“PICTURES: Austin Film Festival 2009: Film and Food Party for Young Filmmakers Program, October 21st, 2009″

Last night, we headed over to the Driskill for the Austin Film Festival’s 7th Annual Film and Food Party.  As far as gala-fundraiser-type events, this is one of my faves of the year.  Not only does it have food from some of my favorite restaurants, it also supports the Austin Film Festival’s Young Filmmakers Program.  It’s also the unofficial kick off to the Austin Film Festival.

After climbing the Driskill’s grand staircase, we rolled up on the open bar.  After grabbing some adult bevs, we walked around and checked out the items up for bid in the silent auction.  The silent auction is the largest source of funding for the Young Filmmakers Program, and I could see why.  Not that I could afford to bid on a script from LOST or a signed X-Men script, but I could see how hardcore fans would drop a dime or two. They also had trips to a taping of American Idol, tours of the David Letterman set and loads of other cool things that would make a filmophile flip.

My big thing, of course, is food. I love to eat, and the chefs didn’t disappoint.  After a couple of glasses of wine, all the restaurant names blended together.  All the food was good; however three that really stuck out were Parkside (unique flavored something or other), Roaring Fork (stewy taco thing) and Tokyo Steakhouse (JALAPENO ROLL!).

With wine buzz and stuffed belly, we caught up with Alissa Ziemianski, director of the Austin Film Festival’s Young Filmmakers Program.  Take a look at the 2-minute video below to find out more about the free program that encourages AISD students to explore the art of storytelling through screenwriting and filmmaking. Also, check out pictures of peeps at the event after the jump!

WATCH: Red wine-lipped Chris interview Alissa Ziemianski about the Young Filmmakers Program and panties from American Idol (?!?!)

SEE: Pictures of some of our favorite Austinites, peeps in cool outfits and maybe a cougar or two.  You can also see the full set on our flickr feed or our Facebook page. Tag your friends!

Click for More Pictures —–>

Related posts:

1. “PICTURES: El Cosmico Weekend in Marfa, October 9th-11th, 2009″
2. No Health For You: A ‘Food, Inc.’ Film Review
3. “PICS: October 1st, 2009: Art Disaster No. 9 at Beauty Bar”
4. “September 17th, 2009: BoConcept Party”
5. “September 12th, 2009: South Side Sanctuary Grand Opening Party”