Eating Sushi Among Fish—More Than Film at VIFF

Canada

Eating Sushi Among Fish—More Than Film at VIFF

Wed., Oct. 1, 2008 1:09 PM PDT by Rebecca Bollwitt

Heather Watson

Bringing together professionals in the industry, from across the city and the globe, is a fantastic feat performed each year by the VIFF.

According to Heather Watson, Vancouver Editor of Blackbook Magazine, there's always something to look forward to. "To some, parties are chances to setup meetings and sell projects, but for the rest, it's a great opportunity to feel like they're all a part of an industry since in Vancouver we can sometimes feel isolated."

This year's opening gala was held at the Vancouver Aquarium and according to Watson, "it was really fun, and surreal, to eat sushi among all those fish." She's been attending the VIFF for years and has an eye for some of the big hits. "The galas always feature a unique backdrop somewhere in the city; it's a nice welcome."

Local actress Michelle Kim also knows what to look forward to and is never disappointed, "There are some great parties each year that make the city sparkle each night; Brightlight Pictures' Stephen Hegyes and Shawn Williamson just might be the most elegant hosts in town with their event at Cin Cin. The food and drinks…amazing!" She also had the chance to attend the always-fabulous Martini Madness event by Women in Film.

Last week saw the Canadian Images party, hosted by Infinity Features at the District 319 theatre on Main, then there's the upcoming Talelight Night at the Opus Hotel on October 2nd, along with the sponsor's party at the Vancouver International Film Centre October 4th.

Watson, who also attended BC Fashion Week, took on the red carpet (complete with outdoor chandeliers) at the Insight party noting, "it's nice to inject a bit of glamour into a city that's often just raincoats and sandals."

This diversity and melding of international yet local, as well as elegant and rustic is what makes the Vancouver scene and the VIFF so celebrated and unique.

The closing gala will be held at the Sheraton Wall Centre on October 10th and will have a "British Invasion" theme, complete with go-go dancers, pop icons, and music from the Beatles and Rolling Stones.

GUEST BLOGGER: Rebecca Bollwitt has been blogging about Vancouver since 2004 on Miss604.com, co-hosting two podcasts since 2005 and in 2008 she co-founded sixty4media, a social media consulting firm.