CULTURAL "BEST BUYS" WHERE I'VE LIVED #3: FORT LAUDERDALE

Cultural events can be quite pricey, but I've always had a bargain outlet wherever I've lived - Manhattan, Boston, and now in Ft Lauderdale. They're all are must-buy deals if you live in the local areas. To do the cities justice I'm devoting one blog to each of the three. This one, #3, is about Ft. Lauderdale metro.

Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF). South Florida is not famous for culture, so a formidable film society was not what I expected for life in this area. In actuality, FLIFF  is just one of the culture scenes that I've delved into down here.

FLIFF is the membership organization. Cinema Paradiso is its home. The cinema lives on prime real estate in downtown Ft Lauderdale and was born of a classic deco church.

Paradiso is distinctive. The membership flow-eth over with enthusiasm, so every film is like a party. People know each other. They gab. The staff must live there because it's the same people over and over. They are part of the spirit. It seems like everyone takes such pride in what they have created and are raising. I do too in my quiet, out-of-the-fold way.

Paradiso wins the genius award.
In addition to the  continuous flow of large and small indies, the theatre brings unexpected programming to the big screen:  

Old movies. Imagine Citizen Cane, Where the Boys Are, or Monty Python.

5 nights of DGA screenings of Oscar picks -- free and for members only!

"La Traviata" as part of the monthly Opera Series.

Concert events, like Bruce Springstein and Greenday.

Get this: FLIFF also broadcasts special events, like the Super Bowl, Academy Awards, and New Year's Eve -- each with food and drink celebrations for a reasonable fixed price.

For only $70, Membership includes the following:

• Guaranteed 50 free films a year (they say it was over 70 last year)
• About 30% discount on movies
• Free members-only events
• Frequent sponsored sushi and cheese trays
• Jolly good time

The art house is like an old movie house -- it still serves wine, beer and sometimes spirits. Buck sakes during special events are my favorite, and I hear there is champagne at some events.

The cinema offers other amenities too.

Surprisingly enough this not-for-profit enterprise houses the most comfy, springy recliners. Plus, there's not a bad seat in the house. It's virtually impossible to have your view blocked by tall people or big hair. Unfortunately they haven't solved the perfume your neighbor doused herself with issue.

Plus, there is an outdoor, tented patio set up for celebrators and watchers. Paradiso just announced the opening of the Reel Café for pre-work breakfast. I wonder if members will have a discounted ride there as well?

Then of course there is the actual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival, which ran for 3 weeks this year! I suspect it is a big membership drive for them - that's where I was seduced. It was a dynamic film festival  20 years ago when I lived here the first time. I saw world premieres like, "Roger & Me" which brought Roger Moore's work into the public eye. And how about Babette's Feast -- a charming and succulent film that endeared itself into commercial success?

I am thankful that this cultural spot is here and is affordable for me to share with other movie "foodies". Cinema Paradiso is a gem. Find this somewhere else. HA! I knew you couldn't!