Film Spotlight: “Thelma”
By Rachel Galvin
When an unsuspecting 93-year-old Thelma Post (played by June Squibb) gets scammed over the phone, she takes justice into her own hands and tracks down the perpetrator herself. She ends up setting off on a dangerous epic adventure that leaves her family unawares and worried, bringing her very hesitant friend Ben (the late Richard Roundtree) along for the ride.
This lighthearted film, directed by Josh Margolin, has plenty of laughs as well as tender moments. The audience is left cheering on the fiesty grandma and laughing at many funny moments along the way. It really is a fun film that can be enjoyed by all.
The film also includes well-known actors such as Clark Gregg and Parker Posey, as well as Malcolm McDowell, and others. Fred Hechinger plays Thelma’s grandson.
The movie was actually based on a true story. Margolin’s own grandma, also named Thelma Post, found herself in a similar situation. She has the same fiesty spirit, although she did not really go after the scammer in real life. The family was able to intervene before she took action. But Margolin imaginatively took the next step. What would his grandma have done if they had not intervened?
Asked how he got into the art of filmmaking, Margolin said, “You know, I think from an early age, I just always loved making things. Secondly, I could kind of get my hands on a video camera, I was making shorts with my friends and editing them and putting them together.” He said through his life, it has been a passion. “You know, my background is in performing, but it’s also writing and editing, and kind of, you know, wearing a lot of those different hats.”
The apple does not fall far from the tree. Margolin’s grandfather, named Ted Post, was also in the business. He directed such classics as “Gunsmoke,” “Hang Em High, ” “Rawhide” and “Beneath the Planet of the Apes,” and many others. Unfortunately, Margolin said he did not get a chance to really see his grandfather work. By the time he was into filmmaking, his grandfather was in his 80s and 90s. He added, “Watching movies at my grandparents house is a really important memory for me of just a place and an activity that just made me feel at home and creatively excited. So, I think I associated still conversations with him, and them, as a part of my introduction to loving what I love, but I also think somehow it was maybe just in our DNA, something that we were drawn to for one reason or another. But I’ve always loved it.”
Margolin did study theater in college and worked on acting here and there and film projects. “I was always also writing and making web series or short films, or editing somebody else’s, or writing with a group of pals,” he said. He came from an Improv background and he utilized some of those principals when making the film. “I love seeing a joke or an idea planted earlier in order to pay off later … you know, reemerge as a call back. I got that really drilled into me doing Improv. I was trying to find ways to sort of carry those threads through and have them pay off in fun or unexpected ways. And so, I think that that mindset or that way of thinking about story and character in just sort of joke structure was definitely something that guided me. I always love when it feels kind of off the cuff and naturalistic, and sounds like people talking, but is able to be sort of punctuated and heightened a little bit too,” he said. “Thelma” was the first film he wrote on his own and he felt he rea
“Thelma” was the first film he wrote on his own and he felt he really needed to direct it because it was a story he felt passionately about and he knew how he wanted to tell it. “I’m glad I had worn so many different hats throughout my 20s because being able to be a performer and an editor and a writer, I think probably helped prepare me for being able to be in the director’s role and to do so with some confidence,” said Margolin.
One of the challenges he has faced is the audience being dubious of the main character, an action hero, being a senior citizen. But with June, he really hit the jackpot. “We got really lucky with June,” he said. “She is such a consummate pro and set the bar so high for everyone else. She was the sharpest and had the best energy. And so was Richard … really, really lovely, warm guy, and kind of lit up the set every time he was there.” Squibb actually did her own stunts in the movie, although they had a double on stand-by. She loved being on the scooter. “I think anytime June was on the scooter was always just a wild time. I think honestly anytime June was on that thing was a little bit nerve wracking, if I’m being honest, but also kind of really fun to see her have as much fun on it as she did. I think she just she really came alive on that scooter,” he said.
Before Thelma goes on her adventure, she happens to watch some scenes of Tom Cruise in “Mission Impossible.” Asked if he needed permission for that footage, he said, “We did have to get permission. And we were we were really lucky. Actually, we basically got Tom’s permission, which was very, very cool of him to to let us use it. We went to him actually first and then we went to Paramount once we’d gotten his okay.” His process may have been unorthodox, but it worked. He sent Cruise the scene and some footage and a Zoom table read so he was able to get a sense of it. “Lucky for us,” he said. “he gave us the okay, which was very cool.”
