Kicking Off The Austin Film Festival

Cannes and Sundance are probably the two most recognized film festivals in the world, but the Austin Film Festival is quickly gaining on them! People from all over the world are starting to take note of the Austin Film Festival. Critically acclaimed films such as Black Swan have premiered at the Austin Film Festival, as well as a bounty of other smaller budget features.

For me though the most exciting part is how it is kicked off. The festival itself is christened each year with the Film and Food Party, as it has been for last ten years. This year's Film and Food Party happens October 23rd and will be hosted by Shane Black, director of Iron Man 3. Fantastic food and drink are guaranteed. The party is held each year at the fabulous Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin and some of the hottest names in the Austin culinary scene are always on hand. An exciting array of culinary styles is represented by literally dozens of restaurants. Past participants have included Austin Cake Ball. If you haven't had a chance to sample Austin Cake Ball you are truly missing out. The Sticky Toffee Pudding Co. has also participated as well as the Roaring Fork, and the Mansion at Judge's Hill. This year's participants include Kenichi, Foreign and Domestic, and Garridos as well as a wealth of others.

All proceeds from the Film and Food Party go to the AFF Young Filmmakers Program. For the price of admission you get food prepared by some of the most exciting names in the Austin culinary world and cocktails provided by Twin Liquors. Great food, drinks, and you get to support a good cause. Does it get any better than that? I know that I'm already planning for this year's party and I hope to see you there as well.