September 18-22, 2024

18
Sep

Calabasas Film Festival Opens With Documentary, “Mass” Screening

By Mira Reverente

A screening of All Things Must Pass ushered in the 2nd annual Calabasas Film Festival (CFF), which will run through the weekend.

The directorial debut of Colin Hanks, the documentary is about the much-talked about rise and fall of the iconic Tower Records and the legacy of founder Russ Solomon. Community members, led by Councilmember David Shapiro, graced the pop-up screening held at the Motion Picture and Television Theater in Woodland Hills.

We are expecting about 150 guests tonight,” said Kelley Fries, director of CFF, as guests started trickling in, posing for pictures and walking the traditional red carpet.

On-hand to greet guests were film editor Darrin Roberts, executive producer Glen Zipper and producer Sean Stuart. Hanks who was tied up with another film commitment in New York and couldn’t make it.

The five-day festival formally opened Thursday night with a private screening of Black Mass at the Edwards Grand Palace, located at The Commons at Calabasas. Based on actual events, the film tells the story of James “Whitey” Bulger (played by Johnny Depp), considered one of the most infamous criminals in the history of South Boston who turned FBI informant in order to take down a Mafia family invading his turf. The screening was followed by a lavish guest reception outside of the Calabasas Civic Center.

Here’s a quick look at the rest of the festival schedule:

Thursday, September 17 – Private Screening of Black Mass
Friday, September 18 – Studio Film Screening of The Wannabe
Saturday, September 19 – Documentary and Short Film Screenings
Sunday, September 20 – Student Film Program

The All Things Must Pass team of editor Darrin Roberts (left), producer Sean Stuart (center) and executive producer Glen Zipper, came in full force. Photo by Mira Reverente

The All Things Must Pass team of editor Darrin Roberts (left), producer Sean Stuart (center) and executive producer Glen Zipper, came in full force. Photo by Mira Reverente

Community members, led by Councilmember David Shapiro (left), graced the pop-up screening held at the Motion Picture and Television Theater in Woodland Hills. Photo by David PascalCommunity members, led by Councilmember David Shapiro (left), graced the pop-up screening held at the Motion Picture and Television Theater in Woodland Hills. Photo by David Pascal

A private screening of "Black Mass," starring Johnny Depp, opened the festival. Photo by David PascalA private screening of “Black Mass,” starring Johnny Depp, opened the festival. Photo by David Pascal

CV Happening editor Susan Pascal with husband, David.CV Happening editor Susan Pascal with husband, David.

The walkway outside of the Calabasas Civic Center is crowded with people after the screening. Photo by David PascalThe walkway outside of the Calabasas Civic Center is crowded with people after the screening. Photo by David Pascal

Live music serenades the crowd. Photo by David PascalLive music serenades the crowd. Photo by David Pascal

The walkway outside of the Calabasas Civic Center is crowded with people after the screening. Photo by David PascalThe walkway outside of the Calabasas Civic Center is crowded with people after the screening. Photo by David Pascal

 

Original source: http://conejovalley.happeningmag.com/calabasas-film-festival-opens-with-documentary-mass-screening/