Because he was dealing with such professionals on set, Margolin said he felt more at ease with the process. Another challenge he faced was very strict COVID protocols, even though this was filmed in 2022. And they wanted to make sure everyone had the energy to continue. He said, the actors “met us more than halfway and and brought just everything that we’d hoped they would bring.” Still, they made sure the shooting schedule was not too long for June, for example, trying to wrap her scenes as quickly as possible.
The movie was shot in Los Angeles, largely in the valley, in North Hollywood, Burbank and Sherman Oaks. “We actually ended up also filming a little bit on the west side of town and in my grandma’s real condo. She was living with my parents at the time,” he said. He felt shooting there really tied the character into his grandmother, being that it was so full of elements of her life. “That, to me, felt very evocative of her and her spirit and character.” He called it “weird, but cool.”
Asked what he would do differently if he had to do it over again, he said, “It depends on the day. Some days, I’m like, ‘Oh, my God, I would do everything differently.’ And other days, I’m like, ‘Oh, I feel pretty happy with how we got this, this and this.’ At the end of the day, the thing I would do differently would be going into the process with the knowledge that there are going to be things you can control and things you can’t, and being sort of at peace with navigating that really early.”
When it came to working with actors, he sometimes was able to be more hands off and other times work more with the actor. “I think it was really both honestly; it was a mix. And I think it very dependent on the actor, depending on the scene. I definitely had a very specific tone I wanted the movie to hit in terms of making sure we didn’t tip too broad, and you’re really playing things honestly and playing them straight, and trying to keep the stakes alive and carry the authenticity of it even amidst some of the drama stuff. For me, often it was just about making sure people felt in the same universe, and we felt like we were playing it with that level of honesty and that pitch. It is about trusting the people you’ve hired, and also not being afraid to guide to be helpful…”
“Thelma” premiered at Sundance, but it has screened elsewhere, such as Cleveland, Sarasota and Philadelphia, as well as the Miami Film Festival and Savor Cinema, and will have other upcoming screenings. But it will be showing theatrically June 21. For more information, visit www.magpictures.com/thelma.
DAER Goes Retro with Studio54
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crossorigin="anonymous"></script>Stepping into DAER Nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL on May 18 was like stepping back in time… A multi-colored haze hung over the partygoers decked out in their retro fashions. This night was a chance to go back to the 1970s for a special Studio 54 party put on by the FLITE Center once again. And this evening, somehow, was even better than the year before. Dance lovers showed off their best disco moves in every free space available and swarmed the stage. Others grabbed a drink at the open bar, mingled and engaged in some heavy people-watching. There were plenty of ways to capture the moment, including numerous photo opps. And there was swag aplenty. Not only did people leave with swag bags, but there were also a ton of toiletries that they could take home from toothbrushes to bandaids, and candy too.
But the highlight of the evening was the entertainment, as “Donna Summer,” aka Velvet Lenore, took the stage and “Cher,” aka Michael Dean, rocked the house, even walking through the crowd of fans.
Although the event was plenty of fun, it also benefited a serious cause. The FLITE Center is a one-stop resource center offering supportive services to youth aging out of foster care, chronically homeless youth, human trafficking survivors and LGBTQ+ youth. The event raised more than $101,500. One of the women who once benefited from the program now works for the organization and she had a chance to talk with the crowd about the importance of the FLITE Center.
