By: Maryanne Salvat
Miami International Film Festival
Miami International Film Festival (MIFF), celebrating its 30th anniversary March 1 – 10, 2013, is considered the preeminent film festival for showcasing Ibero-American cinema in the U.S., and a major launch pad for all international and documentary cinema. The annual Festival, produced and presented by Miami Dade College, attracts more than 70,000 audience members and more than 400 filmmakers, producers, talent and industry professionals. It is the only major festival housed within a college or university. In the last five years, the Festival has screened films from more than 60 countries, including 300 World, International, North American, U.S. and East Coast Premieres. MIFF’s special focus on Ibero-American cinema has made the Festival a natural gateway for the discovery of new talent from this diverse territory. The Festival also offers unparalleled educational opportunities to film students and the community at large. Major sponsors of the 2013 Festival include Knight Foundation, Lexus, Miami Beach VCA, Miami DDA and Miami-Dade County. For more, visit miamifilmfestival.com or call 305.237.MIFF (3456).
Women of Tomorrow 12th Annual Gala
The Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program will host its 12th annual gala at the Mandarin Oriental with more than 500 of South Florida’s leading philanthropists, celebrities and politicians on Saturday, March 2. Founders, Jennifer Valoppi and Don Browne, along with Gala Chair Marisa Toccin and Co-Vice President, the Honorable Katherine Fernandez Rundle, have planned an unforgettable evening in celebration of its 17th year mentoring at-risk young girls in South Florida. The evening will begin with a lavish cocktail reception followed by a decadent four course dinner with a live performance by Soul Survivors. Honorees at the event include: Ken Gorin, Roe & Penny Stamps, ree Laurie Silvers, Nora Bulnes & Selecta Magazine, Dr. Barth Green, and Mentors of the Year Eileen Youtie and Dr. Shulamit Katzman; for more information, call 305.371.3330 or visit www.womenoftomorrow.org.
Evening of Bridal Luxury
On Sunday, March 3 from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m., Modern Luxury Brides South Florida and The Caribbean will host the first ever “Evening of Bridal Luxury.” The event, catering to upscale brides, is unlike any other in the market and will offer guests the only chance to see the 2013 Vera Wang Bridal Collection on the runway in South Florida. The event will begin with complimentary cocktails by Remy Cointreau and bites by the culinary experts at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami, while guests peruse a gallery of favorite wedding moments shot by the area’s top photographers. Attendees will then be escorted into the ballroom for the much-anticipated Vera Wang runway show. After the show, attendees will be invited into a KARLA Conceptual Event Experiences showcase featuring some of the most luxurious décor trends in bridal for the upcoming season. There, sounds by Scratch Weddings and a special performance by LITUS Music will provide unique entertainment, perfect for the bride who wants something different for her big day. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.BridesSFL.Eventbrite.com; $65 for brides and $25 for guests. Bride tickets include a luxury swag bag filled with items to help every betrothed on her wedding day such as Vera Wang Lovestruck perfume, stationary, vendor discounts and more.
At Ease on Sunset Supports Lauren’s Kids
Designer, Susie Crippen of CRIPPEN and Lauren Book, founder of Lauren’s Kids will be hosting a Meet-the-Designer and trunk show at At Ease on Sunset in next week. Guests will have the chance to preview and purchase select items from the SS13 collection and meet the designer, Susie Crippen on Tuesday, March 5th. 10 percent of profits will go to Lauren’s Kids – a non-profit charity dedicated to preventing sexual abuse through awareness and education, and helping survivors heal with guidance and support.
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low Food Miami
Slow Food Miami, the local 100% volunteer non-profit dedicated to “planting a fresher future for our children,” will hold its 2nd annual “Snail of Approval” Tasting Party on Friday, March 15, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., at The James Royal Palm. Join Chef Norman Van Aken and celebrity guest host Louis Aguirre of WSVN 7’s Deco Drive in savoring exclusive bites from Miami’s farm-to-table best, bespoke garden-to-glass cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka, specialty wines provided by Vinecraft, non-alcoholic refreshments from Whole Foods Market – South Beach, and the beautiful beachfront setting of the James Royal Palm. Main event tickets ($85) and limited VIP tickets ($165) can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com. Event proceeds will benefit Slow Food Miami’s Edible Garden Program.
