THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD by American director Andrew Dominik was announced at a press conference today as the Opening Film of the 2007 Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) presented by American Express. The film will be presented at the American Express Opening Night Gala on the eve of the Festival September 20, 2007.

“CIFF will be the second Festival in Canada to see this film after the Toronto International Film Festival,” explained CIFF’s Executive Director Jacqueline Dupuis. “This is truly a coup for Calgary and a testament to the people of Alberta and the Alberta film industry.” Dupuis expressed her thrill that Warner Bros. is giving CIFF the opportunity to share this remarkable cinematic achievement with a Calgary audience, many of whom worked on the film while it was being shot in Alberta during the fall of 2005.

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD Andrew Dominik, USA From filmmaker Andrew Dominik (CHOPPER) comes a film that delves into the private life and public exploits of America's most notorious outlaw. As the charismatic and unpredictable Jesse James (Brad Pitt) plans his next great robbery, he wages war on his enemies, who are trying to collect the reward money and glory riding on his capture. But the greatest threat to his life may ultimately come from those he trusts the most. Also starring Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Paul Schneider, Jeremy Renner, Zooey Deschanel and Sam Rockwell.

A drama filmed in the spectacular landscapes of Alberta, the film highlights the expansive prairies of the south and snowcapped peaks of Kananaskis, doubling for the American frontier circa 1881. Authentic period architecture at Fort Edmonton and Calgary’s Heritage Park, as well as the talents of the Alberta film industry, such as horse wrangler John Scott, are highlighted in this critically acclaimed film.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Virtual Studios, a Scott Free / Plan B Entertainment production.  Written for the screen and directed by Andrew Dominik, based on the novel by Ron Hansen, the film is produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Ridley Scott, Jules Daly and David Valdes.  Brad Grey, Tony Scott, Lisa Ellzey and Benjamin Waisbren are the executive producers.   The creative team includes director of photography Roger Deakins, editors Dylan Tichenor and Curtiss Clayton and costume designer Patricia Norris.  Music is by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD will be screened at the American Express Opening Night Gala on Thursday, September 20 at the Globe Cinema starting at 7:00pm. The Gala reception will follow at Belgo Brasserie.

The complete 2007 CIFF line-up, as well as the sale of tickets and passes, is available online at www.calgaryfilm.com.  The CIFF Box Office opens at Eau Claire Market and the CIFF Souvenir.

Program Guide goes on sale at participating Starbuck’s locations (and the CIFF Box Office) on September 7, 2007.