(Live here at the International Film Festival)- The opening event of the Haifa Film Festival was held under the banner of France, in accordance with the film chosen to open the festival - Jeanne du Barry - which is a French film.
The Enchanted Piano
The foyer of the auditorium was decorated with the colors of the French flag and French tunes that pleased the ears of those present when they emanated from an electric "enchanted piano" that was placed there while no one was listening to it! A lovable and charming "trick" by all accounts!
in the auditorium garden
In the auditorium garden, a reception. The guests were treated to three types of wine, as the colors of the French flag: red, white and...pink (couldn't find blue wine?!)
Paris on the Carmel
On the stage, a jazz orchestra and a Parisian singer sang chansons. Really Paris on the Carmel!
Diplomatic conversation
Among the crowd of attendees, who were wearing light clothes, according to the temperature that prevailed outside, two men dressed in "French chic" suits stood out: the French consul in Haifa, Mr. Toulet (S. Toulet) and Mr. Diener (G. Diener), the director of the French Institute in Israel.
Kind mimes
A pair of mimes who also stood out in the crowd, laughed and amused those present very kindly and took pictures with anyone who asked.
He is ours!
Towards 20:00 the audience was asked to put down their glasses of wine and sandwiches and go to the auditorium, for the real thing - the opening ceremony.
After some delays and under the stern gaze of Ben-Gurion, the Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to the esteemed actor Sasson Gabbay, for his contribution to Israeli cinema and culture. Gabay, besides being a great player, is also Haifai! Really true Haifa pride!
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The pictures in the article are beautiful!