It was hard to tell who was most excited at the opening night cocktail party (scroll down for pictures) on March 27 of the Kent Film Festival: the filmmakers, whose movies would be screened over the weekend; the volunteers, whose hard work made it all happen; or the fans who were being offered a smörgsbord of both cinema--40 flicks in four days--and old-style Italian hors d'oeuvres. What more perfect prelude could there be to a screening of Doughboys, the story of a Bronx bakery, directed by Sopranos actor Louis Lombardi. Meanwhile, at the fantastic Housatonic home of Sandy Sanderson and Lisa Newmann, Kelley Vickery, founder and director of the Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) announced their line up for May 15 - 18, when 60-plus films will screen in Great Barrington, starting with Sundance double-prize-winner, Man on Wire. In addition to films, there will be two dozen filmmakers on hand to share wisdom, including special effects icon Doug Trumbull (Bladerunner). Another highlight: a tribute to Berkshire favorite Kevin Bacon.
Kelley Vickery, founding director of BIFF, Triplex Cinema general manager John Valente, and BIFF's guide-to-the-vagueries of Hollywood, board member Gary Hill.
BIFF stalwart, "the fabulous" Lauren Ferin, and Church Street Gallery owner Denise Ulick; graphic designer Mark Baer and Pilates-maven Karen Lee
The Women's Times founder and publisher Eugenie Sills, Massachusetts State Representative from Lenox Smitty Pignatelli, Vault Gallery owner Alan Kalish; Laura Walczak and BIFF graphic designer Amanda Bettis, both of Studio Two.
Ingrid Taylor, host Sandy Sanderson, Nancy Kalodner, and hostess Lisa Newmann.
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Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
