Starting an event off with free ice cream shakes is always a good way to engage an audience. As the opening “act” for the second of the Montclair International Film Festival’s (MIFF) summer 2010 outdoor movie screenings, Matt Jerkovich, of Elevation Burger did just that. The “Montclair” shake was made with strawberry and vanilla ice cream, and was offered to those gathered in the make-shift theater of assorted folding chairs and blankets on Church Street. It was Jerkovich’s way of celebrating his restaurant’s first birthday. The audience was only too happy to join in.
Sated with the creamy drink, the happy crowd of around 200 then sat back and relaxed in their folding chairs while listening to a mellow live performance by singer/guitarist Jefferson Newman.
Prior to the start of the evening’s featured attraction, Moonstruck, MIFF co-founder and board chair Bob Feinberg, introduced an exclusive short film interview with Montclair’s performing arts darling, Olympia Dukakis. Dukakis, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her Moonstruck performance (seen onscreen in the photo, with co-star Cher), chatted about the importance of non-profit organizations in the arts. Her casual style and sincerity were a perfect warm up for the movie, which is undoubtedly one of the most charming and romantic ever made.
As if this weren’t enough fun, free popcorn was distributed. And then, the movie started. Not sure exactly how Bob Feinberg rigged this one up, though I have no doubt that he could, but the large waning moon — full just a few days ago — began to rise as the movie progressed. It was also cool enough to sit comfortably outside and there wasn’t a gnat or mosquito around. The romance in the air was palpable, and couples moved in a little closer as the mood and movie progressed towards the triumph of love and the power of the moon.
To cap off a thoroughly delightful evening, MIFF raffled off prizes — really incredible gift baskets and certificates donated by local businesses. All in all, an awesome free event.
There will be one more movie screening before the outdoor season fades. Details to come. To be sure, whatever Bob and his team are planning will be worth coming out for. Moonstruck and the June showing of To Kill a Mockingbird were two of the high spots in the Baristaville summer season. The Montclair International Film Festival has taken its place as a valuable and enriching local institution.
Moonstruck under
moonlight in
Montclair
milkshakes
abound.
MIFF is
amazingly
dripping with
mood.
The Shake was very refreshing. It was a great start to a great night out. Congrats to Elevation Burger for their achievement! I love that place. Keep up the good work.
Sounds like a beautiful night! Jefferson is supposed to be very good, from what people say. Thank goodness something is happening downtown that the community can enjoy. It was worrisome when they took the stage down, but this is a lovely replacement.
“She’s dyin’, but I could still hear her big mouth!”
I hope everybody had a great time and I’m glad the weather cooperated. I love that movie and watching outdoors with y’all must have been a blast, but I had concert tix.
This is not the Montclair International Film Festival that has been in Montclair for 11 years and produced by filmmakers Rob Moretti and Danielle Capawanna