Film and art lovers gathered for an incredible weekend along California’s majestic Central Coast for the first Carmel Art and Film Festival (October 8-11). From an opening night solo, acoustic concert with Nashville singer/songwriter Griffin House to screenings of Sundance Film Festival winners like “Precious” and  “The September Issue” to brunch with legendary Hollywood composer Alan Silvestri, visitors enjoyed total immersion in the arts.

And the stars were certainly out! Clint and Dina Eastwood stopped by the exclusive Directors Dinner at Mission Ranch Friday Night, and Director Lee Daniels and actress Paula Patton were on hand for Q&A after the screening of “Precious” – a film destined for Academy Award recognition, according to the experts. Saturday night was documentary night, featuring two great films, “Art and Copy” about the advertising world, and the main event featuring “The September Issue” about Vogue Magazine and its formidable editor Anna Wintour. Director R.J. Cutler offered more insight during Q&A after the film.

Composer Alan Silvestri took the main stage Sunday afternoon, wowing the audience with his humor and humility. With a resume that includes some of the most iconic films of a generation – “Forrest Gump,” “Back to the Future,” “Cast Away,”  “The Mummy Returns,” “Night and the Museum,” “Contact,” and many more, Silvestri provided a rare look inside the world of music and movies, including clips from “Forrest Gump” showing the before and after effects of a brilliant score.

The weekend also featured art in all its forms: painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking and so much more. Devendorf Park in Carmel was transformed into a showcase of incredible talent from around the state. A photography exhibit featuring 50 breathtaking photos from exhibitors across the globe was beautifully displayed at the Sunset Center, as well. In addition, more than a dozen local galleries opened their doors to new exhibitions from artists like Dennis Hare. On Saturday night, the festival paired those galleries with an array of area vineyards for an art and wine crawl. Plus, there were four extraordinary V.I.P. after hours parties throughout the Monterey Peninsula.

Sundance Award winning “shorts” closed the four-day weekend. Our first festival was enormously successful and would not have been possible without help from an army of people, and at the top of the list is John Cooper.

Cooper is the director of the Sundance Film Festival, and he curated the main film menu. He brought provocative, groundbreaking films that made a lasting impression. We are profoundly grateful for his support. Plans are already underway for the second annual Carmel Art and Film Festival. Check back regularly for updates and possible mid-year events. For more check out www.carmelartandfilm.com.