Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival Opening Gala:The Stars Shine Brighter Than Ever In Miami

By Joshua Head SOBEGAYINFO.COM

Miami, Florida, April 25, 2008 --- The opening gala for the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival was also the premiere of “Breakfast With Scot”, staring Tom Cavanagh, Ben Shenkmar, and Noah Bernett.  The Gusman Theater had a full house that not only included film makers, actors, producers and those involved in the festival but also a host of Miami and Miami Beach’s gay social scene including renowned photographer Dale Stine, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force staff Michael Bath and Dave Cook and Winter Party 2008 co-chair Lisa Mercado.  Throngs of media scurried to get interviews and photo-ops with arriving guests and also the occasional actor or famed clothing designer.

And speaking of famed clothing designers, Jay McCarroll, the winner of Project Runway’s first season arrived with friends wearing a black ensemble complete with one of his traditional multi-colored ball caps. McCarroll, who is staying at the Dorset Hotel in Miami Beach, discussed the premiere of his film 11 Seconds with the media while adding his usual hilarious forked-tongue style to his interviews that will have to be bleeped out quite a bit.  Jay also showcased his new collection at the Dorset Hotel on Saturday.

Esteemed actress and Miami resident Sharon Gless was on hand to present Robert Rosenberg with an honorary award.  Gless who captured America’s heart as Christine Cagney on TV's Cagney and Lacey later went on to capture “gay” America’s heart in the role of Debbie Novotney, PFLAG’s greatest supporter in the world on Showtime's Queer as Folk. 

After the award presentation, festival directors Carol Coombes and Keith Cromley introduced producer Paul Brown and director Laurie Lynd to discuss their movie “Breakfast With Scot” with the audience.  After the film, the evening’s event and after-party continued at Jungle Island.

The Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is in its tenth year and is expecting to attract its biggest crowd ever.  The Festival runs until May 4th in Miami and Miami Beach.