Every year for about three weeks, Fort Lauderdale becomes a veritable hub for filmmakers and film geeks. They come from all over the world to celebrate the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF), held at our neighborhood arthouse Cinema Paradiso. The festival doesnt start until October 23, but in the meantime, the good people at Cinema Paradiso will offer a glimpse of whats to come Thursday at the FLIFF-a-Nova party -- a bossa nova-influenced membership drive -- held at Brazilian steakhouse Chima. Attendees can catch a sneak peek of some of the festivals scheduled films while throwing back cocktails. The party starts at 6 p.m., and the $10 admission includes one free drink (Caipirinhas = rum + sugar + lime = yummy!) and Chima's delicious Brazilian hors d'oeuvres. If you sign up for a FLIFF membership, admission is free. Memberships start at $70 and come with loads of perks. Chima is located at 2400 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. Visit fliff.com, or call 954-712-0580.
Thu., Oct. 8, 6 p.m., 2009