Held in the “City of Lights,” this year’s 9th annual CineVegas film festival started off with a Vegas-style bang. Amongst the backdrop of the glittering lights of the Las Vegas strip, movie makers, celebrities, new talent and honorees all gathered for 11 days in the Nevada desert to watch new film releases. The film festival took place at the luxurious Palms hotel resort and casino. Welcomed by Johnny Brenden, President and CEO of Brenden theaters, film viewers and celebrities alike were ready to watch the premieres of many exciting and, at times, thought-provoking films.

Aside from the after-parties and private concerts, one of the main movie events was the opening night film premiere of Ocean’s 13. Fans and media were both waiting outside the Palms casino to catch a glimpse of Hollywood’s royalty and a director’s dream-team cast, which included Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Al Pacino, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle and Ellen Barkin. Like the previous two installments of the Ocean’s trilogy, Ocean’s 13 lived up to the first two films’ standards. Exciting and at times conniving, the all-star cast delivered performances that caused suspense, wonder, and anticipation. Preceding the film, the Ocean’s 13 charity dinner took place honoring the film’s director Jerry Weintraub, with the Vanguard Producer Award. Proceeds from the gala benefit the humanitarian aid organization, Not On Our Watch. The International Rescue Committee for Not On Our Watch is an organization which supports existing Darfur humanitarian relief efforts and ensures the protection of civilians in that region. Weintraub, along with his all-star cast, were special guests of the event. Thanks to their efforts and attendance, a generous donation was collected.

Alongside Jerry Weintraub, CineVegas also honored four of the most influential entertainment mavericks of our time. The Marquee Award was presented to Sir Anthony Hopkins (whose film Slipstream screened at the festival), the Vanguard Actor Award was given to Sir Ben Kingsley (whose film You Kill Me premiered), the Vanguard Director Award was presented to Mike Newell, and the Half-Life Award was presented to Charlize Theron. All immensely talented individuals in their own right and through their own craft, these actors/director(s) have given movie-goers unforgettable performances and directed unbelievable story plots, and now, CineVegas has stepped in and rewarded them accordingly.

An unusual comedic film that also premiered was In the Land of the Merry Misfits. The film’s creator and executive producer, Maria Menounos was at the premiere. More readily known as the entertainment news correspondent for the entertainment TV magazine “Entertainment Tonight,” Maria, while on the red carpet, explained how she produced the film when she was 17 years old while attending Emerson College. Director Kevin Undergaro, the writer for MTV’s "Singled Out," helped direct the film. Unfortunately, the negatives of the film were stolen and the film was not completed. Maria, however, never forgot the story plot. In 1995 she personally funded the recovery and restoration of the film and has since completed the movie. Besides the CineVegas Film Festival, her film also premiered at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. Amongst the excitement of her film’s second premiere, Maria, of Greek decent, was also there to receive her star on the Brenden Walk of Fame. Robin Leach was the host for the event and Johnny Brenden honored her with the spot. Her parents and the cast of her film were all there to support her. Only twenty-nine, Maria has managed to make a name for herself in the American entertainment industry. She has achieved great success in television as an actress, correspondent, producer, film-maker, was a Miss Teen USA winner, and founded TAH! Take Action Hollywood, a charity that uses the power of celebrity and the entertainment industry to create social change. This is one woman and fellow Greek that will continue to make headlines.


CineVegas Facts

• The director of the festival, Robin Greenspun, has helped establish CineVegas as one of the most exciting and fastest growing film festivals in the world. The festival has gained a popular profile in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Time Magazine.


• CineVegas was recently mentioned as one of the top 5 small festivals to visit by Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper and was named one of the Top 5 Gem Festivals in the World by Variety.


• CineVegas was also voted one of the top 12 film festivals in North America by San Francisco Magazine and one of the top 7 events occurring in Las Vegas in 2007 by LA Weekly.