Turner Classic Movies will stage its first film festival in Hollywood next April.
Slated for April 22-25, 2010, "The TCM Classic Film Festival," featuring more than 50 of Tinseltown's top works, will screen at such venues as Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Egyptian Theatre. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which has a longstanding role in movie history and was the site of the first Oscar ceremony, will be the official hotel for the festival as well as a key venue for festival pass-holders. Four-day passes, ranging from $500 to $1,200, go on sale Nov. 18, at www.tcm.com/festival.
All of the screenings, showcasing restored masterpieces to silent classics and undiscovered gems, will include special introductions to provide context about each film. Details about TCM's interactive fan experience will be announced in the weeks and months ahead, including appearances by actors, actresses, directors, producers and other key figures.
Robert Osborne, TCM's primetime host, will serve as the festival's official host. "Classic movies are something that link the past to the present and form a vital part of our culture," Osborne said in a statement. "This new festival will give those who love movies a way to connect with each other. It is a first-of-its-kind chance for TCM fans to experience the network in-person, meet others with the same interests and immerse themselves in a wide array of classic films."
TCM will partner with Vanity Fair magazine - creator of the Penguin book Vanity Fair's Tales of Hollywood, edited by Graydon Carter - to bring the book to life. Writers from the magazine, along with actors and filmmakers, will tell behind-the-scenes stories of many of Hollywood's greatest films.
Moreover, the TCM Classic Film Festival will honor The Film Foundation, the organization devoted to preserving Hollywood's legacy. Several films restored by The Film Foundation, now celebrating its 20th year, will be screened at the festival.
