Friday, October 13---As the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival turns 21, and now can legally go out and drink some hard liquor, the Festival is celebrating with a series of parties. In fact, the Festival has a reputation on the festival circuit as being one of the most "party friendly", with a terrific array of indoor/outdoor venues that take advantage of the South Florida weather and beach atmosphere.

This year, the Festival is pulling out all the stops....with a party schedule that would make even the most prodigious party animal a little tired. Of course, the parties are extensions of the networking possibilities, as filmmakers, industry professionals, film critics and film buffs rub shoulders and discuss the many film offerings at this multi-dimensional event.

Some of the party highlights include:

PRE-FESTIVAL KICK OFF PARTY
October 19, 9:15pm
Taverna Opa

OPENING NIGHT GALA
October 20, 10:00pm
La Playa, Mediterranean Restaurant

WINE TASTING PARTY
October 23, 9:30pm
7th Street Wine Company

THE PIANISTS DEFINING CHOPIN RECEPTION
October 25, 6:00pm
Cinema Paradiso

LAS OLAS BY THE RIVER RECEPTION
October 27, 9:15pm
Behind Cinema Paradiso

TEN TILL NOON AFTER PARTY
October 29, 10:00pm
POSH

AUSTRALIA SISTER CITY PARTY
November 1, 6:00pm
Cinema Paradiso

ICON PARTY
November 2, 9:00pm
Icon Condo Site

THE REEL MAGIC GALA
November 3, 9:30pm
Warm Memorial Auditorium

GRAY MATTERS PRE-SCREENING PARTY
November 4, 7:00pm
China White

THE CHAIRMAN'S BRUNCH & CRUISE
November 5, 10:00am
Sun Dream Yacht Charters' Caprice

TARPON BEND PARTY
November 8, 10:30pm
Tarpon Bend

NEW TIMES WINE AND CHEESE
November 9, 7:00pm
Cinema Paradiso

AWARDS GALA AND CLOSING NIGHT PARTY
November 11, 9:00pm

Information on films, parties, special events available on the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival website: www.fliff.com

Sandy Mandelberger
Festivals Editor