Saturday, April 26, 2008

Opening Night!

GR Film Buff Ilsa Bartlett:
Did you ever think the Metreon could be so cool? Though the Metreon uses the same intense lumins in the projections the filmmakers intended, most do not notice the light! Metreon reclaimed the Glamor!



The San Francisco International Film Festival transformed the teen hang out playground into a place of shimmering style with happening energy. There was a guard on the ground turning away everyone but the celebs. When the elevator doors opened, the fourth floor was transformed by lavender end of the Doppler light shift. Great live shake-your-booty music filled the space; people were shaking their booties and not just bobbing their heads. The sound system was wonderfully balanced loudness yet you didn't have to shout to talk. Hundreds of creative people, producers with business on their mind, the 'stock' supplier from Kodak corporate, and a string of suited industry lawyers mixed with the costumers and the costumed, in lace, feathers and fur.

San Francisco Film officialdoms decided correctly to focus on truly great independent films rather than being another notch on the chain of L.A. look alike's worldwide. One after another important Independent film maker danced and drank and nibbled well after midnight. This focus on the best of the independents can only make the festival bigger and better while making S.F. a Hot, Hotter, Hottest Film Festival. The momentum is built a bit more this year.


Filmmaker CATHERINE BREILLAT shone brightly at her opening night screening of "Last Mistress," my full review to follow...

With a dozen 'all you can drink' stations soldiered by a line of colorful bar tenders unwound what ever tensions brought to the party. Tables with smoked salmon, shrimps curled with unique sauces -- all frittered and beautifully presented. Shaved beef and homemade sour kraut served by the head chef himself with such joviality was a great hit. Lines of fancy pants fingered fine food that just made you want to go to his, hers or their restaurant. San Francisco continues to be a highly respected foodie town...

The most important single thing is the film! From the rising of the first curtain throughout the weeks are one after another beautiful, interesting, mind bending, or inspirational movie that you will have a hard time seeing anywhere else. Be there!

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