People could participate in several ways to benefit the cause, including through the raffle, which had excellent prizes, from packages to trips. Luxury Raffle Item Winners: Private Flight to Key West & Lunch for 2 (Donated by Premier Aircraft — $3,000 value): Winner: Silvia Isaacs; Lifestyle Mag. Full-page Ad (Donated by Lifestyle Media Group — $7,500 value): Winner: Travis Pfeffer; The Suite Life Experience (Donated by DEX Imaging — $2,000 value): Winner: Leonard Piojda Jr.; South Florida Business & Wealth 2-page Spread (Donated by Lifestyle Media Group — $11,940 value): Winner: Richard Hopper; Donated by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino — Midweek Bora Bora Cabana Experience @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Guitar Hotel Pool ($2,550 value): Winner: Tiffani Dhooge; Weekend Bora Bora Experience @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Guitar Hotel Pool ($5,220 value): Winner: Dionne Absheer; “Party Like A Rock Star” Guitar Basket ($950 value): Winner: Linda Parker; Winterfest Boat Parade Grand Marshal Experience ($1000 value): Winner: David Griffiths; Rock Spa Basket: Winner: Travis Pfeffer
“STUDIO 54 Rewind” was presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and sponsored by Memorial Healthcare System, Bank of America, Broward Health, Waterfall Bank, Walgreens, SouthState Bank, Synovus, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, “OUTClique,” Coldwell Banker Realty Cares Foundation, Dex Imaging, GrayRobinson, Premiere Aircraft Sales, Strategic Benefits and Tower Club. Media sponsors are Lifestyle Media Group and “South Florida Business & Wealth.” In-kind sponsors include Muscle Vodka, Funky Buddha Brewery, Lyres Prosecco, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Papa’s Pilar Rum Ernest Hemingway, Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits, Todd’s Catering and Covar Global Marketing.
The event was so amazing that people did not want it to end so they headed downstairs to PLA Sports Bar for the after party. They also could partake in all the fun that the Hard Rock provides.
Missed this year? There is always next year, so get your disco outfit ready. For more information on the FLITE Center, visit flitecenter.org.
“The Lost Virginity Tour”
By Rachel Galvin
Tough as nails Viola McGee (Sharon Pfeiffer) caused a tussle with fellow Happy Trails Baking Club member Kitty Warmerdam (Betty Ann Hunt Strain) and kicked her to the curb quite literally. This becomes the topic of the meeting as other members Elaine Matthews (Elise Levine) and Rita Hanson (Raven Adams) listen attentively to the conflict in between sharing cookie samples. Just as it seems like the mediocrity of their day to day lives may be all there is, McGee poses a brilliant plan… a road trip to all the spots where each has lost their virginity. It seems oxymoronic to their humdrum existence but this change of pace is exactly what they all need. And it comes complete with T-shirts.
But these “Golden Girls” find the journey not to be all fun and games. It seems that each has been holding on to a secret, which they hesitantly reveal one by one. The laughter moves into heartache and the revelations bring the foursome closer together.
The play, called “The Lost Virginity Tour,” held at the Delray Beach Playhouse, May 3-19, started out simple but got much more complex. One moment pulled at the heart strings while the next left the audience in stitches. With a wide emotional range for each character, the play really gives each actress something to sink their teeth into, and each dive into their parts with gusto.
The biggest comic relief throughout came in the form of hot pants and leopard top wearing Sharon Pfeiffer as McGee, which is more impressive due to the fact that this is Pfeiffer’s first time in this type of theatrical role, having dialogue in almost every page of the script, so much so that she had a swing on two of the nights, just in case, played by Francie Friedman. Pfeiffer is known locally as being a stand up comedian and independent film actress, and she played opposite Matthew McConaughey in the movie “Beach Bum.” Despite her prowess as a comedienne, she brought a tender moment in the play home causing many in the audience and Pfeiffer herself to shed a tear. And McGee let her armor down and showed her vulnerability.
Each actress has plenty of experience in the industry and had a chance to showcase their skill through the retelling of their tales in the play. Adams, who has worked on Off-Broadway, television shows, commercials and soap operas, had a hilarious moment recounting her loss of virginity in a chaotic romp among unusual circumstances and involving a fire extinguisher. Strain has a long history in the theater and showed her skill as she told the tale of having to leave her first love due to parental pressures. Levine, who also reveals losing her love, started out as a litigation attorney and a financial recruiting specialist before returning to her roots as an actress.
A slideshow of pictures of the foursome provided the perfect transition between tour stops and a slow motion selfie-filled scene reenacting the car ride in the convertible was also clever.
Before the play even began, director Jeremy Quinn spoke to the audience and instructed them on certain theater etiquette, including not leaving quickly after curtain call. He did not have to worry about that as, not only did people stay, but many gave a standing ovation.
To find out more about the Delray Beach Playhouse, visit www.DelrayBeachPlayhouse.com.
Soul Speak: Miami Dances Celebrates the Art of Movement
Pictured: Ballet Vero Beach performing “Finch Concerto.” Photo by Rachel Galvin
Story By Rachel Galvin
A step, a leap, a pas de bourree … no matter the movements, dance has the ability to convey emotion, tell a story and make your heart leap … Soul stirring and evocative, this artistic expression takes many forms.
