gala opening

The novelty of a concrete pier was celebrated in a September 1909 gala opening, with a playlet starring Queen Santa Monica and Rex Neptune.

But if you do attend a gala opening, don’t forget to take it off before you hit the red carpet, or a festival sheriff will “suggest” that you do.

Prince-Bythewood’s rise is one of the most triumphant results of the Sistas Are Doin’ It for Themselves Short Film Showcase, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this weekend, kicking off with a gala opening Friday at the Directors Guild of America.

But the festival that once sprawled over three-and-a-half weeks is now much more compact: 11 days in seven theaters starting with a gala opening night screening on May 11, followed by a week of virtual screenings.

Those attending Thursday night’s gala opening similarly had to offer a negative test result in the last 24 hours.