Iff 09 Organizing

This paricullar edition of the festival kicked in in early December, over coffee in Galleron. With a new configuration, new attempts at creating -in the least - of a coherent visual identity, with greater goals.
Various updated ppts and coffees later, Felicia boards on and Sorin is still with us, after rambling Europe for some months.
We move to Rabat-not necessarily disciplinary- and begin organizing, structuring, inviting, Nick Nolte and Johnny Depp writing to. Simultaneously, we create blogs, update websites, have coffee/or tea/or me, we board in new members, schedule press releases and draft up catalogues, invitations, invitations for restaurants, banners for websites.
We pitch the project, establish new media contacts- I being particullarly keen on Esquire and Tabu-, release visas, attend book launches and Slumdog Millionare translations (regards Irina).
As for the week and weekend before the Festival, I should probably attend regresive hypnoses-with Tibi- so as to recall anything major within the entire hustle and bustle. The focus was nonetheless on transfering offices and energy at the Studio Cinema Hall.

Bits and pieces:
Monday, 23rd

I wake up late, put on heals, walk the rambled street to get to the car waiting to take us to the press conf at the Cultural Center of the 1st District Mayor’s Office. In between brakets, an exciting borough, media friendly as location- next to Piata Presei- and inspiring, that would nonetheless urge some PR.

We discuss strategy, communism and upcoming children. We gather at the location, put up posters, answer calls, direct cars from a distance. The begin- Dana announces the dates, the new parteners- The National Center for the Roma Community joins, as does the Documentary Jury.
Quick Q&A and we return to the Studio.
Some 15 mins later, I run across to the CNC in an official capacity, then to the Arcub, then to the ArtExpo where Jerzy Skolimowski’s exibition is being put up. Meeting the artist, the curator and Eva, late lunching and bonding over wine. Then back to the Studio, changing outfits-putting on this fabulous, grey, layered dress- and kicking off the Gala.
Andrei Chiliman, Dana, Irina and Jerzy introducing the logo and Vicky Cristina in front of a somewhat overwhelming audience. We then scatter to the following cocktail. Whisky and conwersation on the balcony with my new Polish friends then distributing contacts and press packs. 1 a.m. I attempt at resting.

Tuesday, 24th
We open with the opening of the Skolimowski exibition. Bogdan brings flowers and catalogues, I put up chairs, mikes and protocole. Jerzy comtemplates and Domnica is translating. Drinks and exclusive interviews. Plus lunch at Rossetya over autographs and cigs.
I manage to see moitie de film- Eldorado- then head out to dinner. So as to later return to the Studio for late Q&A and a Cotidianul exclusive. (http://www.cotidianul.ro/skolimowski_nu_fac_filme_de_peste_doua_milioane_de_dolari-77961.html)

Soni is cooking in the Marble room, while we wine in the little back room.

Wednesday, 25th
Bonding with the juries and catching a glimpse or two at the movies during the afternoon. Shiva rounds up the evening, as do we at the ennuing cocktail.

Thursday, 26th
Heading out to the Media Desk seminar at the Ministry for Culture, presided by Development specialist, Soon Mi Peten. She discusses tips and application insights for acceding EU money for independent productions, seconded by Ro Media Desk head, Valentina Miu. Tudor Giurgiu and Ada Solomon then provide their personal examples with the programme- the practical side, as well as the ennuing trademark.
Later seeing the Happiest Girl in the World, almost beginning to end. Plus Q&A.
HBO documentary evening folows, as does dinner at former Casa Di David, at present Buongiorno, not in the least unevenful.

Friday, 27th
Administrative morning. Seconding Felicia in organizing her Romano debate and film viewing. Then heading out for an exclusive with President of the Jury, Virgin Records founder and overall flawless individual, Nik Powell. ( http://www.cotidianul.ro/nik_powell_dramele_merg_bine_in_timpul_recesiunilor-78406.html).

Bonding then picking up the Flower Bridge for its upcoming screening within the festival from this Europolis basement where I accidentaly run into the jury I had previosly been bonding with. Ennuing laughs and ongoing hints.
First glimpses at the newly welcomed guests within the Festival- national Alex Rotaru with musical They Came to Play, German Veit Helmer with Absurdistan, Bruno Chatelin from fest21 platform, Yseult Digan, director and visual artist, who further set up a collage on Spaiul Independentei, that particullar evening, delicious Gypsy Caravan director, Jasmine Dellal and Outreach Director Ella Veres and equally delicious and brimful director Nicola Sornaga and Mr Morimoto. With whom we wine, dance and dine at Crama Domneasca, the 1st evening.

A parade for Mr Badea for setting a tone that particullar evening.

Saturday, 28th
Mellow morning. Brunching and handing out Opera tickets to friends, from friends. Lunching and then heading to the cinema hall for the last 2 features in competition. Setting up session records and motivations. Early dinner and deliberation. Midnight emails and briefings. Again wine and very little sleep.

Sunday, 29th

Totally baffled by the change in hour, I rush over to lunch- funnily picturesque- J’aime le cinema and cinemamakers.
Stroll to Yseult’s collage, yet another glimpse at the Skolimowski exibition and sightseeing on Magheru on a fabulously sunny Sunday. Cinema Hall- desfasurator discussing and some blogging with Bruno. Minutes later, I arrive at the closing gala with the task of briefing General Mayor on the Trophy awarding. I miss out on the 3 lifelong achievment awards, but catch haft documentary section, as all features. Fast paced, the gala wraps up announcing its winners and we gather back for contract signing and informal post event discussions.

Final Cut.
Credits:

Photo: Alina Constantinescu
Personal Support and Expertize: Andrei Felicia and Cristina Barbulescu
Defenately a blast: Jasmine. And Nik. And Amie.

Jerzy and Eva in a class of their own.
More pictures and some blogging at:
http://www.fest21.com/en/blog/b_est

And obviously at http://www.b-est.ro/