As part of Cunard’s partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival, the iconic ocean liner company will be pleased to welcome acclaimed filmmakers Griffin Dunne and Gary Winick on the 11 November Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton to New York aboard Queen Mary 2. This year, Cunard was recognized as the Official Cruise Line of the Tribeca Film Festival, of which both film industry insiders have been active participants for a number of years. With this upcoming sailing, they join a distinguished list of luminaries and tastemakers that have sailed a legendary voyage with Cunard, operator of The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World.
During the Crossing, Dunne and Winick will participate in Cunard Insights, the line’s award-wining onboard enrichment programme, and will screen one of each of their films: Dunne will discuss “Practical Magic,” starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock; Winick will screen his feature film, “13 Going on 30,” starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. In addition, they will engage in a panel conversation with the ship’s entertainment director where they will share stories about their multi-faceted careers and the many roles they play in the entertainment industry – from director and producer to writer and actor. All programmes will be held in Queen Mary 2’s spectacular 450-seat, stadium-style theatre, Illuminations, which is also the only planetarium at sea.
“Cunard has a long history of hosting those on and behind the silver screen, and we are pleased to welcome these fêted filmmakers aboard Queen Mary 2 as part of this tradition,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line. “We seek to entertain and educate our guests with our Insights programme, so to hear both gentlemen share stories from their longstanding and varied film careers will no doubt be a treat for our guests.”
Griffin Dunne has been involved in the film business for almost 30 years. Beginning as an actor, Dunne starred in John Landis’ cult favorite, “An American Werewolf in London” (1981). A few years later, he had the leading role in Martin Scorsese’s “After Hours” (1985), which is among the many movies that Dunne has produced with partner Amy Robinson through their company, Double Play Productions. Other Double Play productions include “Running on Empty” (1988), “White Palace” (1990) and “Once Around” (1991). Dunne has continued to appear on both sides of the camera, taking supporting roles as an actor in films such as “My Girl” (1991) and “I Like It Like That” (1994). He made his directorial debut with a short film, “Duke of Groove” (1996) (TV), which was nominated for an Academy Award®. Dunne then made the leap to feature films with “Addicted to Love” (1997), “Practical Magic” (1998), “Famous” (2000) and “Fierce People” (2005). Dunne is the son of the late notable writer and investigative journalist, Dominick Dunne, and Ellen Griffin Dunne.
Film director and producer Gary Winick has directed films such as “Tadpole” (2002), for which he won the Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival; “13 Going on 30” (2004); and the live-action remake of “Charlotte’s Web” (2006). His most recent film, “Bride Wars,” was released in January 2009. Through InDigEnt, which he founded in 1999, he has produced such films as “Pieces of April” (2003), for which Patricia Clarkson was nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actress; “Land of Plenty” (2004); and “Starting Out in the Evening” (2007). He won the 2003 Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award for producing “Personal Velocity.”
Delving deeply into a variety of compelling and relevant topics, Cunard Insights introduces guests to stimulating experts and accomplished visionaries who reflect the line’s heritage of adventure and prestige. Through a series of lectures, Q&A’s, social gatherings and workshops, guests connect with authors and intellectuals who have achieved notable distinction in areas including history, world affairs, science, politics, arts and literature. The Insights programme underscores Cunard’s longstanding view that onboard entertainment should afford guests a provocative and rewarding cerebral experience.
The 11 November Transatlantic Crossing is one of more than 20 classic six-day voyages between Southampton and New York offered by Cunard this year. In 2010, Cunard will offer guests more choices of Crossings, sailing six and seven-day Transatlantic voyages between April and November.
Widely considered the definitive ocean travel experience, a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing offers guests myriad opportunities for intellectual interaction, leisurely pursuits, health and wellness activities and gourmet dining. Unique Cunard amenities found aboard Queen Mary 2 include the famed Princess and Queens Grill accommodation, the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea and the first Todd English restaurant at sea.
