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St. Louis International Film Festival: Surprises for Everyone
By Sandra Olmsted
The biggest surprise for the St. Louis International Film Festival, so far, was that Kevin Spacey showed up at the Tribute to George Hickenlooper and screening of Casino Jack, Hickenlooper’s latest, and sadly, last film. Hickenlooper, a local man who went to Saint Louis University High, passed away suddenly at age 47, reportedly from a heart attack. He was respected and liked in the St. Louis and Hollywood film community, and, with each feature film he made, his reputation as a skilled filmmaker and generous collaborator was growing.
Kevin Spacey spoke during the tribute to George Hickenlooper and again after the screening of Casino Jack. Kevin Spacey, who plays Jack Abramoff, and Spencer Garrett, who plays Tom DeLay, answered questions for the audience until nearly midnight. Both actors were gracious with their time and generous with their knowledge. It was a tremendous surprise, and it made the event the best value at the festival so far.
Spacey said that he accepted the role of Jack Abramoff after he spend a day with Hickenlooper. During that meeting in London, Spacey said that he and Hickenlooper shared an interested in politics and a desire to tell the story of Lobbyist Jack Abramoff’s fall and the toppling of some corrupt politicians. According to Spacey and to Hickenlooper’s film, lobbyists are a big part of the problems in American politics because of undue power being placed in the hands of the lobbyists and because of the money that is passed around as a result of lobbying.
Only Cinema St. Louis’ staff, Cliff Froehlich, Chris Clark, and Brian Spath, know what other surprises the St. Louis International Film Festival has in store. Fortunately, there’s another whole weekend of films and events. There is something for everyone: comedy, tragedy, animation, live action, adults-appropriate films, and family/children-friendly films. The Sidebars range from Interfaith Films, which focus on the human condition, and International Films from many countries to environmental, animal, architecture, and documentary films sidebars. There are a variety of FREE and reduced ticket price events. Come join the November ritual for St. Louis filmmakers and film lovers and peruse the 340 plus films playing this year at the St. Louis International Film Festival. Checking out the Cinema St. Louis website at <http://www.cinemastlouis.org/festival>.
