17^th PHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL MUSICALLY EXPLODES WITH OPENING AND CLOSING NIGHT FILMS

(March 5, 2008) The 17^th Philadelphia Film Festival, April 3-15, 2008 is excited to announce the official selection of YOUNG@HEART as the Opening Night film and PATTI SMITH: DREAM OF LIFE as the Closing Night film for the premiere film event of the East Coast. With over 260 films in 13-days, including 40 feature-length documentaries, both films reflect a current industry shift towards telling true-life stories, brimming with music, drama and entertainment.

“Both films signal the current trend of fusing music, documentary storytelling and the pursuit of dreams, which the Festival is spotlighting with our “Lights! Camera! Music!” program.” says Raymond Murray, Artistic Director. “YOUNG@HEART is a joyous, celebratory film, perfectly suited for kicking off a film festival while PATTI SMITH: DREAM OF A LIFE will end our event on an artistic high note.”

OPENING NIGHT FILM

YOUNG@HEART (2007, USA) Directed by Stephen Walker

Thursday, April 3 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.

Established in 1982, choir group Young @ Heart are not your typical set of singers. While the diverse selection of men and woman, ranging in age from 72 to 88, have no problems belting out older pop standards, they have been touring the world performing cover songs from The Clash to Coldplay. Amazing, touching and delightful, the core story of Young@Heart is entirely real; not a high-concept idea thought up by studios, but a rousing true-life glimpse into an extraordinary group of individuals who rock out. A Fox Searchlight release. Special guests in attendance include choir members, choir director and film director!

CLOSING NIGHT FILM

PATTI SMITH: DREAM OF LIFE (2008, USA) Directed by Steven Sebring

Tuesday, April 15 at 7 p.m. at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St

Plunging the viewer into the philosophy and artistry of cult rocker, New Jersey-based Patti Smith, director Steven Sebring spent a quarter of his life framing Smith in his lens. The result: an engrossing portrait of a legendary singer, artist and poet that explores the themes of spirituality, history and self expression. Considered the ‘Godmother of Punk’, Smith emerged in the 1970’s galvanizing the music scene with her unique style of poetic rage, music and trademark swagger. Narrated by Smith, we follow this multitalented and private artist over 11 years of international travel, through her spoken words, performances, lyrics, interviews, paintings and photographs. Special guest Patti Smith will be attending Closing Night!

Tickets go on sale for Philadelphia Film Society members on March 14th and to the general public, March 17th. For further information on the 17^th Philadelphia Film Festival, visit www.phillyfests.com.

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Since 2001, the Philadelphia Film Society remains dedicated to the presentation of film in the Greater Philadelphia area as presenters of the Philadelphia Film Festival and the Philadelphia Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. The Society recognizes the powerful medium of film as artistic expression, a unique force for cultural diversity and international understanding; providing film screenings and events throughout the year. Please visit www.phillyfests.com for additional information.

Contact: Megan R. Smith

Director of Media Relations