Harry Dean Stantonfest returns to Lexington with a musical theme

The Lexington Film League’s annual salute to a Kentucky native who appeared in more than 200 films takes place this weekend. Harry Dean Stanton grew up in Estill County and attended the University of Kentucky. Lucy Jones is the founder of Harry Dean Stantonfest.

“We have a tremendous lineup this year and a theme. Because Harry's first love was music, we are honoring that; all of our films and guests have some sort of musical tie in, whether it's a movie about a musician or just really soundtrack-heavy.”

In 2014, Jones persuaded a somewhat-reluctant Stanton to attend his own festival. Three years later, he died at the age of 91.

“He didn't like to toot his own horn, but I will say that at some point, one of his cousins told me that he had said, ‘Hey, do you know what they're doing for me in Kentucky? They're making me immortal.’”

The first Harry Dean Stantonfest took place in 2011.

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