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.

Arturo del Puerto, Stephen Tobolowsky, David Hamilton, Tania Khalaf

Arturo Del Puerto, Stephen Tobolowsky, Tamra Khalaef, David Hamilton, USA Film Festival

Photo by Jerry McClure

Arturo del Puerto, Stephen Tobolowsky, David Hamilton, Tania Khalaf

unspecified

Night at the museum

Perot Museum gala-goers with a taste for adventure raise $2 million

undefined

Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

On a balmy Saturday night in November, the doors to Dallas' Perot Museum of Nature and Science closed to the public and reopened for nearly 1,000 chic party-goers. They dined, danced, and played with the exhibits to raise funds at 2024 Night at the Museum Gala.

Led by co-chairs Dr. Pamela J. Okada and Mark Okada, the crowd of "after-hours scientists" raised $2 million to support the museum’s educational programs and expand STEM learning opportunities across North Texas.

Perot Museum, Night at the Museum Gala 2024

Photo by Tamytha Cameron

Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps and Chris Shurtleff

The event, designed by Valdivia Ventures, included live music, a captivating performance by dancers of Texas Ballet Theater, and innovative food activations by Wolfgang Puck Catering (the flaky, piping hot truffle pot pies that gala guests always look forward to).

As patrons explored the museum, they were greeted by hundreds of white orchids from Jackson Durham Events and were serenaded in exhibit hall by musicians provided by Jordan Khan Music Company.

A highlight of the evening was the "10-Minute Tasting Restaurant," an adventurous pop-up type experience that transformed the Museum Store into a five-star dining experience. Of course there were cocktails, too, and the lychee martini was a fan-favorite.

The evening concluded with a high-energy after-party on the lower level of the museum, presented by the Eugene McDermott Foundation. Guests danced the night away to beats by DJ Romi Q, struck a pose at the interactive photo booth, and ended the night at a decadent dessert room featuring a variety of sweet treats.

Funds raised from Night at the Museum will support educational programs, fund day-to-day operations, and provide financial aid to ensure the museum remains a welcoming and inclusive space for all.

Spotted in the crowd, enjoying the night, were Shannon Murray, Chris Nolan, Kylie Capps, Chris Shurtleff, Tim Peck, Missy Rogers Peck, Tori Mulford, Linda Silver, Emory McKim, Shelby Wagner, Niven Morgan, Santiago Jorba, Catalina Gonzalez, Regen Horchow, Ken Hersh, Dennis Cail, Annika Cail, Grace Cook, Caleb Stearns Wiley, Sarah-Michelle Stearns Wiley, Jason Valdivia, Katherine Stenesen, Chantel Boudreaux, Jeffrey Bragalone, Lexi Dennis, Mickie Bragalone, John Spradling, Miriam Spradling, KC Hurst, Koli Hurst, Magda Veja, Ashley Chellgren, Maria Zajia, Geraldine Parker, Meredith Abbott, and many more patrons and supporters.

museums night at the museum perot museum gala galas