The female-founded Greenwich International Film Festival 2019 held in Greenwich, Connecticut from May 29 - June 2, 2019 consisted of five-days of amazing non-stop activity of 58 films screenings, Q&A, panels, and parties! As the saying goes, "A good time was had by all." Luxury Experience is delighted to bring you some of the highlights of the parties.

Edward F. Nesta, Ms. Eva Longoria Bastón

Greenwich International Film Festival Changemaker Gala honoring Eva Longoria Bastón and Bobby Walker, Jr.

Terry Betteridge and Debra C. Argen
Greenwich International Festival Gala evening kickoff party at Betteridge Jewelers

The Greenwich International Film Festival kicked off the 2019 festival on Thursday, May 30, 2019 with their Changemaker Gala with an elegant black-tie cocktail reception at prestigious Betteridge, jewelers since 1897,  located on Greenwich Avenue where invited guests had the opportunity to meet Master of Ceremonies Kathie Lee Gifford, as well as 2019 Changemaker Honorees, Eva Longoria Bastón and Bobby Walker, Jr.  Guests also had the opportunity to experience exquisite jewelry while sipping champagne and enjoying passed hors d'oeuvres.  

Richard Leone, co-Founder Wendy Stapleton

Becky Walker and Changemaker - Bobby Walker Jr.

The gala continued at the stunning fine-dining waterfront restaurant, L'Escale located at 500 Steamboat Road at the luxurious Delamar Greenwich Harbor hotel with pre-dinner champagne, wine, and cocktails, followed by a lovely dinner.  Greenwich's own Kathie Lee Gifford presented 2019 Changemaker Awards to Honorees Eva Longoria Bastón for her humanitarian work with The Eva Longoria Foundation, and to Bobby Walker, Jr., CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich for his humanitarian work. After dinner, there was dancing to the music of MOJO, followed by conversationand nightcaps.  

The Changemaker Gala  

co-Founder Wendy Stapleton

Kathie Lee Gifford, Bobby Walker Jr., Eva Longoria Bastón

Antonio Bolton, Mark and Donna Lindsay, Edward F. Nesta

Kathie Lee Gifford and Edward F. Nesta

Debra C. Argen and Edward F. Nesta 

Dinner is served

The Changemaker Gala Menu

Appetizer
Prosciutto & Burrata
Pickled eggplant, arugula, sherry glaze 

Entrée Duet
Grilled Angus Filet Mignon
Truffle-madeirasauce
And 
Herb Crusted Halibut 

Accompaniments
Green Asparagus Bundle
Gratin Dauphinois 

Dessert
Assortment of Mini Desserts 

The Opening Night Party at Gabriele's of Greenwich

Edward F. Nesta, Brian Long, Charlene Giannette 

It was time to mix and mingle and talk films with the directors, producers, and actors of the films during the Opening Night Party held on Friday, 31, 2019 held at the upscale restaurant Gabriele's of Greenwich on Church Street. Drinks, appetizers, and great conversation were the order of the night as old friends and new ones gathered, set against a lively backdrop of music, which made the party so much fun!  

Joyce Kleinman, co-Founder Colleen deVeer, Paul Nethercott,
 Amy Pauszek

Debra C. Argen, Paul Nethercott, Louisa Green, Guest,
 Amy Pauszek

The Film Awards at the Epic Anniversary Party featuring Kesha at The Capitol Theatre 

Every year the GIFF closes out the festival with awarding trophies and checks to the best films. This year actress Connie Nielsen presented the awards during the Epic Anniversary Party held on Saturday, June 1, 2019, followed by a concert by Kesha at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York.  

The award-winning films for 2019  

Best Social Impact Film
Afterward 
Director Ofra Bloch
USA 

Best Narrative Feature
Sister Aimee
Directors Samantha Buck and Marie Schlingmann
USA 

Best Documentary Feature
Cold Case Hammarsskjöld
Director Mads Brűgger
Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Belgium 

Best Connecticut Short
120 Years
Directors Matt Nadel and Lukas Cox
USA 

Best Narrative Short
The Animal
Director Screenwriter Sebastian Kass
France, Norway 

Best Documentary Short
ESPN 30 for 30: Mack Wrestles
Director Erin Sanger, Taylor Hess
USA 

As always,the Greenwich International Film Festival passed by all too quickly, yet wonderful memories of the films we saw, the Q & A's, panel discussions, the wonderful people we met, and the parties we attended, will linger on playing inthe background like the credits of a favorite film.  

Until next year, keep enjoying and supporting the arts! 

See you next year!

Read about the Greenwich International Film Festival Female Founded Executive Team in the Performance section - Greenwich International Film Festival 2019.  

Read Film Highlights from the Greenwich International Film Festival 2019 in the Performance section - Greenwich International Film Festival 2019: Film Highlights. 

For more information and tickets for next year's Greenwich InternationalFilm Festival, please visit the website: www.Greenwichfilm.org 

Greenwich International Film Festival
0 Horseneck Lane
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
Telephone:   +1-203-485-0415,+1-203-717-1800
Website:       www.greenwichfilm.org
Instagram:    @greenwichfilm 

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