The first line-up announcement is here!

So, we're here!

The first announcement.












If you'll recall, I mentioned earlier that some of the films that appearing on IndieWire's list of the Best Undistribued Films of 2008 would be playing at the 2009 Nashville Film Festival. One of those was mentioned in our first line-up announcement (there are several to come). Antonio Campos's Afterschool is one of the films that will be screening at the fest. It's about a high schooler who accidentally films the death of two schoolmates while shooting his school's video yearbook and the entanglements that follow. It's a great statement on the effects of our current multimedia existances and what it might be doing to young people. More than that, it's a really assured debut from a director that is clearly one to watch.

There's also some great new films starring previous Oscar nominees - True Adolescents features a supporting performance from the wonderful Melissa Leo - and a great lead performance from Indie sensation Mark Duplass. That Evening Sun features a touching lead perf from Into the Wild nominee Hal Holbrook - and a chance to catch an early performance from someone who is soon going to be a HUGE star - Mia Wasikowska, who will play Alice in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.

The film that's creating the most buzz early is the World Premiere of William Shatner's Gonzo Ballet - a documentary chronicling the creation of a ballet based on Shatner's 2004 Ben Folds-produced and Nashville-recorded album, "Has Been". Yes, the Shatner is coming to the Premiere and many other guests are expected (but not confirmed).

There is already more than this, and there will be much more to come, but we're off and running and in the midst of the craziest part of the pre-festival days putting together a line-up that will blow your mind!