ACEFEST, Manhattan’s beloved annual grassroots film festival, whose mission is to cultivate, promote and preserve American independent cinema and encourage networking among its followers, is kicking-off its fourth season with industry parties in three major cities: Los Angeles, Austin and, of course, New York City.
This full Summer of Film Industry parties will kick-off with a May 23rd event at Aqualounge in Los Angeles, CA. Nearly 400 guests are expected in attendance for ACEFEST’s West Coast debut. On June 25th, the highly-anticipated mixer will return home to Luxe Lounge (inside Lucky Strike Lanes) in New York City for an evening of mingling and bowling. Details of the Austin, TX party in July will be announced soon.
In 2008, ACEFEST held its first Film Industry Bash at the highly elusive Soho House in lower Manhattan. The guest list reached capacity within three days of the announcement. From there, the requests rolled in for more parties, more frequently and in more cities. As the once fledgling organization grew each year, the events became even more successful and the demand to branch out increased exponentially. The organization has held three networking parties since – each completely sold out.
Until now, networking mixers traditionally took place in coffeehouses, empty lofts or wine bars which can feel slightly forced and even awkward for attendees. ACEFEST realized the networking potential of a nightclub setting where people are comfortable approaching strangers. The concept is less “high school dance” and more “night on the town.” In the club environment, filmmakers, actors, models, producers and agents can come together, drink, mingle, dance and make valuable new connections with like-minded individuals.
Individuals interested in attending a Film Industry Bash must RSVP online via the ACEFEST website. There is a registration fee of $4-10 (depending on group size) to help underwrite venue, staff and promotional costs. This policy also helps increase the ratio of RSVP’s to actual attendees for each event.
Even with three upcoming parties and the annual film festival approaching, ACEFEST is looking ahead to host a Film Industry Bash in a different major city each month of the year. Cities are selected based on user inquiries, website traffic analytics and industry data. A full twelve-month schedule is in the sights for 2011.