Bening bows out of Virginia Film Festival

Annette Bening has had to cancel her appearance at the Virginia Film Festival as a result of unavoidable scheduling conflicts, the festival announced Monday.

Bening had been scheduled to join actress Cherry Jones and director Rodrigo Garcia in presenting a sneak preview of their film “Mother and Child” on Nov. 7 at the Paramount Theater.

“We are obviously disappointed that Annette will not be joining us in Charlottesville this year,” said Jody Kielbasa, director of the Virginia Film Festival. “However, we fully understand that scheduling conflicts such as these can arise and know that she and her representatives did everything they could to make this work. We have let them know that Annette is welcome here any year she can come and look forward to that time.”

Other stars are expected to appear at the festival, which will take place Nov. 5 to 8 under the “Funny Business” theme.

Among more than 100 guests expected to attend are actor Matthew Broderick, Academy Award-winning director Norman Jewison, Oscar-and Emmy-winning writer-director Alan Ball and filmmaker, author and artist John Waters.

Tickets to film festival events are on sale at UVa arts box office in the Drama Building on Culbreth Road, online at http://www.vafilm.com and by phone at (800) UVA-FEST.