Legendary Bea Arthur has enjoyed a remarkable career.  In theater she starred in the original productions of Three Penny Opera, Shoestring Revue, Fiddler on the Roof, Mame (for which she won a Tony Award), The Floating Lightbulb and most-recently the Tony-nominated Just Between Friends with Billy Goldenberg. 

Her starring roles on television in Maude and The Golden Girls both earned her Emmy Awards.  She is a staunch supporter of Animal Welfare, GLBT rights and AIDS research. Accompanying Ms. Arthur on piano is accomplished musical composer Billy Goldenberg.  Mr. Goldenberg has received over 30 Emmy nominations and 4 wins and his music has been recorded by Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross and Liza Minelli.

The feature film directorial debut by Broadway playwright and Hollywood screenwriter Craig Lucas (Longtime Companion, Prelude to a Kiss, Reckless), on a new screening venue (the James L. Knight Center) with an epic scope worthy of this Hitchcockian thriller of lust, deceit and revenge. For more info CLICK HERE

Listen to hot new Miami DJ Oren Nizri heat up the night with his
vivacious dance rhythms. Enjoy contributions from some of Miami's
finest caterers and restaurants, Elements Event Couture, Classic Fair Catering, Tuscan Steak and China Grill while lounging on the
comfortable, sleek furniture brought in especially for tonight's event by Nuage Furniture. Our sexy boy and girl bartenders and waitstaff will tantalize you with daring concoctions from our opening night gala sponsors Absolut, as well as our official sparkling wine sponsor Asti 187 and official bottled water sponsor Perrier.

Through the glass walkway from the JLK Center and up the Bank of America International Tower's main tower to the famous 11th floor SkyLobby, enjoy one of the biggest night of South Florida's GLBT social season - our legendary Opening Night Gala party.  Enjoy a spectacular outdoor terrace with stunning views of Biscayne Bay, South Beach, Fisher Island and Key Biscayne. 

A silent auction table with some outstanding deals ready for you to steal for a song waits inside the marble lobby, for details click
here. Courtesy of our SkyLobby hosts, the entire Bank of America building will be lit up in MGLFF colors for the entire county to see
from far and wide...so let the spirit of the evening carry you away with its a uniquely Miami flavor of film, food, drink & party party
party! Don't forget to grab one of our presenting sponsor Sundance Channel's opening night goody bags on the way out - stuffed with treats that will keep you thinking of the MGLFF opening night gala for the rest of our 10 days of cinema.