Being a frugalista

That "ista" suffix is really cute. It transforms just about any word into an adorable noun and a group that you want to be part of.

One of the latest "istas" around is a frugalista, a thrifty yet trendy shopper. Probably the kind of shopper that devours articles entitled "For babes on a budget" or "How to snag killer finds for less."

I'm guilty of it. Whenever I strut into a store, rummage through racks, discover a totally rad top, skirt, dress, or pair of jeans that's significantly lower than I thought it would be, I internally celebrate and skip into the dressing room. Then, if at least one item fits like it was seriously made for my body alone, my lips stretch into a crazy happy grin.

One of the best things about being a frugalista is knowing how to be resourceful. This includes buying items that double as something else. For example, over the weekend I attended the first ever Frugal Fashion Week event in downtown Toronto. Held at The Drake Hotel, several vendors displayed gorgeous pieces of costume jewelry, clothing, shoes, handbags, and cosmetics. I snagged a chunky silver chain that can be worn as a necklace or belt. Then I saw dresses that can be worn in six different ways. Talk about being purposeful! Those frugalistas are brainalistas too!

All MIFFed out...in a good way

Well, last night was the finale of the Mississauga Independent Film Fest, featuring four hours of shorts, a workshop on working with the RED camera, the closing night feature (Left Side of Night), and of course, the Award Ceremony held at West 50.

Here are the official MIFF 2009 winners:

BEST SHORT FILM:
“Deadspiel” by Jay Molloy

BEST ANIMATION:
“Skylight” by David Baas

BEST MUSIC VIDEO:
Simple Plan’s “Save You” by RT!

BEST FEATURE FILM:
“Gangster Exchange” by Dean Bajramovic

For more in-depth coverage and statements by Matthew and Jeff Campagna, MIFF founders, visit the latest posting on my Entertainment News page.

Opening night film shows real talent

Last night boasted an incredible feature film. Directed by Randall Cole, Real Time is a true Canadian indie flick. Shot entirely in Hamilton, Ontario during winter, it relied on rich dialogue, as most of the action took place in a car.

Randy Quaid and Jay Baruchel delivered outstanding performances, had great on-screen chemistry, and both showed intense vulnerability.

Click here for the Real Time trailer!

Tonight: screening of Hooked on Speedman, followed by an after-party.

MIFF-ing at the AGM

Oh yeah, it's the second Mississauga Independent Film Festival, a festival that celebrates homegrown films and a true indie spirit. Founders and filmmakers (and brothers!) Matthew and Jeff Campagna had lots of inspirational things to say last night at the VIP Industry Gala held at the Art Gallery of Mississauga. Writers, directors, producers, actors, and press gathered in an intimate room, mingled, laughed, and supported each others' films.

In such a competitive industry, there was a refreshing feeling of community amongst all the filmmakers...people weren't really interested in being in the spotlight. They genuinely had a deep interest and passion for creating film and sharing their films with others. Damn, that's indie.

Tonight: the opening film is Real Time, followed by an after-party.

Trannysaurus Rex

Ever wondered what an interpretive dance to Jurassic Park would be like? Okay, maybe not. But tonight at the Bloor Cinema, I witnessed a clever shadowcasting of Jurassic Park--that's right. The actors performed the movie on stage, while the actual movie was playing in the background.

A truly resourceful performance, where DNA was shown by an actor wearing a white jacket with the letters "DNA" emblazoned across the back. Dinosaurs galore! Two of them wore furry dinosaur masks and claws. They were pretty sexy. No, I mean it. They were burlesque-dancing dinosaurs.

Creative, of course--but also practical. Let's say someone forgets their cue; they could nonchalantly glimpse at the screen and remember what their blocking should look like. It's almost like having a virtual director in real time!

Tonight was the opening screening of Jurassic Park, Shadowcasting at the Bloor Cinema. It'll play again on Tuesday, July 7 and Saturday, July 11. Other shadowcasting performances include Buffy the Vampire Slayer, REPO! The Genetic Opera, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

If you're looking for a super original night out, check out one of these shows! www.bloorcinema.com.