Launched in 1998 by an enthusiastic group of movie/art lovers, independent filmmakers and film industry veterans, the CineVegas Film Festival has evolved into an annual celebration of cinematic excellence and artistic risk-taking.

It has come a long way from its humble, grassroots beginnings to the vibrant, star-studded, fun-filled event that takes place every year in June. Among the creative forces nurturing this growth are Trevor Groth, the Festival’s artistic director, the Palms Casino Resort, and Dennis Hopper, chair of the CineVegas creative advisory board.

With financial backing from Las Vegas Events, local businesses and individuals, the showroom and convention spaces at Bally’s originally served as screening rooms for CineVegas. The first CineVegas in 1998 featured “The Best of the Fests,” showcasing independent films that had previously earned awards and acclaim at other worldwide festivals.

In 2000 CineVegas moved to Bally’s new sister hotel, Paris Hotel and Casino. For two years, the Paris showroom and convention spaces were transformed to accommodate not only “The Best of the Fests,” but U.S. and world premieres of high-profile films. In 2001, the Festival presented Tony Curtis with the first Marquee Award for lifetime achievement. CineVegas also coined the Half-Life Award given to stars midway through their careers.

In 2002, CineVegas joined forces with The Entertainment Development Corporation, a non-profit agency with a mission to bring entertainment-based business to the Southern Nevada area. While moving permanently to the Brenden Theatres at the Palms Casino Resort, CineVegas also appointed a director of programming with the hiring of Trevor Groth, a 14-year senior programming veteran of the iconic Sundance Film Festival.

Under Groth’s guidance, the quality of original programming and new filmmakers that participated in the Festival took off. In 2003 Dennis Hopper received the Marquee Award and was so enamored with the Festival that he became, and still serves as, the chair of its creative advisory board.

"It's a unique location for a film festival that creates a vibrant atmosphere," said Groth. "Also, filmmakers and projects that may not normally get recognized by a festival have a platform in Las Vegas."

CineVegas has grown leaps and bounds over its ten-year history, and the Festival clearly owes a part of its success to its Las Vegas location. Along with its permanent residency at the Palms Casino Resort, the excitement of the Festival extends into the city with now-legendary parties, at venues like shark reefs, bowling alleys, rooftops and all the gaming, entertainment and other action that has conferred a special reputation upon Las Vegas.