For the 2nd year, the event entitled Miami Dances showcased a wide variety of genres of dance over a two-day period… from foot-stomping flamenco to graceful ballet, from thought-provoking modern pieces to more classical renditions. And on the final night, Karen Peterson & Dancers touched hearts with inclusive numbers featuring dancers with and without disabilities moving together as one.
This year’s event took place May 10-11 at the Sandrell Rivers Theater, at 6103 NW 7th Avenue in Miami. Each night included seven performances, and before they began, there was a performance in the lobby.
Following the performances, the choreographers had a chance to speak and answer questions at the end. They also handed out surveys and each one had a number that was automatically entered into a raffle for prizes.
In addition, they had a master dance class on May 5 with Christina Johnson and John Harnage.
Once again, Miami Dances found a way to spotlight performers while inspiring attendees with multicultural and inclusive dance numbers.
To find out more about the event, which was hosted by Miami Dance Hub, visit miamidancehub.com.
Photos were taken on May 11, by Rachel Galvin
Stepanie Perez & Rafael Ruiz-del-Vizo 
Marjorie Burnett & Sun Young Park 
Adam Eckstat, Sun Young Park, Marjorie Burnett & Nareika Masla 
Remina Tanaka & Kristy Walker 
Natanael Leal 
Ballet Vero Beach 
Randolph Ward & Durante Verzola 
Enrique Villacreses & Clarita Filguieras 
Choreographers speak Sunday night 
Raffle time 
Syncopate Collective 
Ballet Vero Beach
Film Review: South Florida says hello to “Adios, Buenos Aires”
By Rachel Galvin
The passionate and romantic music of Tango plays a pivotal role in the film ‘Adiós Buenos Aires.’ Playing its melodies, imbued with Argentinean history and culture, brings together a group of friends who find solace and sustenance through its rhythms. Their music is set in contrast to the backdrop of the social unrest in the outside world.
The movie is set during the 2001 economic crisis and everyone is struggling. There is rioting, looting and people clanging pots and pans in the streets. People are hungry, barely making ends meet. The stress is palpable, and people are leaving the country. Those faithful to Argentina no matter the cost classify those who emigrate as traitors.
Julio Farber, played by Diego Cremonesi, is a bandeneon player in the band, and he finds himself in the middle of conflicts on all fronts. With his brothers in music, he too appears to commiserate with the faithful, but secretly he has made other plans – to emigrate to Germany.
He had experienced the strife of daily life, struggling to make it as a musician, shoe salesman and divorced dad. But leaving, he finds, is not so easy. The dominoes are not falling into place for him. In contrast, one by one, everything is falling apart. He has battles on the homefront with his daughter, problems with his bandmates over his decision to leave and one final blow delivered by the government enough to make him question whether he ever will be able to leave. He also finds himself hit – quite literally – by another persistent conflict … a mouthy female taxi driver who becomes entangled in his life in an unexpected way.
Another reason for Farber not to leave is the newest addition to their band, an older man, who has found his own new lease on life by being a part of the group. Farber leaving threatens to upend their future.
Will this man torn asunder by circumstances beyond his control steer the ship toward brighter shores and escape his current peril or will he stand against a sea of troubles in hope to end them? Find out this weekend when the film comes to South Florida for a series of special screenings.
The film will be shown on Friday, May 10 at the Coral Gables Art Cinema, at 260 Aragon Ave. in Coral Gables, FL at 7 p.m. There will be a Special Tango Showcase performed by Rocio Leguizamón and German Filipeli. For more information, visit www.gablescinema.com.
On Saturday, May 11, the film will be shown at Cinema Paradiso, at 2008 Hollywood Blvd, in Hollywood, FL, with a reception and screening. Then, on Sunday, May 12, the film will be shown at Savor Cinema, at 503 SE 6 Street, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit www.fliff.com.
Director German Kral said, “My hope and the hope of all my cast and crew is that ‘Adiós Buenos Aires’ will move and entertain the audience, and bring them to tears and to laughs. [Considering] the reactions of the audience in New York, I have the feeling that we achieved what we wanted. People left the cinema with tears in the eyes and a beautiful smile in their faces.”
