BAMcinemaFest 2013 Opening Night Party

Film artists and aficionados alike flocked to the Harvey Theater and Skylight One Hanson last night for the opening night of BAMcinemaFest 2013, the fifth anniversary of the annual festival.

The evening began with the premiere of David Lowery’s gritty drama Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, starring Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck, and Ben Foster. Audiences were also introduced to the brand-new Steinberg Screen, BAM’s newest artistic expansion, which transforms the historic Harvey Theater into Brooklyn’s largest movie palace.

Guests watching the premiere of Ain't Them Bodies Saints on the brand new Steinberg Screen in the Harvey Theater

After the film, guests were ushered down the street to Skylight One Hanson where they were treated to a fair-themed extravaganza in the beautiful and unique venue. DJ Monk-One set the tone with an eclectic mix of dance music while partygoers snacked on the sweet and savory treats displayed in the candy bar at the center of the room. Décor designer Fleurs Bella mixed towering greens and enormous blooms with silver balloons, and caterer Great Performances served up pulled pork sliders and nachos.

Skylight One Hanson opens its doors to hundreds of movie buffs for the 5th annual BAMcinemaFest

Bartenders poured specialty beers donated by Brooklyn Brewery, and guests looking for a more creative way to imbibe were treated to gin snowcones, devised by the mixologists at Brooklyn Gin.

Guests enjoy gin snowcones, courtesy of Brooklyn Gin

Movie buffs partied alongside actors Casey Affleck, Ben Foster, and Alex Karpovsky, as well as directors, including Jem Cohen, Chad Hartigan, and Eliza Hittman—just a few of the many whose work will be highlighted in this year’s festival.

BAM President Karen Brooks Hopkins with President of IFC Films Jonathan Sehring and David Lowery, director of Ain't Them Bodies Saints.

Over the 10 days of BAMcinemaFest, 25 features will premiere, including 24 New York and one world premiere. Four films will screen on the new Steinberg Screen, including The Spectacular Now (James Ponsoldt), Crystal Fairy (Sebastián Silva), Peaches Does Herself (Peaches), and Short Term 12 (Destin Cretton), the closing night selection.

The festival will also include the annual outdoor screening in conjunction with Rooftop Films. This year’s selection, Drinking Buddies, is a new romantic comedy from Joe Swanberg, and features Olivia Wilde, Anna Kendrick, Jake Johnson, and Ron Livingston.

Scroll down for more photos of the BAMcinemaFest celebrations! Click here for tickets and film information about BAMcinemaFest, sponsored by The Wall Street Journal (title sponsor of BAM Rose Cinemas and BAMcinématek.)

Casey Affleck with IFC Films President, Jonathan Sehring

Partygoers make most of the candy and concessions bar

DJ Monk-One entertains guests