Film fest fundraiser shoots for star, but Cage reportedly won't attend

By James J. Gillis/Daily News staff

NEWPORT - Newport International Film Festival organizers were hoping actor Nicolas Cage, a recent transplant to Aquidneck Island, would be the special guest at Friday's annual fall fundraiser.

But apparently the actor will be unable to attend, according to festival executive director Louisa M. Percudani. Organizers will hold the party at Astors' Beechwood mansion from 7-10 p.m. If Cage wants to make a surprise appearance, that's fine with the festival people.

But they are not expecting him.

Cage bought the 24-room Gray Craig Manor in Middletown in August for $15.7 million. While Cage has not been spotted at any public fundraisers, Cage sightings have become common in the area, at places like Subway in the Brick Market.

Meanwhile, the $100-a-person party will benefit the festival, which runs June 3-8, and will give Percudani a chance to meet festival supporters. She recently took over the executive director's job from Laurie B. Kirby, who resigned in August to head the Ojai (California) Film Festival.

Percudani, who has a background in television, came to Newport from the Sedona Film Festival in Arizona, where she served as managing director.

At Friday night's party, Percudani will discuss ideas to keep the festival in the public eye during the off-season. That includes pre-releases of upcoming movies on the second Tuesday of each month at the Jane Pickens Theater.

"It will be a pre-release of a new film with the filmmaker on hand for questions and answers," she said. "I'm working on confirming the November film."

She also is toying with the idea of other events. One potential plan is to hold a party for people who have appeared as extras in locally made films. In the past 10 years, films such as "Evening," "Amistad" and "Me, Myself and Irene" have been shot in the Newport area.

"I think it would be great to get everyone together," she said. "It sounds like a lot of fun."