(as originally appeared in Valley Times February 23, 2015 issue on page 10)
A little bit of Hollywood style came to the valley on Sunday, February 15th.
At a gathering hosted by Boise’s Modern Hotel and Bar in conjunction with the Sun Valley Film Festival, the public was invited to view film trailers and imbibe in creative spirits of both the liquid and intellectual kind. Attendees could also win tickets to premieres and a screenwriter’s lab for the upcoming Sun Valley Film Festival.
The Sun Valley Film Festival provides leading-edge programming as well as Hollywood insider access. The screenwriter’s lab is presented by Boise State University and will feature 2 Academy Award winning writers.
The Film Slate Party, which revealed a list of movies for the upcoming Sun Valley Film Festival, was a success Sunday night in Boise. Movie Trailers ran non-stop throughout the party, featuring many of the movies which will be presented at the film festival running March 4 – 8, 2015.
Clint Eastwood will be on hand to receive a Lifetime Vision award. Other scheduled appearances include Bill Paxton and Bruce Dern.
Some of the film trailers featured Idaho based productions. One of the more interesting trailers was “Idaho Wine, From Bud to Taste Bud”. This is quite a catchy title for a film about the burgeoning wine industry in Idaho.
Another trailer featured the story of Nell Shipman, a silent movie star and Idaho’s first female independent film maker. Entitled “Girl from God’s Country”, this is the story of Hollywood’s silent film era and how Shipman brought her skills to the wilds of Idaho. The film clips are stunning and show the grit early film makers exhibited in making their dreams appear on the silver screen.
Some of the film makers, including the makers of “Idaho Wine”, were present at the event, adding cachet to the evening.
The Modern Hotel and Bar made a fitting setting for the film slate announcement party. The mid-century modern hotel is innovative and chic. The owner of the hotel, Elizabeth Tullis, was present. Her family has a longtime presence in the Treasure Valley hotel industry with her Grandmother opening a hotel in Nampa many decades ago. The host hotel, renovated completely in 2007, is candy for the eyes, adding vibrancy to Boise’s downtown.
The capacity crowd was buzzing with life while networking to create future film projects for Idaho. One of the fashionable couples attending included locals Courtney Miller and her date Jason Shurte. Miller has had some small parts in several movie productions.
Courtney Miller and Jason Shurte at Slate Party
Tito’s Handmade Vodka was the key ingredient in the evening’s signature drink, the Pear Rosemary Collins. Everybody seemed to have one and smiles abounded.
Be sure to put this free, open-to-the-public “Film Slate Party” on your to-do list for next year.
For the 2015 Sun Valley Film Festival, it’s not too late to get passes for the 5 day event or individual tickets to specific movies. Running March 4 – 8, you still have time to gain access for what will be a fun-filled 5 days. To review the festival movies and pass options, visit www.sunvalleyfilmfestival.org. Check out the “Festival Pass” for the best access to the parties, discussions, and films.
Don’t miss the free coffee talks with Bruce Dern and Bill Paxton, and be sure to arrive early as the event will be standing room only. The festival, in its 4th year, is presented by Zion’s Bank and is already generating buzz as a top 10 destination film festival.
Insider’s Tip: For accommodations in Sun Valley, check out Black Diamond Management’s list of 32 vacation rental properties, including condos, townhomes, and houses. Black Diamond Management is run by former Treasure Valley resident, Beth Grinstead. Great places to dine while at the film festival include downtown Ketchum’s The Pioneer for great fish and steaks and The Power House in nearby Hailey, boasting innovative and tasty selections on the menu. Film festival pass holders also enjoy discounts from local businesses throughout the festival.