So last week, I went to my first international film festival and I have to say I was pretty excited to go.  A car was sent to pick me and two other guys up. Manuel, who is a producer and had a film in competition and Henrik, an actor. We of course became fast friends as strangers do in a country where you know no one and can’t speak the language.  We had 5 mins to change once we got to the hotel for the opening ceremony. (See attached pics)

Having never walked down a red carpet to snapping paparazzo and TV cameras, yours truly had to strut her stuff and do the walk. It was a good thing I had my shades on, because the flashes were blinding.  What was funny about the whole experience was the fact that none of us had tickets to the opening film and the lady who was handing them out was at another venue, so when we got to the entrance I sailed through and the guys were halted at the doors.  I look over my shoulder and they’re on the wrong side of the door and security would not let them through.  Luckily the producer of the opening film could speak a little bit of Russian and they were eventually allowed through.

Loved the opening film which was from Poland, called Walesa, Man of Hope. This is what I love about film, it’s ability to inform, educate and entertain all at the same time.  I knew nothing about Polish history and learned a lot in the space of 2hrs.

I watched a lot of great films, some not so good and met some wonderful people.  All in all, it was a positive experience which I hope to repeat at the next festival More Cake is invited to.  Watch this space. In the meantime, enjoy the photos.