The First Middleburg Film Festival Starts Tonight

I’m very excited to be attending the opening of the first-ever Middleburg Film Festival tonight here in Virginia.  Middleburg is the heart of Virginia horse country.  It was established in 1787, with land purchased from George Washington’s cousin.  Famous for its fox hunts and vineyards, the town’s historic inns have hosted everyone from Civil War soldiers to President John F. Kennedy and actress Elizabeth Taylor.   There are over 33 wineries in the area, plus a beautiful landscape along the Blue Ridge Mountains and more than 160 historic buildings.  The just-opened, ultra-luxurious Salamander Resort will host the festival.  Bruce Dern, generating Oscar buzz for his performance in the upcoming Alexander Payne film “Nebraska,” will be there to present the film and have a conversation with Janet Maslin covering his career.  And the film slate is top-notch, including “August: Osage County” with Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep and “Philomena” with Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.