PopSyndicate.com

It’s not snowing yet, but no matter - there are plenty of good reasons to visit Aspen this month.

Usually noted for it’s world-class ski resorts, upscale shopping and A-list celebrity sightings, Aspen just added another good reason to head for the hills (if you want to get technical - mountains) - the 31st annual Aspen Filmfest 2009. The festival runs from September 30th through October 4th at the Wheeler Opera House and Isis Theatre in Aspen and at the Crystal Theatre in Carbondale. The five-days will be packed with several award winning international narrative and documentary features, as well as previews of eagerly anticipated new films.

Receiving the New Directions Award is director Jason Reitman (Juno and Thank You For Smoking) who in his brief, young career has skyrocketed to success. Aspen Filmfest will screen Mr. Reitman’s latest film Up in the Air starring George Clooney.

Some don’t miss pics:
Michael Moore’s Capitalism: A Love Story, in which Moore explores capitalism and the American dream.

More than a Game, in which director Kristopher Belman (in attendance) captures the meteoric rise of basketball icon LeBron James and teammates during the run-up to their National High School Championships.

For My Father - Dir: Dror Zahavi

Precious: based on the novel Push by Sapphire - Dir: Lee Daniels

And don’t miss your chance to give a thumbs up/thumbs down to film critics during a special presentation entitled: CRITICS’ CHOICE: Clips and Conversation with Film Critics Mark Olsen and John Powers.

Tickets for Aspen Filmfest go on sale Monday, September 21st and the guide is currently available online at www.aspenfilm.org.