A steady crowd was starting to build, with opening night latecomers who missed the movie neatly cueing into a snaking line, when suddenly, at 10.35pm, the doors opened to the much-anticipated Abu Dhabi Film Festival opening night party.
It was worth the wait. A spirited bash equally stylish and decadent, the food was a definite highlight — especially for a hunger-struck, red carpet-stalking journalist who missed dinner. With everything from dim sum to a roast dinner on offer, alongside a richly indulgent desert selection, it’s safe to say no one went hungry.
Emirates Palace’s graceful garden was artfully done over and chicly lit in oh-so-vogue whites and purples. A cool Cuban quartet took to the stage just after 11, and while we didn’t stay long enough to see when the dance floor took off — there’s movies to see tomorrow — we really can’t imagine it took long.
Of course, everyone was talking about just one thing — well, two things really — the verdict on opening film From A to B and what to see next? Keep checking this blog for more on both of those potato-hot topics.
rgarratt@thenational.ae