Photos courtesy of Outsider Pictures II LLC
Derby Party at Savor Cinema
By Rachel Galvin
Ladies in fine hats and men in their finery all came out to celebrate the 150th run for the roses at Savor Cinema in Ft. Lauderdale on May 4. Handsome horses and glamorous ladies greeted guests ready for photo opps on the red carpet before they went onto the patio to partake in the fun.
The annual derby party held on the patio included an open bar, cuisine and live entertainment. People could have a mint julep, dance and buy a raffle ticket to vote for their favorite horse to possibly win a prize. Then, once the horses lined up, people came inside to watch the race. And it was a photo finish with Mystik Dan winning in the end. Also, prizes were given out for the winning horse and also best dressed male and female and best hat. The event was sold-out and the packed crowd had a wonderful time.
This is one of Savor Cinema’s premier events every year. Savor Cinema is the headquarters for the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival. But they also have films year-round. For more information, visit www.fliff.com.
Raffle winner 
Best hat 
Best dressed woman 
Best dressed man
Step Back in Time at “Studio 54 Rewind”– MAY 18
Ever wish you could turn back time? If you could only find a way… Well, you can at Studio 54 Rewind!
Step onto the dance floor at this disco party at DAER Nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Saturday, May 18, from 6 – 10 p.m.
All the cool kids will be there… and so will the stars. Enjoy performances by Michael Dean as Cher and Velvet Lenore as Donna Summer. Grab gourmet bites or a delicious drink at the open bar, take some photo ops and get into the groove!
Proceeds from the event benefit FLITE Center programs and services, which provide young adults with resources and support to help them transition to independent living. FLITE Center is a one-stop resource center offering all supportive services to youth aging out of foster care, chronically homeless youth, human trafficking survivors, and LGBTQ+ youth.
“Last year’s STUDIO 54 fundraiser was a smashing success so we are rewinding back and planning another amazing event,” said Christine Frederick, FLITE Center CEO. “ We can’t wait to collaborate with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood to create this next chapter which will raise much needed funds for the important work that we do at FLITE Center.”
“STUDIO 54 Rewind” co-chairs are Susan Renneisen, vice president of community affairs and special events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Julie Williamson-Bresset, senior vice president and private client advisor with Bank of America.
Frederick added, “On behalf of all of us at FLITE Center, we offer our sincere thanks to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and our committed partners, both companies and individuals, for their ongoing support.
“STUDIO 54 Rewind” is presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and sponsored by Memorial Healthcare System, Bank of America, Broward Health, Waterfall Bank, Walgreens, SouthState Bank, Synovus, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, OUTClique, Coldwell Banker Realty Cares Foundation, Dex Imaging, GrayRobinson, Premiere Aircraft Sales, Strategic Benefits and Tower Club. Media sponsors are Lifestyle Media Group and South Florida Business & Wealth. In-kind sponsors include Muscle Vodka, Funky Buddha Brewery, Lyres Prosecco, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Papa’s Pilar Rum Ernest Hemingway, Southern Glazer Wine & Spirits, Todd’s Catering and Covar Global Marketing.
General admission tickets start at $150; VIP tickets are $250 each and can be purchased at flitecenter.org/Rewind54.
For more information on the FLITE Center, visit flitecenter.org.
ABOUT FLITE Center
PICTURES FROM LAST YEAR:
Red Shield Regatta raises funds for Salvation Army
KPMG Wins!
By Rachel Galvin
JM Family’s “The Park” turned into the perfect place to hold a regatta on March 9. It may seem a bit small for such an endeavor, but in this case, the boats were model boats, so they fit perfectly. The event was more than just cheering on sponsors as they used a remote control to maneuver boats around the waterway for the win. There was also live music and mingling with delicious food options provided by their caterers, including beef with chinese noodles, fish dip, charcuterie, shrimp, oysters, hors d’ oeuvres and more. The event benefitted a great nonprofit, Salvation Army, and one of their projects, Plymouth Colony, a transitional housing complex in Hollywood that provides shelter for those who need help getting back on their feet while facing adversity. They have seen a 96% success rate; however, they just found out they are losing funding from the government and HUD, hence why they need to make sure to raise as much funds as possible. They showed a video talking more about the complex and those it benefits and several representatives from Salvation Army and also JM Family spoke. People were encouraged to bid on the silent auction to further help the cause.
