IVINS – Utah’s premier documentary film festival, DOCUTAH, opens tonight, Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m., with an opening Gala at Tuachahn Amphitheater in Ivins, Utah.

The Gala will feature the debut screening of the film, “Wayne Newton:  A Native American Legend” and a performance by Newton and his 21-piece orchestra. Newton will also appear on stage with one of his Arabian horses featured in the film that will be shown at his new tourist property “Shenandoah” opening later this year.

The Newton documentary was selected to headline this year’s DOCUTAH Film Festival among 100 films from 36 countries to be screened throughout the 10-day event. Films feature a variety of topics with 25 in the running for Raven Awards, the premier award of DOCUTAH, the only international all-documentary film festival.

Alana Lee, former Miss Dixie and current Miss Nevada will serve as emcee for the Sept. 8 opening gala. In attendance will be St. George Mayor Daniel D. McArthur, Dixie State College President Stephen Nadauld and DOCUTAH Festival Director Phil Tuckett.

“Wayne Newton:  A Native American Legend” is unique to the festival for the fact that it was produced by students and staff at Dixie State College. The project was completed over the course of 18 months. Several students involved in the production of the film with be spotlighted at the DOCUTAH Opening Gala.

Feature DOCUTAH film screenings include:

“Boys of Bonneville” (Ab Jenkins) Friday, Sept. 9, at the Eccles Fine Arts Center at Dixie State College

“Green Fire” at the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater in Springdale, Utah, Sept. 12

“Tabloid” at the Keyenta outdoor theater Thursday, Sept. 15

“Sing Your Song” about Harry Belafonte (daughter Gina will be in attendance) Sept. 15 at Keyenta

“Forest Prince and the Big Man” at Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah Friday, Sept. 16

For more information about DOCUTAH, contact Melynda Burt, DOCUTAH media coordinator, at (435) 773-0781.

 

DOCUTAH QUICK FACTS

• DOCUTAH is the Southern Utah International Film Festival presented by Dixie State College

• More than 300 film submissions were received by DOCUTAH this year from 36 different countries

• 100 films will be screened as part of the 2011 DOCUTAH Festival in Southern Utah

• 25 films are in the  running for the festival’s prestigious Raven Awards to be announced Sept. 16

• 30 student films will be featured at the 2011 festival

• 200 volunteers will combine efforts to staff DOCUTAH this year

• DOCUTAH is the only film festival in the world dedicated to featuring true documentary films

• Each DOCUTAH voucher = a $6 value

• All-event passes = $100 value and will allow access to all events EXCEPT the opening gala Wayne Newton at Tuacahn

• Wayne Newton/Tuacahn tickets $59.50 value each

• Tickets can be purchased at the Burns Arena Ticket Office at Dixie State College or DOCUTAH online.

• “Like” DOCUTAH on facebook and earn one ticket to be donated to a child of Big Brothers Big Sisters to see “Keiko the Untold Story” about the actual freeing of the Orca star of the 1993 box office hit “Free Willy”

• For more information, visit DOCUTAH online.