The Palm Springs International Film Festival held its opening night at the Palm Springs High School auditorium on Friday, January 3rd. The opening night film was one of the best films shown on opening night over the years. The film “Belle” was directed by Amma Asante,one of the top ten directors to watch. It is a story about an illegitimate daughter of an aristocrat. He brings her to his family to raise amid the years when slavery was rampant. It’s a very compelling and emotional film which includes a love story.
The film was based on a true story in England. It shows the life of Belle and her struggle against prejudice and her struggle to stop slavery in her time of life. She has a gentleman who loves her and is of a lower class who is also struggling to end slavery in England. It is a period movie with excellent background and costumes of that time period. It was an easy movie to watch and acted by very talented actresses and actors.
There was an after-party at the Palm Springs Art Museum. All movie goers from that night were invited to attend. The Museum’s main floor was filled with people that also included the director and Palm Springs International Film Festival VIPs. There was delicious food at many tables and drinks at several stations thru out the Museum. Foods included cheese, crackers and fruit, Pastas, salads, prime rib roast and an array of desserts. Appetizers were served all during the evening which included my favorite, Shrimp. Opening night again proved to be a big success.
