June 2013 – The buzz following Rivertown Film’s “Notte di Fellini” Gala on June 19th hasn’t let up. Guests who attended the sold-out magical benefit entered the grounds of an Italian villa in Grandview to discover a living tableau of Federico Fellini’s films, peopled with Fellini characters come to life, musicians and massives of fresh flowers atop silk-swagged tables. Scenes from the director’s films, projected on the villa’s walls, came alive as the summer sun set. The evening’s honorees, Harriet Cornell, Chairperson of the Rockland County Legislature and Roger Seiler, former President of the Nyack Library and former Chair of Rivertown Film , were feted for their continuing support of the arts in Rockland County. The Benefit Sponsor was M& T Bank. [view the photo gallery]
As dusk settled, attendees – many of whom were dressed in Fellini-esque garb, had their eyes painted and bejewled, strolled and sampled delicacies from eight excellent restaurants: Lanterna, 8 North Broadway, La Fontana, The Hudson House, Commissary, and Marcello’s, with antipasti from Laraia’s Cheese Shop and desserts by New York City’s Ristorante Rafele. These were paired with prosecco and Italian wines courtesy of Palm Bay International. A live auction, which included a chance to bid on a Perillo Tours trip for two to Italy was followed by Rivertown Film Creative Advisory Board members, filmmaker Nancy Savoca and actress Sakina Jaffrey. who led the tribute to Ms. Cornell and Mr. Seiler. Also on hand to acknowledge the honorees were producer Rich Guay, actress Didi Conn and Academy and Grammy Award-winning composer David Shire. Guests were finally treated to a breathtaking fire performance, which lit up the night sky.
