The Twentieth Century Fox Film starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson and Thomas Hayden Church is a heart-warming story about a father who moves his young family to the Southern California countryside to renovate and re-open a struggling zoo. It is based on a memoir by Benjamin Mee.
"'We Bought A Zoo' weaves together warmth, laughter and a spirit of optimism, that is not only perfect for the holiday season, but also perfect to open our Festival at this special time of year," Vicedomini said in making the announcement. "We are thrilled that it will headline our opening night gala which will also honor mime and dance legend Lindsay Kemp."
Kemp, who claims he began life in his mother's lipstick and shoes, was born on the Isle of Lewis in 1938, and has been a major figure in dance, mime and theatre for over forty years, during which time he starred, choreographed and produced some of the greatest dance productions ever seen. He famously taught David Bowie mime, and collaborated with Kate Bush. As an actor he has appeared in Derek Jarman's "Sebastiane" and "Jubilee"; and in Ken Russell's "The Devils" and "Savage Messiah", he also gave a memorable performance in the original version of "The Wicker Man."
On December 30th, Michel Hazanavicius who directed "The Artist" will be on hand to accept the Festival's 2011 Film of the Year Award as will it's female lead, Bérénice Bejo, who will receive the Best Actress Award. On the same night, Capri, Hollywood will honor Italian director Emanuele Crialese with the Best Italian Film prize. Crialese's latest feature "Terraferma," has been selected as Italy's Best Foreign Language Film entry in the upcoming Academy Awards.
Other Festival attendees include Michael Fassbinder who has been named Best Actor for his performance in "Shame," French actor Vincent Perez and his wife Karine Silla, Italian actress Valeria Golino, Academy Award-winners Forest Whitaker and Melissa Leo, producer-director Lee Daniels, Jonah Hill, and super-model/actress Madalina Ghenea.