Haute Weekend Happenings

Just as haute local’s have recovered from last week’s knock-down, bang-out Waikiki Edition opening festivities, fund-raising and gala seasons collide this weekend with the annual Eurocinema Awards Gala and IONA Contemporary Dance Theater Gala. Time to get your finest garb pressed and polished Oahu. It’s gala time!

Friday, Oct. 22: Eurocinema Hawaii Awards Gala

This festive evening, hosted by E! personality Debbie Matenopolous, will celebrate the finest in European films and benefit student filmmakers from the University of Hawaii System’s Academy for Creative Media. The 2010 Princess Dialta Alliata di Montereale Award for Best Film as well as Best Student Film, Best Director, Best Actress and Best Actor awards will be presented. Guests will enjoy hor d’oeuvres, Champagne and specially created libations on the Moana Surfrider Hotel Diamond Head Lawn while listening to tunes by DJ Patrick “Spike” Park. And, if that weren’t enough to lure film buffs, Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss will be in attendance at the annual gala. Black-tie preferred. Tickets are $100.

For more information visit www.eurocinemahawaii.org.

Saturday, Oct. 23: Iona Presents Lemuria

IONA Contemporary Dance Theater celebrates 20 years of creative performance with their annual fund-raising gala this Saturday at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel’s Helumoa pool. IONA, a Hawaii legend for avant-garde theatrics, will evoke the pleasures of mythic Lemuria in this year’s performance. In addition to captivating performances and costumes, gala-goers will enjoy food stations themed to the five elements by guest chef Jon Matsubara of Azure Restaurant at the neighboring Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Silent auction begins at 6 p.m. Dinner follows at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $250 and tables are available from $2,000 to $10,000.

For more information call 808.262.0110.