Opening Night Gala - Thank You For Smoking

Running time: N/A

Cinequest is proud to present the dynamic Opening Night Film Thank You for Smoking, a fiercely satirical look at today?s ?culture of spin.?

Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), chief spokesman for Big Tobacco, makes his living defending the rights of smokers and cigarette makers in today?s neo-puritanical culture. Confronted by health zealots out to ban tobacco and an opportunistic senator (William H. Macy) who wants to put poison labels on cigarette packs, Nick goes on a public relations offensive, spinning away the dangers of cigarettes on television talk shows and enlisting a Hollywood super-agent (Rob Lowe) to promote smoking in movies. Nick?s newfound notoriety attracts the attention of both tobacco?s head honcho (Robert Duvall) and an investigative reporter for an influential Washington daily (Katie Holmes). Nick says he is just doing what it takes to pay the mortgage, but the increased scrutiny of his son (Cameron Bright) and a very real death threat may force him to think differently.

Based on Christopher Buckley?s acclaimed 1994 novel of the same title, Thank You for Smoking marks the feature film directorial debut of Jason Reitman, and features an all star cast including Aaron Eckhart, Maria Bello, Cameron Bright, Adam Brody, Sam Elliott, Katie Holmes, David Koechner, Rob Lowe, William H. Macy, JK Simmons and Robert Duvall.

After the film, please join Cinequest, filmmakers and special guests for a spectacular Opening Night Gala party featuring appetizers, desserts, cocktails and entertainment in the Paragon Restaurant & Bar at the Hotel Montgomery.