Sun And Celluloid: A Weekend In Palm Beach

Do not pity (nor envy) this pale New Yorker as I leave the cool and rainy climes of my native Manhattan for the sunny paradise of Palm Beach, Florida. Late April brings with it the beginnings of steamy Florida weather, with its peekaboo of sun and clouds, where a torrential rainshower can happen one minute and the sun shining the next is not out of the ordinary.

In this dramatic clime, the Palm Beach International Film Festival beckons with its film premieres, snazzy special events, chic parties and a relaxed atmosphere where you can entertain a struggling film artist one moment and a retired multimillionaire the next.

For this year's event, the excitement is based squarely on Palm Beach, the golden isle developed in the early part of the 20th century as a winter haven for bored millionaires. The city of West Palm Beach has grown into a commercial and cultural hub while maintaining a small town atmosphere. The neighboring towns of Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens are high end communities that like their golf courses manicured and their martinis very dry.

For five sizzling days, the Festival will pull out all the stops and bring a smorgasboard of film delights to local residents and visitors, reinforcing Palm Beach County's love of the cinematic arts. My task, dear reader, is to report back to you on the who's who, the what's what and the where's where, as I sacrifice life and limb to be in the glittering jet set of money old and new. Alas, such sacrifices must be made and you will get (an almost) front row seat to all the carryings-on. Check into this blog site often to get yourself a needed dose of Florida sunshine. And don't hate me just because I will be tanned and fabulous (oh well, maybe just a little).

For more information on the Festival, visit the website: www.pbifilmfest.org and this blog for the dish and the diamonds.

Sandy Mandelberger, Festival Dailies Editor