The Lounge at City Winery in Napa.
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