DAY ONE November 3, 2005

by Ginny Zoraster

This year marks the first year AFI FEST has used the parking structure as their entertainment space. In previous years, the Festival used the ground floor retail space directly across from ArcLight Hollywood's entrance, as well as the space adjacent to the theatre. "After the 2004 Festival, we knew that we would have to find another place to stage our headquarters, and we began looking upward," said Natalie McMenemy, AFI FEST 2005's Director of Operations/Festival Producer. In the past, the roof has been used for other special events but nothing on the scale of AFI FEST's Rooftop Village, which presented its own set of unique challenges. "You are basically going camping," said McMenemy. "There's no electricity, no running water and you're exposed to the elements. Getting trucks and equipment to the roof has been an exercise in creative thinking."

Festival badge holders will be able to access the Cinema Lounge at the Village. This casual, outdoor patio and hospitality suite will host meetings and special events, as well as a daily Happy Hour at 5:00 p.m. Also located on the roof will be the Audi Pavilion, a special celebrity green room for the many featured filmmakers and actors in attendance.

One of the highlights of the Rooftop Village will occur during Friday and Saturday nights of the Festival, when the Village will become a screening room under the stars for the Aquafina Pure Vision Outdoor Screenings: Music Docs at Midnight series. Movies scheduled to screen include JOHNNY CASH: THE MAN, HIS WORLD, HIS MUSIC on November 4--a concert movie and perfect pairing to Thursday night's opening gala screening of WALK THE LINE that features 21 performance clips, including duets with Carl Perkins, Bob Dylan and more--and Ry Cooder and Wim Wenders' critically acclaimed collaboration about a group of legendary Cuban musicians, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, which will screen November 5.

The following weekend, ONE LOVE: THE BOB MARLEY ALL-STAR TRIBUTE, a concert film about the titular 1999 tribute featuring performances by Queen Latifah, Tracy Chapman, Busta Rhymes, Chrissie Hynde and others, will screen on November 11. Finally, on November 12, ABBA--THE MOVIE will screen. Directed by Lasse Hallstroem, the film details the band's 1977 tour of Australia. As part of its continued support of documentary film, Aquafina will host these free screenings, open to the public. Seating, though, is limited and on a first come, first served basis.

The Rooftop Village was made possible by AFI FEST's partnership with the Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Entertainment District. Although the original dream for the Rooftop Village was that of Festival Director Christian Gaines, Beau Robb began working to perfect that initial vision. "We have to thank our event production crew and Village designer [Robb] for making our vision a reality," said McMenemy. "Beau's love for film and our Festival has brought a fresh energy and enthusiasm to this project, and I wouldn't have wanted to do it without him."

All the hard work looks ready to pay off. "I'm just looking forward to getting the Festival started and welcoming filmmakers from around the world," said McMenemy. "I just want to see the Village in all its glory--people milling about, buying tickets, chatting about films, and me standing on the patio of the Cinema Lounge looking at Downtown lit up at night with a cocktail in my hand."

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