Recently I was invited to the VIFF opening gala party at the Rocky Mountaineer Station Thursday, September 29. It was a lavish affair in a gorgeous venue filled with sensory delights for tastebuds, eyes and ears. The theme was 30’s Art Deco costumes. I spied many VIFF revellers decked out in their best to celebrate the evening. As a film lover, I was particularly excited to check out the local social scene surrounding the VIFF spirit as it was my first time. As I made my way into the entrance, I noticed a wall of sponsor logos with a red carpet and many were posing on it with glee, reminiscent of the celebrity arrivals at film premieres.

There were some lovely white sculptural ornaments at the bar along with giant screens of classic movies and many happy faces surrounding the jive dancing troupe with live band. I met the adorably paired Aaron Malkin and Kat Single – Dain of the Dusty Flowerpot Academy.

Culinary delights were served for the enthusiastic crowd at various tables: fresh oysters from Joe Fortes Seafood and Chop House, seafood appetizers from Goldfish Pacific Kitchen, smoked salmon tarama at Nu Restaurant and wild salmon lollipop from C Restaurant. The crowd pleaser was the tuna and salsa tortilla, hand made gnocchi, pull pork sliders and made-to-order Mai Tais from the dapper bartender at the Earl’s Restaurant table. Wolf Blass wine was served and paired wonderfully with the food. Dessert from Daniel Le Chocolat Belge and the oh-so-good donuts and coffee from Ethical Bean Coffee were served.

Guests were encouraged to take a fun photo opportunity at the Hello! magazine booth and have your own “magazine cover”  as a souvenir to take home when you pose for the camera. The night was not complete without a stunning Cirque Du Soleil style acrobatic performance with artists twirling down perilously and entwined on long pieces of fabric attached to the ceiling. I enjoyed myself at this party and hope to meet more cinephiles and industry folks next year!