Another year, another batch of amazing films, and another great event!

First Cut 2010 went off without a hitch this year.  The DGA sparkled, the traffic was at least somewhat accommodating, and by 7 PM the lobby at the Director's Guild of America theater was packed with alumni, faculty, trustees, the Deans, excited students, and, of course, the recent graduates whose films we gathered to honor.  Check my pre-event blog post for more information, and links, to the films shown.

The evening began with a relaxed reception, with an open bar and scrumptious hours d'oeuvres, providing guests an opportunity to meet the filmmaking teams, each of which was set up at a table with their poster and advertising materials, as well as physical copies of their films on hand.  Observing a number of conversations between filmmakers and guests, it looked like they were each able to garner some exciting opportunities, especially after the screening (which began at 7:30) had afforded everyone a chance to see all the films. 

As well as the directors and producers, many local actors and cast and crew members were present for the event; Jesse, the goofball supporting star of Cannonball, was especially funny, bringing a certain boisterous element of his character to the evening. 

If you didn't get a chance to come in person, don't worry – there will be a companion event in New York in early 2011, where the same slate of films will play to a newer audience.  And, we had two photographers there to capture the evening for your enjoyment!  Check out the photos here below, or on our Flickr photostream at your leisure.

The slideshow will begin shortly after pressing Play.  Use arrows at the sides to navigate within the set.

If you made it to this year's event, thanks for coming – and if you couldn't, enjoy the photos!