Solstice Film Festival

Solstice Film Festival Founder and Executive Director, Devin Halden, dreamt about a film festival that not only showcased incredible movies featuring the film industries up and coming talent, but he also wanted to transform downtown St. Paul, MN into a hub of entertainment, allowing the festival goer to experience the lifestyle of paparazzi and movie stars. The Red Carpet’s will be rolled out and the flash bulbs will be popping for 4 days in June, when St. Paul, MN gives “Tinsel Town” a run for it’s money! Our innaugural event in 2006 was an amazing experience for all of our attendees. 60 incredible films competeing for 12 prominent awards were screened at three magical theaters. Our Grand Venue, the historic Fitzgerald Theater in the heart of St. Paul, was temporarliy converted into a 1,000 seat movie house with a full-sized movie screen and state-of-the-art surround sound.The 2006 special events were a popular element to our very balanced event. Festival attendees were treated to an amazing “Fire & Ice” themed Gala Ball. Fire dancers greeted attendees as they stepped off the trolley’s that transported them from Fitzgerald Theater to the Gala. Upon entering, ice sculptures and Brazilian Capoiera Dancers entertained while an assortment of spirits were consumed and attendees mingled with filmmmakers and celebrities.A relaxing yet party-filled atmosphere was had on the VIP Boat Cruise down the Mississippi. Attendees boarded the tripl-decker Paddelford Packet boat and were entertained by three live bands and two open bars.The Onion newspaper threw one of the most outrageous events of the week. Live music, open bar and plenty of socilites graced the event and partied until they were forced to leave.Our saucy Burlesque Show proved to be an attendee favorite. Le Cirque Rouge danced and sang the night away while dressed…and undressed… scantly clad.The Closing Night was bittersweet. Tired bodies from the weeks events filled Fitzgerald Theater for one final celebration. 12 awards were given out to recognize many deserving films. A special treat by Dreamworks Animation and two up and coming documentarians brought the first annual Solstice Film Festival to a close. We are now back at it, planning what will be a bigger and better 2007 Solstice Film Festival. Local, national and international exposure was brought to Solstice Film Festival in 2006. All media eyes will be on us again as everyone waits to see what we have planned for 2007.SEE YOU THERE!