Fabulous Film Fete

Stars and aficionados hang at intimate USA Film Festival affair

Before the final day of the 43rd annual USA Film Festival, moviegoers and filmmakers gathered for a post-screening, late-night fete filled with noshing, drinking and mingling past midnight.

“This party is all about asking questions and learning about the films in a more relaxed setting,” a USA Film Festival source told us.

Thanks to Brett and Lester Levy, who opened up their magnificent home, guests settled around the outdoor fire pit and curled up in cozy couches to hang with directors and producers to learn more about the industry and incredible talent.

“The talent is unbelievable,” said Sandra Luckow, a film festival National Juror from New York. “We were practically balling when we watched Nine to Ninety — a brilliant short film about aging parents. It’s just fantastic.”

The evening honored the more than 20 films and 13 shorts in the festival, including the Saturday screenings — Safety Last, Journey to Hope, More Than Honey, The Hot Flashes, Stephen Tobolowsky Hosts The Shorts, Congratulations, Odd Man Out, In A World and Touchy Feely — and masters behind the camera.

On the cinematic scene: award-winning actor Stephen Tobolowsky, Women in Film president Lisha Bock and vice president Kerri Navarro, Verizon guy (“Can you hear me now?”) Paul Marcarelli, Sam Swenson, Clarice Tinsley, Stephen Giles, Susan and Steven Wilkofsky, Sam Wade, Chris Roe, Leah Shore, and producer Aemelia Scott.

Alicia Petruss, Shoreh Aghdaslaleo, Clarice Tinsley

Shoreh Aghdaslaleo, Alicia Petruss, Clarice Tinsley, USA Film Festival

Photo by Jerry McClure

Alicia Petruss, Shoreh Aghdaslaleo, Clarice Tinsley

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Not your grandma's galas

The 8 can't-miss galas and parties of fall for Dallas young professionals

Photo courtesy of Millennial Clubs

Dallas Millennial Gala moves to an exciting new location this year.

Dallas young professionals will be working hard and playing hard for their favorite causes this fall. Organizations all over the city - from arts groups and museums to health-focused charities - are working hard to cultivate a new generation of big-hearted patrons and philanthropists. And they're doing so with epic parties and high-octane, black-tie balls. Here are the eight must-attend events of the season for Dallas YPs. For a longer list of Dallas galas this fall, go here.

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Gala After-Party, September 30
If the full $1,250 DSO gala evening is a stretch, there’s a popular option for young professionals that includes just the concert and after-party. This year's Gala Concert stars maestro Fabio Luisi and the DSO with pianist Emanuel Ax playing Chopin and mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard singing selections from the opera Carmen. Afterwards, a “Midnight in Paris”-themed party will rev up in the Meyerson lobby, with live music by Q The Band. Guests can expect cocktails and bites while dancing the night away; tickets to the concert and after-party start at $140. Find out more about the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Young Professionals group on their Facebook page.

Dallas Opera Crescendo Opening Night Celebration, October 13
The Dallas Opera’s Crescendo networking and social group helps to make opera fun and relevant for a whole new generation of patrons (ages 21-45). Members can enjoy pre-show mixers before performances, and get significant discounts to each show. This fall, members also will receive a special invitation to an Opening Night Celebration to welcome Dallas Opera’s 2023-24 season. Crescendo Memberships are $60 for an individual and $120 for two, available here.

African American Museum, Dallas' Disco Gala, October 21
The African American Museum's Young Professionals Council just relaunched, and now it's time for YPs to get their groove on with museum patrons at the Disco Gala and Auction. The 35th annual gala celebrates the museum's 30th anniversary since opening in its building in Fair Park and supports its many programs and exhibitions. The gala will take place at the Renaissance Dallas Hotel and will include a reception, seated dinner, awards, and dancing the night away to The Dennis Edwards Temptation Revue. Attire is cocktail - or "divine disco." Tickets, $200, are available here.

AT&T Performing Arts Center Turn Up the Lights, October 21
The AT&T Performing Arts Center Auxiliary Board hosts its fourth annual Turn Up The Lights fundraiser, meant to be an exclusive event for Dallas' new wave of arts patrons, ages 25-49, invested in supporting the Center's mission as a cultural hub. An alternative to the Center's higher-priced Bravo! Gala in November, this ticket starts at just $50 and promises an evening filled with live music, dance, food, and drinks. The multi-level event will unfold across different levels of the Wyly Theatre, starting outdoors on the Brierley Esplanade. Performances will be given by Clover the Violinist, DJ Endolena, Dr. Gorilla, Aurora Bleu, and The Manhattan Band. The night will include food, raffles, and a speakeasy presented by Wild Turkey. Tickets to the 21+ event are here.

BubblyQ, October 26
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Young Texans Against Cancer's champagne-infused fundraiser at Fearing’s at the Ritz-Carlton remains one of the most popular fall fundraisers on the Dallas YP scene. In addition to bites from top local restaurants selected by chef Dean Fearing (Eataly, El Carlos Elegante, Monarch, Meridian, Salum, and more) there’ll be cocktails by Parliament, an epic silent auction, beats by Jaxon Taylor, and a rockin’ after-party. All proceeds support local cancer initiatives. Tickets are $200 or $50 just for the after-party, available here.

Dallas Autumn Ball, November 3
Hard to believe this high-energy, black-tie dance party is 10 years old. Established in 2013, the be-seen gala of fall welcomes young professionals to Hotel ZaZa for a fun night benefiting local education-focused nonprofits. The special 10th anniversary edition will include a VIP pre-event dinner and exclusive glam portraits, dancing to the Ice House Band, a casino room, and more. This year’s proceeds benefit Philanthropy Kids. Tickets are $175 or $250 for VIP, available