Mission Statement
The Vail Film Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization dedicated to fostering independent cinema. The Vail Film Institute's primary initiatives are to promote the art of film by providing a screening platform for aspiring filmmakers and by providing a gathering place for film enthusiasts. Additionally, the Vail Film Institute fosters new filmmakers by providing education, industry expertise, and industry access.
The Vail Film Institute is proud to stage the Vail Film Festival, a four-day event that enlightens and entertains thousands of film festival attendees and offers a creative outlet to the film world's newest storytellers and innovators.
Description
Founded by actors, filmmakers, and dedicated film enthusiasts, and in close partnership with the Town of Vail and Vail Resorts, the Vail Film Festival is a platform for independent filmmakers to screen their productions in an incredible atmosphere. The first annual Vail Film Festival, conceived and staged by the Vail Film Institute, was held in Vail, Colorado from April 1 - 4, 2004. The festival drew over 5,000 attendees and was heralded as the most successful first-year event in the history of Vail by Bill Jensen, COO of Vail Resorts, Rod Slifer, Mayor of Vail, and Kaye Ferry, President of the Vail Chamber and Business Association. Over the years the festival has screened hundreds of films, including the directorial debuts of Luke Wilson, Tiffani Thiessen, David Duchovny, Melissa Joan Hart, and many others. The 2007 festival premiered Knocked Up from director Judd Apatow. The festival opened with Snow Cake starring Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman and closed with the acclaimed British film Red Road. The festival has been embraced by attendees from all 50 states and 8 countries. The Vail Film Festival has grown significantly since its inception, with the 4th annual Vail Film Festival receiving over 1,000 film submissions, 14,000 attendees, 300 filmmakers, and screening 75 films over four days. The 5th annaul Vail Film Festival takes place April 3 - April 6, 2008 in Vail, Colorado.
