It was a night filled with the glare of the spotlight, the flash of the paparazzi, and the classic elegance of black and white. Miami's glorious Freedom Tower was the fitting venue for the opening gala of the Miami International Film Festival. All aspects of the event, from the decor to the beverages, enhanced this tribute to Miami's celebration of international film.
The evening's theme, "Black Book/White Night/Hot Film," highlighted the film that preceded the event, Dutch director Paul Verhoeven's dark World War II drama Black Book, which was screened at the lavish Gusman Center for the Performing Arts. The dress code for the evening was black tie and white attire, and everyone obliged, including guests of honor Verhoeven and actress Carice van Houten.
The pleasure was in the details as festival guests and V.I.P. were greeted with espresso martinis by black-tie waitstaff as they glided into the grand entrance of the landmark building and made their way to the event space on the second floor. High-top tables were outfitted in black-and-white patterned fabric. Tables were lit with glass jars festooned with strips of film, giving the light a dewy glow. Black-and-white film stills from movies featured in the festival were blown up and placed throughout the venue, giving guests not only a sneak peak of the films to be shown throughout the week, but also providing a simple yet dramatic touch to the minimalist event space. The lighting, provided by Lighting Design and Production, bathed the soiree in rich violets and warm pinks.
"The space itself is solid white, and we were lucky to feature Black Book as the opening film. So the event's theme really came together well," said Carol Ann Lafferty, managing director of the Film Festival. She designed and coordinated the event along with staff from the festival and Miami-Dade College. "We wanted it to be a preview of what was coming in the next days of the festival."
The venue, provided courtesy of Pedro Martin and David Martin of the Terra Group, proved an appropriate setting for the more than 1,200 guests who attended the gala. A series of interconnected rooms, the white-on-white space featured small sitting areas cozy enough for conversation, as well as a spacious dance floor, where DJ Shlomi of S.F.P. Records kept the crowd on their feet. A sumptuous buffet was provided by Thierry's Catering, featuring hot and cold stations of cheese platters, pasta dishes, and salads. Guests sipped Svedka Vodka martinis served from glowing plexiglass bars while mingling with the international filmmakers debuting films at the festival.
—Sara Liss
The 80-year-old Freedom Tower provided the backdrop for an evening celebrating film.
Bartenders served cocktails from behind glowing plexiglass bars decorated with flowers from Parrish Designs.
Lighting Design and Production projected the Film Festival's logo onto the white dance floor.
The evening's theme was illuminated by votive candles placed inside glass jars festooned with film reels. They are shown here encircled by espresso martinis.
Black-and-white patterned linens from Nuage dressed the high-top tables.
Blown-up film stills graced the white walls of the venue, providing a cinematic accompaniment to the lounges.
Guests enjoyed a buffet prepared by Thierry's Catering.
