Vail Film Festival organizers are pleased to announce the 2016 Rising Star Award, the Opening and Closing Night Films, and the Friday Night Concert Lineup, for the 13th annual Festival, taking place April 7-10, 2016 in one of the United States’ premier resort destinations, Vail, Colorado.
The Vail Film Festival is proud to honor Madison Davenport, one of Hollywood's leading young stars, with the 2016 Rising Star Award. Madison Davenport is already an industry veteran, having built an impressive resume since the age of 7. This past holiday season Madison was seen in the Universal comedy “Sisters” opposite Tina Fey and Amy Phoehler. Also in 2015, she had the lead role opposite Taryn Manning (“Orange Is the New Black”) in the indie feature “A Light Beneath Their Feet,” directed by Valerie Weiss. Davenport recently started production on the third season of Robert Rodriguez's cult classic “From Dusk Til Dawn: The Series.” Madison's credits also include her strong supporting role of ‘Na’el’ in Darren Aronofsky’s Biblical epic “Noah,” where she shared the screen with Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson and Anthony Hopkins, playing the love interest of Logan Lerman’s character. On the small screen, Madison is most known for her role on the hit Showtime series “Shameless” in which she delivered a memorable performance for two seasons portraying the fan favorite character of ‘Ethel.’ The Rising Star Award will be presented to Madison Davenport at the Festival Awards Ceremony on Saturday, April 9th. Past Vail Film Festival Rising Star honorees include Jesse Eisenberg, Olivia Wilde, Krysten Ritter and Sophia Bush.
The 2016 Vail Film Festival will open with the Colorado Premiere of “Morris from America,” starring Craig Robinson, winner of the 2016 Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize. The film follows the adventures of a 13-year-old American boy who moves to Germany. Vail Film Festival alum Valerie Weiss’ new film, “A Light Beneath Their Feet,” will screen as the Closing Night Film. The film stars Taryn Manning (“Orange is the New Black") and VFF 2016 Rising Star honoree, Madison Davenport. The coming-of-age dramedy follows a high school senior (Davenport) who must choose between escaping to the college of her dreams or staying close to home to take care of her bipolar mother (Manning).
Some of the 2016 Vail Film Festival highlight films include the World Premiere of “Year By the Sea,” adapted from the novel of the same name written by Joan Anderson; the World Premiere of “Cut to the Chase,” by writer/director Blayne Weaver, starring Weaver and Lance Henriksen; the World Premiere of “Finding Her,” starring Johnny Whitworth, Maurice McRae and Jeremy Holm; and the World Premieres of the documentary films “Shelter in the City” by director Terrence Donnellan, and “Riot” by director Kevin McLaughlin.
Beyond the film screenings and nightly parties, the Festival is proud to present the annual Friday Night Concert, presented by L.A.’s renowned Hotel Café. The concert will take place on Friday, April 8 at 7 p.m. at Shakedown Bar in Vail Village. Tickets are free for pass holders and $15 at the door. The concert will feature acclaimed musicians Butterfly Boucher, Erin McCarley, Katie Herzig, K.S. Rhoads, and the band The Kin.
“Music and film go hand in hand, and we’re thrilled to once again showcase amazing musicians at our annual Friday Night Concert, one of the festival’s most popular events,” said festival Co-Director Scott Cross.
For more information about the musicians and Friday Night Concert, visit the festival website at www.vailfilmfestival.com/friday-night-concert.