American Film Institute's annual AFI Fest streams through 28 cities this year and not surprisingly, LA rolls out the red carpet for the independent films and related parties. On a recent Saturday during its 7-day stay, the AFI carpet welcomed media, industry and cast members of the film, On The Road into Hollywood’s historic Grauman’s Chinese Theater. The film, loosely based on Jack Kerouac’s great American novel, stars Kristen Stewart and Garrett Hedlund with appearances by Amy Adams, Viggo Mortensen and Steve Buscemi.
Addressing the audience, from the theater's stage, director Walter Salles acquainted the cast and offered insight into the multi-year film project, so personal to him. Growing up in 1960’s Brazil where media and arts were censored by an oppressive government, Salles recounted the freedom he felt upon reading Kerouac’s story for the first time — the story of youthful writers finding themselves and their way between the late forties and early fifties.
Before the movie, we found our way to the principle sponsor’s, Audi Sky Lounge, grooving at The Hotel Roosevelt. Guests to the lounge enjoyed cocktails, a comfort food buffet and conversation while overlooking the hotel’s pool. The post-premiere party hosted by Coca Cola and Stella Artois eagerly drew us back to The Roosevelt after the film. A DJ spun and hors d'oeuvres were passed as a real time photo booth projected party-goer’s images across the walls, breaking the ice. And as always, The Roosevelt’s ultra lounge scene turned a revolving door of people-watching entertainment even for those waiting on the slow valet.
