Gen Art is excited to announce it will co-host two important events at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Both events will celebrate actors committed to independent cinema: 7 Fresh Faces in Film with 7 For All Mankind on Friday, January 16th, and It’s Better in the Dark with Black – Kenneth Cole on Saturday, January 17th.

January 16th from 10:00 pm-1:00 am, 7 For All Mankind and Gen Art will honor seven talented up-and-coming actors at the Hollywood Life House, 692 Main Street, Park City, Utah. Members of the film and fashion communities will toast the rising stars during this anticipated celebration. Each of the 7 Fresh Faces has at least one film premiering at this year’s festival. Honorees include Zach Gilford (Dare, TV’s Friday Night Lights), Tania Raymonde (The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle, TV’s Lost), Pell James (Shrink, Zodiac), Louisa Krause (Toe to Toe, The Babysitters), Charlyne Yi (Paper Heart, Knocked Up, TV’s 30 Rock), and Mark Duplass (Humpday, The Puffy Chair, co-wrote/co-directed Baghead). Guests will enjoy a late night snack provided by Terra Chips and AriZona Iced Tea.

Those honored were carefully chosen by members of Gen Art and 7 For All Mankind based on their past and current projects. “These talented actors are poised to become the breakout stars of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, and we expect them to make tremendous contributions to the entertainment community,” said Leilani Augustine, VP of Marketing at 7 For All Mankind. “This aligns with our own mission to support the artists who influence us.”

This program was launched at the 2008 Festival, hosted by Academy Award-nominated director Jason Reitman, with honorees Melonie Diaz (Be Kind Rewind, Hamlet 2), Paz de la Huerta (The Guitar), Kate Mara (Transsiberian), Jason Ritter (The Deal, Good Dick), Shoshannah Stern (Adventures of Power), Rachael Taylor (Bottle Shock), and Olivia Thirlby (The Wackness).

On January 17th from 10:00 pm-1:00 am, Black – Kenneth Cole Fragrance and Gen Art will salute a handful of actors for their dedication to the art of independent film at the Kenneth Cole Black Party at Greenhouse at The Sky Lodge, 201 Heber Avenue at Main Street, Park City. This event will honor some of today’s best acting talent in independent filmmaking. Kevin Bacon (Taking Chance), Jeff Daniels (Arlen Faber), Kevin Corrigan (Big Fan), and Alan Cumming (Dare) will be among the evening’s honorees, and Nick Cannon (The Killing Room) will serve as guest DJ.

Both Black – Kenneth Cole Fragrance and Gen Art believe in the ongoing support and promotion of independent filmmaking and the arts. To commemorate this evening, Black – Kenneth Cole Fragrance will be making a $10,000 donation to the Sundance Institute on behalf of the evening’s honorees. This event is part of Gen Art’s 15th Anniversary and long-term commitment to promoting, showcasing, and building awareness for emerging independent artists through over 100 annual events and dozens of grants. The Black – Kenneth Cole Fragrance Party is yet another occasion where Gen Art can spotlight talent and share it with members of the industry and consumer film enthusiasts alike.

“We are very excited to host one event which spotlights rising talent, and another which honors their role models,” Gen Art Film VP Jeffrey Abramson said.

About 7 For All Mankind

7 For All Mankind, LLC launched the premium denim craze in the United States in 2000. The Los Angeles based brand quickly earned critical acclaim and an immediate following for its innovative use of fits, fabrics, and finishes. The company continues to grow and evolve as a true denim lifestyle brand, expanding its product line to include men’s, kids’, and handbag collections. 7 For All Mankind is currently sold at its owned retail stores, 7ForAllMankind.com, luxury department stores such as Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus, as well as high-end specialty boutiques in over 80 countries throughout the world. On August 31, 2007, 7 For All Mankind was acquired by VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC). As a result of this acquisition, 7 For All Mankind is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of VF Corporation. For more information about VF, visit www.vfc.com.

About Black – Kenneth Cole Fragrance

Sexy and sophisticated, BLACK – Kenneth Cole blends energetic herbs with masculine spices and sensual woods to create a bold scent that reflects the elegance and style of the city.

About Gen Art

Gen Art is the leading arts and entertainment organization dedicated to showcasing the best emerging talent in film, fashion, visual arts, and music. With five offices, Gen Art has succeeded in launching the careers of many young talented filmmakers, providing them with high-profile events that welcome industry and new audiences alike. Gen Art has an extensive program supporting independent film, including the Gen Art Film Festival which celebrates its 14th year this April in New York, its Chicago Film Festival which debuted in June 2007, and a national screening series which includes 48 annual events in the top five markets. Gen Art was founded in 1993 by Ian and Stefan Gerard. For more information, visit www.genart.org.