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Inaugural MIFF opens with lavish reception
The inaugural Marianas International Film Festival kicked off with a lavish opening ceremony Wednesday night at the Aqua Resort Club, with celluloid stars from China, CNMI, Korea, Japan and Taiwan descending on the Achugao resort.
Sponsored by Imperial Pacific International Ltd., Marianas Visitors Authority, and IT&E, the glitterati that graced Wednesday night’s opening was led by IPI executives headed by IPI chair Cui Lijie and IPI CEO Mark Brown, first lady Diane Torres, MVA managing director Chris Concepcion, and Rep. Joseph Guerrero (R-Saipan), various actors, and filmmakers.
Brown promised even more events in the future. “Between the MVA and IPI, we have many more things events like this planned. This is something that we plan to do every year. Imagine Hollywood stars and celebrities here. Saipan is a very beautiful place, that is why we are bringing these beautiful people on island.”
Concepcion said: “We are very excited as MVA welcomes this high profile event for the CNMI with all these celebrities and film executives out here. …It brings the spotlight to our islands as a destination for leisure, business and arts and culture and we congratulate everyone who is part of this event.”
The opening ceremony and banquet included a Young Director Supporting Programme and Film Industry Forum.
There were free screening of films at the Regal Saipan Megaplex 7 yesterday. The red carpet show and awards ceremony will be held today at the Imperial Pacific Resort Hotel, followed by dinner at Fiesta Resort & Spa, and an after-party back at Imperial Pacific. (Bea Cabrera)
