Darko preview/Queer Cinema party

First, I want to plug mass upcoming Donnie Darko coverage on this blog; Karla and I saw the new director’s cut at the press screening, we’ll be speaking with the visiting guests on Saturday, and will attend the party that evening! Look for it! Now, the party…Thursday, May 27, a party “In honor of QUEER CINEMA at The Seattle International Film Festival,” as the invite says. Karla kindly gave me her invite, as she was not going to attend this do, which didn’t kick off until 11 pm at the Rosebud. I got there right before opening; we were off in the side room, which was initially empty but filled very quickly.

No celebs, but lots of chat with various SIFFers. Met Beth Barrett, Publications Coordinator/Research, who made working at SIFF sound like the old army (or was that the marines?) slogan — “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” Her job’s mostly over now, so she gets to hang out, relax, and see films. She was with Victoria Gentry from Vain, and we found out we have lots of friends in common, including King Country Councilmember Dow Constantine (she does his hair!). Met Volunteer Coordinator Chris Mergerson, a very pleasant chap. The ever-delightful Helen Loveridge showed up, and confessed to not having kept up completely with our blog, hoping also that we were saying nice things about her. Helen, everyone always says nice things about you, and not because they think they’re being interviewed.

There was beer, wine, and champagne to choose from; I told the server that if one had a choice, one should always opt for champagne. He agreed and laughed. The food excellent; a tasty spinach/garlic dip, smoked salmon, marinated olives. But I forgot to sample to chocolate covered strawberries! Grrr! By 1 pm-ish people started leaving, so the evening naturally wound down. Had a simply marvy time!