There’s something about being invited to a TIFF party that inflates the ego. My major challenge was finding the right dress to fit over my overblown head.
Little did I know that I would meet internationally acclaimed, multiple Juno award winner Jane Bunnett, schmooze with Cuban-born director Roberto Monticello and actor Arlene Duncan from Little Mosque on the Prairie, and be photographed with actor/screenwriter Tennessee Webb, creator of Twain In the Twenty-first.
Each year, TIFF generates a plethora of parties – some celebrate hot new flicks and equally smokin’ cast members, while others draw attention to charitable causes and social justice issues. The annual gatherings get publicized in advance, drawing large crowds of onlookers.
This party promoted a new international festival of music, film, dance and culture – CubaFiesta! to an eager audience of directors, screenwriters, music producers and actors. The festival, planned for December 2012 in Guardalavaca, Cuba will support the purchase of supplies for and modernization of the largest paediatric hospital in the region – the Octavio de la Conception Paediatric Hospital.
So, with my perfectly prepared Mojito in hand, I worked the room and met some fabulous folks.
Afro-Cuban Dancing
After her performance, Jane Bunnett was disappointed to leave the party early to perform at another event. “Oh man, it was such a drag to leave the party – I think it’s [CubaFiesta!] a fantastic idea – it’s a marvellous idea.”
Jane Bunnett with Hilario Duran
Cuban-born Robert Monticello, a director living in New York, plans to create a documentary film to capture the events of CubaFiesta! 2012. Monticello has devoted much of his life to human rights causes such as ending the U.S. embargo and travel ban and bringing boatloads of medicine to Cuba.
The charismatic Roberto Monticello
Tennessee Web weaved a tale about Mark Twain in the 21st century.
Tennessee Webb
Actress Arlene Duncan
PEOPLE BEHIND WINE 