Tippi Hedren in the original sea blue/green Asten Martin used in The Birds
Photo Ohlen Alexander
Birds can attract a crowd in Orinda. Almost every one of the 750 seats in the Orinda Theater was filled on Friday, September 18th for the screening of the Alfred Hitchcock thriller, The Birds. "This was record-breaking attendance," states Beau Behan, Program and Promotions Director for the California Independent Film Festival (CAIFF). "We have been thrilled with the reception and interest that the Festival has received here." Orinda Theater has been chosen as the site of next year's California Independent Film Festival, to be held from April 22nd to the 25th.
Movie-lovers from Lamorinda and points beyond enjoyed the festive atmosphere of the evening as they milled about outside sipping wine served by members of the Orinda Chamber of Commerce. Once inside the theater, attendees were treated to a guest appearance by Tippi Hedren, the actress who starred as Melanie Daniels-the object of avian violence in the movie. "The film screening was a really fun event. It's great to have local access to something like this," said Moraga resident Lisa Labarile, who attended the screening with a group of friends adorned with "birds" in honor of the classic film.
The Birds event kicked off the previous afternoon when Ms. Hedren arrived at Orinda Theater for the unveiling of her celebrity star, which will be the first one installed as part of the theater's new Walk of Fame. About fifty people gathered on the sidewalk outside the theater to get a peak at the star, who arrived in a cherry red Asten Martin. "I'm very honored, and I hope you will enjoy seeing The Birds again," said Hedren.
"I'm a big fan of film festivals. They are so much fun," added the star, who recalled attending the Cannes International Film Festival when The Birds was the opening film. "I wore a white satin gown and cape and walked in with Mr. Hitchcock under a bridge of swords formed by two rows of French guards," said Hedren. She went on to reminisce about the Asten Martin that she drove in the film and remembered that it was a beautiful sea foam blue/green color that viewers never saw because the film was in black and white. At this point, members of the CAIFF Board pulled up to the front of the theater in the original Asten Martin from the film, surprising Hedren with the car that had been fully restored and was still sea foam blue/green.
Pictured at the screening of The Birds at Orinda Theater are (from L to R) Lisa Labarile, Christine Shaffer, Mary Beth Tanner, and Maria Waterman Photo George Retelas
Movie-lovers from Lamorinda and points beyond enjoyed the festive atmosphere of the evening as they milled about outside sipping wine served by members of the Orinda Chamber of Commerce. Once inside the theater, attendees were treated to a guest appearance by Tippi Hedren, the actress who starred as Melanie Daniels-the object of avian violence in the movie. "The film screening was a really fun event. It's great to have local access to something like this," said Moraga resident Lisa Labarile, who attended the screening with a group of friends adorned with "birds" in honor of the classic film.
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA