The fourth annual Ava Gardner Film Festival scheduled for September 24-27, 2008 will be a celebration of independent films from around the world and will showcase several of Ava’s classic films.

The Ava Gardner Museum has set the last week in September every year for this popular new festival that draws thousands of visitors to Smithfield. From Wednesday through Saturday, the festival will feature independent films, documentaries, narratives, short films and features. In addition to the films, there will be special museum exhibits and the JOCO Artists Guild sponsored Arts and Fine Crafts Marketplace near the Ava Gardner Museum located in historic Downtown Smithfield.

“The Night of the Iguana”, “On the Beach” and “Earthquake” will be the three classic movies showcased at this year’s festival. Films will be shown in five downtown Smithfield venues including the Historic Howell Theatre on Third Street – the same theatre that a young Ava Gardner watched her first movies starring legends such as Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. (see movie descriptions attached)

The following is the schedule of activities for this year’s Ava Gardner Film Festival. Tickets for individual films will be $2.00 each or festival patrons may buy an all inclusive pass that covers all movies, opening events and parties for $75.00 per person. Tickets to festival parties and special events will be available on an individual basis through the museum.

• Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Kick-Off Party, 7pm – until
Opening Movie Event at the Ava Gardner Museum, 7pm
Film maker’s Lounge Open, The Yoga Connection

• Thursday, September 25, 2008
Film screenings begin 12N and run until
“The Night of the Iguana”, Town Commons Amphitheater
Hastings House and grounds party, 7pm – until

• Friday, September 26, 2008
Special Exhibit Opens, Ava Gardner Museum, 9am-5pm
Film showings begin 12N and run until
Reception and opening art exhibit at Frank Creek Art Gallery at the Johnston Community College, 7pm-9pm
Film maker’s Lounge Open, The Yoga Connection

• Saturday, September 27, 2008
Breakfast with the film makers, place TBD
Special Exhibit Opens, Ava Gardner Museum, 9am-5pm
Film screenings begin 10am-11pm
Arts and Fine Crafts Marketplace Sponsored by the JOCO Artist Guild, North Third Street, 10am-4pm
Film maker’s lounge Open, The Yoga Connection
Little Brown Jug II, Party, 7pm
Wrap Party, Ava Gardner Museum, 11pm - until