The Slamdance Film Festival has selected James Franco’s drama “Yosemite” as its closing-night film on Jan. 29.
Franco, who produced through his Rabbit Bandini company, will attend the world premiere screening as part of Slamdance’s “Coffee With” program.
Gabrielle Demeestere directed the film from her own script in an adaptation of three of Franco’s short stories. “Yosemite,” set in the fall of 1985, follows the intertwining tales of three 4th grade friends in the suburban paradise of Palo Alto as the threat of a killer mountain lion looms over the community.
Past “Coffee With” guests have included Chad Hurley and the Russo Brothers; Jonathan Demme and Neil Young; Ted Hope and Vilmos Zsigmond.
“We are thrilled to have such a talented and passionate supporter of independent film sit down and share his knowledge and experience with the Slamdance filmmakers,” said festival director Anna Germanidi.
Slamdance, launched in 1995 as an alternative to Sundance, will take place Jan. 23-29 in Park City, Utah, at the Treasure Mountain Inn. The Slamdance feature competition is limited to films from first-time directors and made with budgets under $1 million.
