The Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF) celebrated its highly anticipated 6th anniversary on November 9-13. The gathering of film, food and wine at the most scenic time of year showcased over 120 new independent films and studio sneak previews in numerous venues throughout the picturesque towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga. Attendees socialized with over 300 filmmakers at screenings and enjoyed a list of events including industry panels, wine tastings, culinary demos, winemaker dinners, Celebrity Tributes, and the Awards Ceremony and Gala.
The festival started with the opening night screening of The Weinstein Company's Lion starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman, Rooney Mara, David Wenham and Priyanka Bose. The directorial debut by Australian Garth Davis, based on a true story about Saroo Brierley's journey from his memoir A Long Way Home, had the audience in tears. Dev Patel received a standing ovation when he entered the stage to participate in a post screening Q&A.
The Charles Krug Legendary Filmmaker award went to Lee Daniels, who brought along his good friend Cuba Gooding Jr. Kurt Russell received the Charles Krug Legendary Actor award with his son Wyatt Russell in attendance. Matthew McConaughey was presented with the Caldwell Vineyard Maverick Actor Tribute. Prior to the ceremony, McConaughey's highly anticipated movie Gold screened for festival patrons. He was joined by his beautiful wife, Camilla Alves.
The Lexus Short Films (LSF) Year 3 World Premiere included a screening of the winning LSF filmmakers along with a vibrant panel conversation with the four talented directors Alexis Michalik, Damian Walshe-Howling, Jeannie Donohoe and Kev Cahill.
Other stars in attendance were Katie Holmes, Vera Farmiga, Viggo Mortensen, Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Aaron Eckhart, Natalie Morales, Ralph Macchio, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Tyler Blackburn, Erika Christensen, Briana Evigan, Meredith Hagner, Annie Potts, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Collette Wolf, and Madeline Zima.
Pictures by PictureGroup for the Napa Valley Film Festival. More information can be found at www.nvff.org
