Bermuda International Film Festival Opening Party

O.K ... The Bermuda International Film Festival is upon us and the opening party was last night. I thought I should show up. I'll probably not get to see a lot of the movies for 2 reasons: 1. I'm broke and 2. Tickets sell fast.

BIFF is an annual festival established in 1997 and is one of only four truly independent film festivals in the world.
That's me (cross-eyed) in the middle, Tony Brannon at left. More photos here

Anyway the party was at #6 Shed (cruise ship passenger terminal) on Front Street, a great place for a party. Music was supplied by Andy Williams from Montreal and Jon Legere of Volcanic Productions and I was happy to hear some Afro beat in public for a change. Not a lot of dancing but the atmosphere was friendly. Four drink tickets came with the $25 admission but most people seemed to have a lot more. I promptly lost my quota of drink tickets but the nice bartenders didn't seem to mind. One of them was my neighbour Mark Carey of Mark Carey Consulting Inc (I actually didn't recognize him out of context) and I knew the rest.

Two reasons i'm glad I showed up are Ozette and Lila visiting from New York. Lila is an aspiring actress and i'm sure she'll make it. I was immediately attracted to her (pictured right) and instinct told me she was leaving the next day ... she was. This unconditional attraction occurs infrequently with me but the subject is always leaving the next day!

Tony Brannon was at the party still thankful I found and returned his credit card earlier today on my job. Also present was Sylvester from Dominica. He's also a long time resident in Bermuda working as a detective with the Bermuda Police, and the guy in Marissa's life. Marissa is my co-worker from the Philippines. I've never really met Sylvester before and he appears to be a genuinely nice guy.

All in all a pleasant evening. I left after 1 am and headed over to Cafe Cairo across the road. The place was packed with at least 50 people waiting outside to get in. They would not be allowed in as the place was too full. Sylvester had already entered ... I lost him whilst making sure I hadn't lost Lila's email. Security was tight and my new found acquaintance with Sylvester came in handy. I mentioned to a big bouncer that I was with Sylvester... he got hold of Sylvester and confirmed this to be the case. Magic things happen when you know the right people, I jumped the line and strolled in - my status in society greatly enhanced.

Spotlight Party

Some music for you - Sonific SongSpot: Don't They or check this out Sonific SongSpot: Give Me the Night

Volcanic Productions has done it again! These guys know how to throw a party. This year's Spotlight Party took place last night in the Princess room and Regency Terrace at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel. And so it was in my fancy green pants, feeling a little under the weather, at around 10.30pm I made my entrance...

As usual the guest list and others who footed the paltry sum of $40 consisted of people you actually want to meet... cool people is what i'm saying. I mean I showed up (o.k I digress)... but you catch my drift huh? The gals outnumbered the guys, which is always a good thing, and a good number had on green. Let me explain myself. At this party green means you're available, red means taken, and amber I guess would depend on who's asking, on the fence, swinger... There is no confusion here like in other parties where a guy has to stake out the girls and look for 'available' signs - the ring on her finger, which finger? what does that smile mean? Is that guy her boyfriend? Who are her girlfriends? Do I know any of them? etc.. The process is not glamorous and includes, but is not limited to, one's ability to make a smooth transition from 'I am so interested in you' to 'just making friendly conversation' A guy can be made or broken in milliseconds depending on this ability or his cologne. No such nonsense at the Spotlight Party... all the guys had on nice cologne.

The Kissing Booth, with veteran photographer Meridith Andrews on hand, took care of the professional photography. Those photos should show up here.

Here's Meredith in action at The Kissing Booth


The music was also off da hook featuring The Butcha (VP's resident NYC DJ), Skilatchi, and the Dirkistan Freedom Fighters. Over the top? Perhaps but that's VP for you. Dancehall, Hip Hop, Old School and midnight tribute to James Brown from The Butcha. All in all an excellent night. 'Nuff respect to Jon Legere, The man behind VP.

From Spotlight Party

For my photos of the action click the photo or click HERE

Pictured is The Butcha from New York