Originally, “Below Deck’s” Captain Lee was scheduled to make an appearance, but he was unable to be there due to illness. Everyone wished him well and he was missed, but the party went forward. Everyone managed to have a nice time. And the photo opps, complete with nautical props, prove it.
The Salvation Army of Broward County engages in year-round critical operations, such as multiple shelters and housing programs to aid those experiencing homelessness; weekly food pantry distributions; daily soup kitchen; annual Angel Tree toy distribution program during the holidays, and others. To support these efforts fundraising activities like the seasonal Red Kettle bell ringing campaign and this year’s new Red Shield Regatta offer the community the chance to invest for long-term impact. All funds raised directly assist the most disadvantaged in Broward County.
The event was presented by JM Family Enterprises with additional support provided by Ocean Bank and Nivalmi Consulting (Super Yacht sponsors); Bombardier, HMY Yachts, Icon International, and SJF Law Group (Motor Yacht sponsors); Gulfstream, Best Roofing, Sodexo USA, Marksman Security, Convergint and PWC (Cruiser Yacht sponsors); Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Sarria Family, Nexa Mortgage, Sevenson Environmental Services, Moss Foundation, City of Fort Lauderdale, and WPO Development (Tender) and The Sabatano Family, The Cahill Family Charitable Fund, Pete & Jenny Sudler, Samantha Fitzgerald, and The Pino Family (Board Members).
“JM Family has enjoyed a long-term community partnership with The Salvation Army of Broward and has supported many of their programs, not only financially, but through board participation and our associate volunteer program,” said Pete Sudler, vice president, JM Family Enterprises, and an advisory board member for The Salvation Army of Broward County. “Supporting efforts to ensure Plymouth Colony has the appropriate funding to continue helping families toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing opportunities aligns perfectly with JM Family’s charitable giving initiatives.”
For more information, contact Dave Hayton, The Salvation Army of Broward County’s development director, at David.Hayton@uss.salvationarmy.org.
Delicious noodles. 
Hors d’ oeuvres. 
Donuts in whiskey sauce. 
Bombardier 
Nivalmi Consulting 
Cruidite & more. 
Mingling. 
Oysters. 
Ready to Regatta. 
Checking in. 
Strike a pose. 
Desserts. 
Regatta. 
Putting boat in water. 
A crowd awaits the regatta. 
Ready to win. 
Dan Chait, COO & president, JM Family; Pete Sudler, VP JM Family; Curt Nichols, chairman of the board 
Dave Hayton, Salvation Army development director. 
Major Juan Guadalupe 
JM Family’s COO & President Dan Chait speaks. 
Salavtion Army Chairman of the Board Curt Nichols. 
Shrimp! 
Fitting the nautical theme. 
Bacon wrapped hot dogs. 
Good eats. 
live music.
MODS’ Culinary Celebration Draws a Crowd
By Rachel Galvin
The Museum of Discovery & Science was abuzz with activity March 8 as they held their 27th Annual Bank of America Wine, Spirits & Culinary Celebration. Those who loved all things food and drink relished this night to sip more than 50 different wines, beers and other spirits and sink their teeth into some tasty tidbits provided by more than 30 of the area’s top restaurants. Guests could try unique items like a sweet potato topped with chicken salad and toasted marshmallow or a crepe with nutella, or a dumpling filled with pepperoni, or grab a philly cheesesteak or some sushi or a tuna taquito, to name a few choices. Brewlihan had mead available. There were also whiskey drinks, margaritas, palomas, wine and more. There was more than enough to choose from.
Participating was the American Fine Wine Competition, Arc Culinary, Boatyard, Fresh Kitchen, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, Hellenic Republic, JC Beans Café, JDCH, L & E Fine Cooking, La Mexicana Taco Bar, Original Fat Cats, Pubbelly Sushi, Red Chair Catering, S3, Seasons 52, Tarpon River Brewing, Tasteful Thoughts, Lobster Bar Sea Grille, Another Fare to Remember, CrepeMaker, Fireman Derek’s Bake Shop, John Knox Village, Nikki’s Foods, Ann Marie’s Pizza and Wine, Baoshi Food Hall + Bar, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ten Palms Restaurant at Gulfstream Park, Zona Fresca and more. The craft beer sponsor was Gold Coast Beverage and the excusive beverage sponsor was Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits.
