Now that we are past the celebrity packed "Oceans Thirteen" opening, the more intense side of the CineVegas experience begins with 8 days of talks, independent and foreign movies, ceremonies and, as always, in Vegas, plenty of parties. I spoke with festival director Trevor Groth about some of this year's highlights.

 

Richard Abowitz: Is there any particular theme or tone that emerges from the films at this year's festivals?

 

Trevor Groth: We are continuing to do what we have done for the last five festivals, which is celebrating brand new, independent films, that in my mind are from outlaw filmmakers. These are people not afraid to take risks and to push the boundaries of filmmaking either aesthetically or dramatically. Along those lines we added a new section this year of Mexican films by first and second time directors out of Mexico. Those films expanded our international outreach but they embrace that same spirit of the American independent films. We are showcasing the films that really work well with the energy of Las Vegas.

 

 

Q: What are the must see films?

 

A: Despite the huge event of the Oceans's Thirteen opening night, the heart and soul of the festival are the American independents. This year we have some that are at as high a level that you can find anywhere. One would be "The Living Wake" directed by Sol Tryon. He produced a couple films that we premiered at Sundance in January. This is his directorial debut with a film that is a departure from those two films which were urban angst driven films. "The Living Wake"  is completely original and bizarre and insightful. I think it is a very special film that is destined to become a cult classic if not reaching an even more widespread audience as well. Then there is a film: "All God's Children Can Dance." It is based on a Haruki Murakami short story of the same title. It is a first time director who comes from the commercial world, Robert Logevall. He displays an incredible filmmaking ability way beyond his experience as far as film goes. It is as beautifully crafted film as I've ever seen. It is a tone poem that really captures the essence of Murakami's writing. Those are two really incredible American independent films that we are really happy to premier at CineVegas.

 

Q: How has CineVegas changed over the years?

 

A: It has changed. With every year we have taken strides forward but this year we have taken a leap forward. I was always happy with the pace we were on and what we were doing. But now it feels like all the hard work has paid off in every way: from the films we are premiering, the Mexican films, to the studio films we are showing, to the sponsors we have this year. They realized what we've done in the past, and it has allowed us to do more of what we want to do, which is celebrate these films. I also think the honorees that we have this year are an incredible group of artists: Ben Kingsley, Anthony Hopkins, Charlize Theron, Mike Newell and, of course, Jerry Weintraub.

 

Q: If I made a little film and I wanted to get it shown in the festival, has it gotten a lot harder to get into CineVegas?

 

A: With the reputation getting out there more people want to get involved. We had a record number of submissions this year. It made our job a little more difficult in a way. But it makes the festival better. We had to get through a lot more sumissions, but I think we found a higher level of films. It is very competitive right now. But we've kept the festival the same size so that the films that are in the festival really get the exposure they deserve and really have their moment of spotlight in the festival and in Vegas. The resources we have at the Palms and around Vegas for parties and events for these films really creates that dynamic experience between the films and the festival and Las Vegas.

 

Q: Have the people you deal with gotten more used to the concept of an actual film festival in Las Vegas?

 

A: There is a split reaction when people think about a film festival in Vegas.  There are people who think it is the craziest notion that they have ever heard; and, other people who think it makes perfect sense. For people who don't really get it, there minds' change when they come here and they see it. Las Vegas is expanding what it is and can be. It can be a cultural center as well as just an entertainment center. A film festival does both of those things.

 

Q: How many films do you see a year?

 

A: I see around 500 feature films and the same amount of short films.

 

Q: Out of those, how many do you think, are truly great?

 

A: That is a really good question. As a programmer, the first thing I learned doing this job is that you learn to find the good in all of the films you watch. If you focus on the negative aspects you will grow weary and start to become jaded about everything. So, I try to find the positive in all films. But how many do I think are great? It is a relatively small percentage.

 

Q: Can you name one film you've seen this year, either at CineVegas or not, that you think everyone needs to see. One that has greatness? What do I need to see?

 

A: I am going to stick with what I said earlier: "All God's Children Can Dance." It is a very special film made by a filmmaker who is going to go on to do many great things. I think it is a beautiful film.

(photo by Sarah Gerke)