Maybe It Really Is America’s Venice?

For four glorious weeks each year, Fort Lauderdale transforms itself into a hotbed of hobnobbing, culture chatter, and celebrity spotting during the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. The cinematic spectacle has acted as launching pad for many independent films, giving them the street cred and awards they need to huddle up with the big boys. (Have you seen all of the posters for Sharkwater at your local megaplex? You could have seen it a year ago if you attended FLIFF 2006.)

Aside from being very exciting, the film fest is a great way to get involved and meet other folks who share your love of independent film and cocktails. This will be proven tonight at the swanky, pre-bash bash: The Martinis and Movies Membership Party at Blue Martini (2414 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale in the Galleria). Ten bucks gets you access to information that none of your friends have, like what films the FLIFF masterminds have culled for this year’s festival, which celebrities will be coming to town and when and -- best of all – you get seven dollar martinis from 6 to 8 p.m. While there, you can figure out which membership level suits you best; they start at very inexpensive ($45 for students, $70 for the old-enough to drink crowd) and give you free films, access to parties, and a built-in network of friends to share it with. Visit www.fliff.com.
Tue., Oct. 2, 2007