Tickets for the festival’s screenings are available at the theaters’ box office by calling 1800. FANDANGO or on WWW.FANDANGO.com beginning next week.  This year’s sponsors are:  A&E Indie Films, MGM Grand at Foxwoods, InterContinental Hotel, Dav El Worldwide Transportation, Bravo, Legal Seafoods, American Airlines and The History Channel.

Actors confirmed to attend the festival at press time include Dane Cook (“Good Luck Chuck”), Emily Mortimer (“Lars and The Real Girl”), Alison Eastwood (makes her directorial debut with “Rails and Ties”), Danny Aiello and Leslie Ann Warren (the U.S. premiere of “Stiffs”), Michael Madsen (“Strength and Honour”), Alicja Bachleda (“Trade”), “CSI Miami” star Adam Rodriguez (“Take”), Jonathan Scarfe (“The Poet”), singer/songwriter and world peace activist Nassiri (“Love Sees No Color” http://www.nassirimusic.com), and Maria Menounos (correspondent for “Access Hollywood” and “Today” who produced “The Land of Merry Misfits”).

As reported previously, one of the Festival’s most glittering events is the “Jerry WeintraubTribute” at the Rose Kennedy Ballroom at the posh new waterfront InterContinental Hotel sponsored by MGM Grand at Foxwoods Casino.  A major Hollywood actor (to be announced next week) will present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Weintraub, Hollywood’s preeminent filmmaker whose credits include the “Oceans 11” series, “The Karate Kid” series, and “Pure Country.”   

Opening weekend begins strong with “Lars and The Real Girl,” starring 2007 Academy Award® Best Actor nominee Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider and Patricia Clarkson; and directed by Craig Gillespie.  “Rails & Ties,” starring Kevin Bacon and Marcia Gay Harden, marks the feature film directorial debut of Alison Eastwood. 

One evening at the festival will present a special “college night” with Dane Cook, one of today’s most prolific standup comedians who is now a charismatic leading man, attending the premiere of his new comedy “Good Luck Chuck,” also starring Jessica Alba.  The same night, the comedy “The Metrosexual” will premiere.  Adam Kaufman directed the movie with a cast that includes Colm Meaney (star of the series “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and Golden Globe Best Actor nominee for “The Snapper”).
 “Trade,” starring Kevin Kline and Alicja Bachleda, offers a thrilling story of courage and a devastating exposé of one of the world’s most heinous crimes inspired by a chilling New York Times magazine feature.  Bachleda will accompany director Marco Kreuzpaintner (who’s traveling to Boston from his native Germany) to the premiere. 

The world premiere of “Strength and Honour,” starring Michael Madsen and directed by Mark Mahon hits the fest mid-week along with the world premiere of “Million Calorie March,” and the east coast premiere of “Stiffs,” starring Danny Aiello, Leslie Ann Warren and Directed by Frank Ciota.

The world premiere of Kevin Bright’s film “Who Ordered Tax,” will frontline the BFF’s documentaries as well as “The Price of Sugar,” narrated by Paul Newman and directed by Bill Haney;  “In Search of Puppy Love,” directed by Wendy Diamond; “The Oldest Basketball Team in the World,” directed by Roslyn Muir;  and “Team Everest,” directed by Andy Cockrum.

Exclusive venues for the festival’s glamorous parties include the restaurant Bonfire where renowned chef Todd English will host a party to celebrate the premieres of Alison Eastwood’s film and Dane Cook’s comedy. The closing  night  gala is hosted by  Miel “Brasserie” Provencal at the InterContinental.

“We looked for movies and documentaries that are emotionally engaging and that dare to push the boundaries of contemporary cinema in a compelling way,” said Robin Dawson, Executive Director.  Panel information will be available via the website next week.  The Festival’s Creative Director John Michael Williams added, “Our goal is to present a strong schedule of films and panel discussions that are compelling on the industry’s leading topics.  Boston has a broad arts and university system that helps to create a quintessential audience for filmmakers,” said Williams.  “It provides unique entertainment for movie fans in addition to first-hand access to actors and filmmakers for film enthusiasts and students.” 

A variety of awards will be presented that honor Hollywood’s preeminent filmmakers and actors along with the new cutting edge directors.    “The city of Boston embodies rich history and diverse creativity offering the ideal environment for an urban celebration of film,” said Dawson.  “The City is home to many premiere restaurants and hotels that host our evening parties where filmmakers network.  The fall season really sets the perfect dramatic scene for the festival as visiting tourists flock to the region to experience the visual beauty of the leaves turning colors.”

The eight-day Boston Film Festival is one of the city’s most popular annual events and the city’s top hotels, restaurants and theatres participate.  In addition to premieres and special screenings, there will be several panel discussions.  Numerous celebrities, filmmakers, athletes and city VIPS attend the festival’s nightly parties catered by renowned chefs in the city known for its creativity, academia and understated sophistication. The BFF’s opening and closing night films will be announced next week.

A new innovation will be introduced at the festival this year on September 21 when moviegoers will have a second opportunity to view many of the week’s audience favorites and films that received awards at the festival.  An extensive short program will be announced at a later date.

The Boston Film Festival has an extensive history of premiering notable films including: “American Beauty,” “Requiem For A Dream,” “The Piano,” “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,” “Deliver Us From Evil,” “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” “North Country,” “Prime,” and “Matchstick Men.”

For more information on the 23rd Boston Film Festival, call 617-523-8388.

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