Costner to attend South Dakota Film Festival

The fledgling South Dakota Film Festival, in only its third year of existence, got a major jolt of publicity recently when it announced that film great Kevin Costner will attend this year’s festival Sept. 18-20 at Aberdeen (Costner will be in attendance Sept. 18-19).

Costner and the state of South Dakota have a mutual love affair dating back about 20 years to the filming and release of "Dances with Wolves." The movie was the biggest success of Costner’s career, and the South Dakota-filmed scenes were a boon to the state’s tourism industry. Costner also invested in a Deadwood casino around the time of the movie’s filming.

One of the film festival’s events will feature Costner in a discussion about "Dances with Wolves" and his interest in American Indian culture.

Tickets to the festival are available now (some already are sold out). Here’s a schedule of events featuring Costner:

Opening Session
Friday, September 18, 7:30 pm. – Johnson Fine Arts Center, NSU Campus
Kevin will discuss his South Dakota connection and interest in Native American culture which was instrumental in his making of Dances with Wolves. ($25)

Patrons Rendezvous
Friday, September 18, 10:00 pm. – Capitol Theatre
A unique, exclusive opportunity to visit with Kevin about South Dakota, Native American culture, tourism, the arts and commerce. Hear his vision for northeast South Dakota and share your own. Enjoy live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, spirits and interesting discussion. ($1,000)

Discussion in the Round
Saturday September 19, 9 am. – Capitol Theatre
Filmmakers and students will enjoy this opportunity to discuss the filmic arts in South Dakota with Kevin. Seating is limited to first come first seated. ($15 Student, $100 non-student).

“The Chase” Fine Art Print
Autograph Session
Saturday, 12:30 pm – 4 pm. – Native American Cultural Center and Museum
Patrons Rendezvous participants will receive this beautiful print by artist Tom Phillips and may have it autographed by Kevin along with a one-on-one discussion. The general public is also welcome to attend this event with the purchase of the $500 print.