Guests could vote on their favorite food and drinks. The top winner for culinary was Another Fare to Remember. Second place was a tie between S3 and Original Fat Cats. For drinks, first place was Fifth Generation. Second place was Copper-Cane Wines and Provisions and third place was Rock N Roll Tequila.
People could also peruse the long line of silent auction items, including entertainment packages, memorabilia and more. The top prize, however, was winning the raffle and getting up to a two-year pre-paid lease on a Lexus NX350. Only 500 tickets were available.
Those who were VIP could come in an hour early and hang out in the VIP lounge. The party was both downstairs and upstairs and people had access to the museum, where they could create photo opps in a boat, submarine, planes, with dinosaurs and more. Outside in the courtyard, the after party continued with people dancing to DJ’d beats.
Major event sponsors were Bank of America (Presenting Sponsor); Doubletime Digital (Exclusive Print Sponsor); Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Exclusive Beverage Sponsor); JM Lexus (Grand Arrival Sponsor); Gold Coast Beverage (Beer Sponsor); John Knox Village (Platinum Lounge Sponsor); Centuric (VIP Wristbands Sponsor); JetBlue (Entertainment Sponsor), BankUnited (Auction Sponsor); M. Austin & Christine Forman and R2 Squared (Valet Sponsors); Berkowitz Pollack Brant; Blue Compass; CTS Engines; FPL; Greenberg Traurig; Gunster; JM Family Enterprises; Joe Cox & Jeremy Collette; Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital; Northern Trust; Stiles; Truist; UKG and WSVN Channel 7 (Platinum Sponsors); 5/3 Bank, Andrew Migliorini; Broward Health; Debra Hixon; Grant Thornton; Gray Robinson; Greenspoon Marder; Kari Sutter; Lochrie & Chakas, P.A.; M & T Bank; Michael Kimmey; PNC Bank and Truly Nolen (Grand Tasting Hosts).
If you missed this year, there is always next year. In the meantime, take your whole family to check out the museum or catch a film at IMAX all year long. The Museum of Discovery & Science is located at 401 SW 2nd St. in Ft. Lauderdale. For more information, visit www.mods.org.
Film Review: “Isle of Hope”
By Rachel Galvin
Anyone who is in the “Sandwich Generation” will know the stress of caring for ailing parents and children at the same time. This anxiety can lead to conflicts with interpersonal relationships and problems learning to cope. This topic is explored in the new movie “Isle of Hope,” directed by South Florida based director Damian Romay and his father and producer Omar, who encouraged him to make it. The film was adapted from an Argentinian stage play “Dias Contados” by Oscar Martinez and modified to add a third act. It opens Feb. 23 in theaters throughout the state.
The movie follows the story of Victoria Crawford (Mary Stuart Masterson), a teacher who is harsh with her students, feels betrayed by her mother (Diane Ladd), fights with her brother (Sam Robards) and is struggling to hold on to her teenage daughter (Jessica Lynn Wallace), who would rather spend time with her dad (played by Andrew McCarthy), who now lives with another woman.
All of her conflicts come to a head at a time when Victoria’s mother suddenly has a stroke leaving her with amnesia. She can’t remember anything for the past 15 years. This forces her to reunite with her ex-husband and forces her to try to make nice with her brother. But her biggest struggle is coping with her mother herself. At the same time, her daughter wants to get away from her so much that she leaves the country on a trip. During the process of handling all of the above, Victoria learns things she did not know about what was happening in her life and in the lives of others. This crisis overall really knocks her off balance and makes her struggle to regain her footing and find peace with her past, and figure out how to deal with her present in a new way.
Although all of the actors did well in their roles, Diane Ladd’s performance was brilliant. Her work is definitely award-worthy.
The relationship between mothers and daughters in this film really brings the most poignant moments. Watching the film, you feel the angst of the characters, but it is not all stress laden. There are plenty of lighthearted moments and times for shedding a tear or two as well. It really is a well-rounded story that gets better as it goes along.
Romay said, “Working and collaborating with such an incredible cast was truly an amazing experience. My hope is that people will enjoy the film and that mothers and daughters, fathers and sons will see the film together.”
For more information, visit www.isleofhopethemovie.com.