Presented by DGCBC
What another great Crazy8s Gala! On Saturday, February 22, 2020, the Crazy8s Film Society presented the 6 new #Crazy8sFilms20 to 1,750 people at The Centre followed by a huge After-Party at Science World with almost 1,400 people.
With doors opening at 6pm at The Centre we had everyone seated by 7pm when we started the show promptly with our 2020 Gala Host, Rukiya Bernard (Van Helsing, Sol), taking the stage. After a witty opening and thanking our cash sponsors, Rukiya introduced our guest speakers:
Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung, Deputy Mayor, City of Vancouver
Allan Harmon, Chair of the DGCBC
Enid-Raye Adams, representing UBCP/ACTRA
They were followed by something new this year – a video introducing the Crazy8s producing team, directed by Maxime Beauchamp (Small Fish). Next the Co-Executive Directors of Crazy8s, Erin Mussolum and Paul Armstrong, took the podium to say a few words and thank the Crazy8s Board. And then it was show time!
As usual, we started the screening with a Behind the Scenes video of Crazy8s 2020 highlighting the Top 6 directors, this year also directed by Maxime Beauchamp, who interviewed the filmmakers during post-production rather than on-set for the first time. We then started the first 3 films:
SOL – Directed by Andy Alvarez
THE SUBSTITUTE – Directed by Malibu Taetz
ITSY BITSY SPIDER – Directed by Brodi-Jo Scalise
During the 10 minute intermission we showed behind the scenes stills from production taken by our six stills photographers assigned one to a team, another innovation this year. And then it was time for the final 3 films:
THIS IS A PERIOD PIECE – Directed by Bruna Arbex
THE QUIETING – Directed by Ali Liebert
MR. JAMES IS DEAD – Directed by Daniel Irving and Josh Aries
Rukiya once again went on stage and told us who were on the juries this year while the filmmakers were congregating near the stage. Erin read out greetings and congratulations from the Honorable Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. The directors, writers, producers and lead actors of the 6 appeared on stage one film at a time with the directors receiving flowers from Erin and Paul, until all 6 teams were on stage to receive the acclaim of the audience.
And then it was time to celebrate these exceptional 6 films at the Crazy8s 2020 Gala After-Party at Science World. Transport to the party was provided by 3 shuttle busses sponsored by On Set Headsets.
Upon arriving at the After-Party, guests walked the Red Carpet where they were photographed by our professional photographers. Check out the Gala Red Carpet photos at: https://www.facebook.com/crazy8sfilm
Inside the 1920’s themed party, guests partook in specialty cocktails at our Prohibition Bar, grabbed something cold at the High Falutin Bar or Off The Rail Brewery and hit one of two dance floors including the Finale Post Mainstage with music spun by top notch DJs including DJ Kate Matthews, DJ Krista, Apollo and Devours. There was no shortage of food options with White Spot Triple O’s, Beta5 Chocolates, East Side Beer Food and other vendors sprinkled throughout the spacious environs Science World. This was the party to start a new decade!