Film festivals send guests on fun venture

On the warm spring evening of May 10, supporters of the Robinson Film Center toasted the world’s best film festivals at its second gala Backlot fundraiser. The 600 and 700 blocks of Texas Street were transformed into a series of film-themed party stops.

Guests journeyed through Cannes (the film center building and grand outdoor tent), Tribeca (Abby Singer’s Bistro at RFC), Sundance (newly renovated 616 Texas Street), Venice (Southern University) and the Afterglow late-night dance party (artspace). Kevin Rahm of “Mad Men” and “Desperate Housewives” helped with the live auction that included a party for 12 on the RFC balcony, a movie experience for 130 friends, diamond earrings, trip to Paris and Elton John Oscar party package. Food included grilled cheese, shrimp wrapped in herbs, wonton wrappers with sweet chili sauce, burritos, chicken nugget waffle bites, mini cheeseburgers, fried green beans, shrimp egg rolls, cheesecake with a cinnamon apple on top and green and red apple martinis lined with caramel on the rims. The party included red carpet arrivals and a multimedia dance party with DJ MTK. 616 Texas was themed as Sundance-style Wild West so Greg Barro dressed like a cowboy with a blue jean jacket he had in high school with his name written in the back by his mother. He surprised his wife, Karin, with a sidewalk star. Other activities included piano music, massages and rear end sketches.

[ SCENE STEALERS ]
1. Caroline Boley, Logan Calhoun
2. Greg and Karin Barro
3. Tammy and Tommy Palmer
4. Kim Williams, Judy Boogaerts
5. Rick Holland, Laura Scott
6. Diane and John Settle
7. Allie Anderson, Gif Gillen, Adam Venezia,
Karen Wissing
8. Kristen Brown, Billy Falls
9. Rusty and Kandi Moore,
Terri and Joey Earnes
10. Dr. Robert and Jenny Barish,
Sophie Barish, Liza Barish
11. Rob Free
12. Kat Warren, Jennifer Garcie
13. Cory Wilson, Susan Stafford
14. Luke Sexton, Courtney Young,
Ashley Liles, Ashton Hanson