One Truly "Hot" Party Opens newportFILM miniFESTIVAL

Calvin Tomkins of The New Yorker, Happy van Beuren, Dodie Kazanjian

& NewportFILM's Andrea van Beuren

It was a feast of cinéastes, film lovers, fashionistas, a Senator, and other general artistic types, as newportFILM opened with a very exclusive patrons summer benefit party in the horseshoe piazza of the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Sultry weather and sultry starlet types mingled with NewportFILM principals Nancy Donohoe and Andrea van Beuren, as her mother Happy van Beuren spoke with the venture's supporters. Rick Bready, patron of the arts and charitable causes, was there, and the 280 partygoers watched as an large inflatable screen was positioned on the grass courts for the outdoor screening of the film Swell Season.

Archie van Beuren & Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

But on the porch, all was champagne, excellent hors d'oeuvres, discussions on film, and general movie badinage. Newport Seen caught up with Kimberly Skeen Jones and her artist sons, Alexander ( who claimed his name is actually Samuel) and Max Skeen, Liz and Emlen Drayton, many winsome young ladies in impossible shoes, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, in from Washington, D.C. who talked about the deficit debate raging there.

Guillaume de Ramel spoke with Camilla Bradley, Meredith Wood Prince was also in from D.C., and Sherry Bright shone.

There was a call to order by Terri Conners, Managing Director and Ms. van Beuren, a welcome, a thank you and information shared about NewportFILM's successes and ongoing projects, which include bringing the spirit of a film festival to Newport every month with a mini-festival including at least one documentary, one narrative, a cocktail reception or two, and a kids program. These weekends are intended to keep the spirit of fresh, independent film alive in well in Newport's vibrant, artistic community.