NEVADA CITY, Calif. August 23, 2017 – Continuing their tradition of comingling fun and film, the Nevada City Film Festival will host their festival Kickoff Bash and Not So Silent Film on September 7 at the Stone House in Nevada City. In addition to celebrating their 17th year of presenting the best in independent and international cinema, NCFF are inviting friends to join them for a very special screening of the quintessential silent film, George Melie’s Les Voyages dans la lune (A Trip to the Moon) for which a live and original soundtrack will be provided. In addition, the screening will serve as the inaugural night of the film festival’s After Dark series, a program of live music and film experiences, visual artists, live comedy and more that will occur during selected nights of the film festival, which runs September 8-15, 2017.
In 1902, George Melies made history by directing, writing, producing, and starring in his epic production A Trip to the Moon. Over a century later, the film remains a centerpiece on the tableau of international cinema and has proven inspirational to audiences and filmmakers the world over.
The film follows a group of astronauts who travel to the moon in a zeppelin-like craft. They explore the surface of the satellite, evade a group of moon-dwelling creatures, and then make the voyage back to Earth with one of the Selenites (moon people) in their captivity.
Upon its release the film won high acclaim and was deemed an instant success. The world had never seen anything like it; the production value, the special effects, and the cinematography all set A Trip to the Moon apart from any other film that had existed up to that point. The movie introduced a stylized method of storytelling that would be emulated by other filmmakers for years to come, and ultimately contributed to the development of narrative film as a whole.
Modern audiences likely recognize the imagery from the film, which has become iconic. In 1996, NCFF friends Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris translated their inspiration from Trip to the award-winning music video for the Smashing Pumpkins song “Tonight Tonight.” Martin Scorsese’s 2011 Oscar award winning film Hugo told a remarkable – yet highly fictionalized – account of the making of A Trip to the Moon, and paid great homage to Melies himself.
NCFF’s screening of A Trip to the Moon will be made even more unique by the original live soundtrack that will be provided by a merry band of local musicians called Wax Wane Gibbous featuring Randy McKean, Callum McKean, Murray Campbell and Wes Steed.
NCFF Festival Director Jesse Locks promises, “You have never heard this soundtrack before and you probably won’t ever again; that’s how unique it is. We can’t wait to hear what this incredible group of musicians has to offer.”
Attendees of the September 7 event will also get a sneak preview of the festival’s lineup, meet filmmakers and festival directors, enjoy farm-to-table food and craft cocktail specials, fun movie-themed giveaways, and more! It’s also a great time to pick up festival passes or purchase tickets.
Those interested in attending must RSVP to jesse@nevadacityfilmfestival.com for a complimentary “Ticket to the Moon” before September 1st. The Nevada City Film Festival runs September 8-15, 2017 at various locations within Nevada City. For tickets and more information please visit www.nevadacityfilmfestival.com or call (530) 362-8601.
WHAT: Nevada City Film Festival Kick Off Bash & Not So Silent Film
WHEN: Thursday, September 7, 5:30-9:30pm
WHERE: The Stone House, 107 Sacramento Street, Nevada City
TICKETS: All-Ages, Free, Limited number of tickets. Those interested in attending must RSVP to jesse@nevadacityfilmfestival.com for a complimentary “Ticket to the Moon” before September 1st.