As a passionate supporter of the arts and cinema, I was absolutely thrilled to attend the 39th Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival this year. The opening night was nothing short of extraordinary, with the screening of “Queen of the Ring” that resonated deeply with me. Gavin Casalegno’s words about wanting to make films that inspire change and spark thought in the audience truly hit home for me.
2024’s Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival kicked off on November 8th by showcasing “Queen of the Ring,” a biographical film about female wrestler Mildred Burke directed by Ash Avildsen. The star-studded cast includes Emily Bett Rickards, Josh Lucas, and Walton Goggins. This year marks the festival’s 39th edition, and the film launched a ten-day event spanning seven venues in South Florida. Among other activities, Bob Mackie, a renowned costume designer, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award during this period.
Friday evening on the red carpet, FLIFF chair Lisa Grigorian expressed her enthusiasm over this year’s event programming. “We are simply thrilled about this year’s festival,” she declared. “We have an impressive lineup of a hundred films hailing from 35 different countries, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Making his debut at the festival, Gavin Casalegno – famed from “Queen of the Ring” – shared insights on what moved him in Burke’s genuine life tale. He expressed, “I’ve always aimed to create films that could improve our world and spark thoughts about life, humanity, and the world at large. I believe this movie does an excellent job in portraying the underdog story… of triumphing against all odds and shaping history for the better.
On the premiere night, attendees included the cast and team behind “Beyond the Rush,” such as writer-director Robert Sayegh, alongside actors like John Savage from “The Thin Red Line”, Jayce Bartok from “Founders Day”, and Bill Barrett from “Fly Me To the Moon”. Sayegh revealed that the film had been in the making for 33 years. He expressed that it required considerable effort throughout his life to overcome addictions, achieve sobriety, and construct a narrative addressing significant themes, yet in a way that resonates with everyone. He believes that this story will offer something meaningful for everyone to carry forward, helping them navigate their own lives and challenges.
Savage remarked, “This tale is delicate, exploring growth and navigating life’s difficulties – issues like mental health, abuse, or substance abuse. We often discuss these topics, but addressing them requires a collective effort. In my opinion, this movie serves as a contribution to our shared community.
Additionally, Mackie was found on the carpet as well. This individual, in partnership with EbMaster, was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival for over six decades of exceptional work in costume and fashion design. The following day, he collected this award at Savor Cinema prior to a Saturday matinee screening of “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion,” a documentary by Matthew Miele chronicling Mackie’s life and career. Following the movie, Mackie engaged in a brief question-and-answer session, starting by reminiscing about his career and discussing what signs he looks for to identify a promising collaborator.
As a film enthusiast, let me share my perspective: When Cher first graced the screen, I assumed she’d be a towering figure, perhaps with a gothic flair. But she turned out to be more like a petite Audrey Hepburn, and her love for fashion was infectious. She would transform from a fully dressed elegance into an astonishingly bare minimalism. Simply put, she was extraordinary.
Miley Cyrus, much like that, seemed destined for music and dance from birth, with an innate desire to perform and express herself in a lively, rhythmic manner.
Later on, he discussed his sources of inspiration – a blend of the individual he’s styling and the event they’re attending. “You need to convey to the audience through your attire where they originate from,” he explained, “and their identity, as well as their thoughts in their mind. It’s an intriguing profession, but one that I truly enjoy.
With a resume that reads like a Hollywood who’s who — from Cher to Carol Burnett to Tina Turner to Pink — Mackie has earned the right to slow down a bit, much less rest on his immaculately-tailored laurels. But as the conversation came to an end, he indicated that he felt as enthusiastic about his work as ever. “I get really inspired when the project comes up and it’s in your hands, the script, and you meet who’s going to play the parts,” Mackie said. “But you have to worry about who’s wearing it. And if they’re not going to look good in something, you don’t design for them. A lot of people just design something fabulous and it gets put on someone who’s not so fabulous.”
Later in the evening, Mackie joined the Barbie’s Las Olas Beach House Party, an event hosted by Steve Savor, president and CEO of FLIFF. This exclusive gathering aims to raise funds for Memorial Healthcare and Positively Pink. The event is part of a wide range of charitable initiatives and community support in South Florida. For instance, a screening on Nov. 11 of “The Short Game” was sponsored by ABA Centers of Florida and Proven Autism Care, with the proceeds benefiting The Ernie Els Foundation. Similarly, the Nov. 15 screening of “Venera” will contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.
As I stood amidst the radiant Barbie pink festivities, the night hummed with energy as The Jersey Girls serenaded us with timeless disco and R&B tunes. Simultaneously, Greta Gerwig’s Academy Award-winning film was projected onto a screen, offering a stunning backdrop overlooking the causeway. It was a sight to behold, for Mackie has meticulously crafted 23 exquisite costumes for this iconic doll, transforming her into more than just a toy but a fashion trendsetter. With another doll on the horizon, an auction in progress with Julian’s, and the broader release of the documentary imminent, Mackie’s FLIFF accolade may soon need to expand to encompass his ever-growing list of accomplishments.
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2024-11-15 01:17