The 2009 Cinema City Black Tie Gala and Awards Ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza was a huge success thanks to the large turnout of celebrities, filmmakers, movie buffs and title sponsors like Pant Planet.
It was an evening of a star studded cast of award presenters which included actors Cole Hauser, Barry Pepper, Richard Gant and Bai Ling. The Festival’s opening night film, Like Dandelion Dust, starring Oscar winning actress Mira Sorvino, won the Best Feature Film Award.
Among those walking the Red Carpet and on hand to support the Festival and Fundraiser were recording artist Taylor Dayne, Oscar Nominated screen writer Steve Revele (Ali and Nixon) and Director Gary Brockette (whose short film, “Deceit” received the Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film.) Carlos Ramirez, Julie Anderson (named one of People Magazine’s 100 Most Beautiful People) and Sabrina Parisi (Socialite, Author) kept the photographers and TV cameras busy as well.
The Cinema City International Film Festival, serves as a tribute and fundraiser for injured soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. “We proudly support our troops through the Oregon National Guard Relief Fund and the Marine Veterans Association”
Pant Planet is a California based company specializing in bedding and curtain designs. The company was founded by Stephen Brown who thought up an ingenious way to encourage kids to not only have fun making their beds, but to give them an opportunity to be creative and to keep their collectibles organized. The bedding and curtains are made with cleaver and colorful side pockets built right into the bedskirts and and pillows. The pockets can be used for their small stuffed animals, their I’Pods, DVD’s, socks, photos, etc.
"I am extremely proud to be a title sponsor," said Stephen. "Pant Planet is a new company and we intend to support many more events like CCIFF. Stephen added, "We are especially interested in helping the children of our fallen soldiers. The least we can do for someone that has given their life protecting our freedom is to make sure that their children are taken care of.”
The sold out Gala attracted movie buffs, industry players and media as well as Filmmakers from all over the world. Attendees turned out en masse for three days of screenings. The Cinema City Film Festival, named by Movie Maker Magazine as one of the top twenty-five film festivals in the country, provides a critical point of entry for emerging filmmakers’ to introduce their creative works to the world.
Many festivalgoers shared writer Bill Green’s enthusiasm when he said, “this was a great opportunity for me to showcase my work as a screenwriter, support the troops and enjoy an absolutely fabulous gala.”
