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June 1, 1998
Anyone who had the good sense to show up at the Sapphire on Thursday for the Florida Film Festival preview party was lucky enough to attend a great blast. It all started around seven or so, when the early-comers were treated to some chit chat with the sideshow performer Johnny Meah. The free vodka, kindly sponsored by Absolut, flowed like proverbial water, and there was a festive air as 8 o'clock rolled around, bringing the new trailer for this year's festival as well as previews from some excellent looking films, including humorous take on cannibalism (Cannibal: The Musical), Alan Arkin in Beverrly Hills (Slums of Beverly Hills), fiesty spoken word slammers (SlamNation) and claymation cops (Animated Shorts).
Following the films, Johnny Meah worked his magic - swallowing swords, driving nails into his head, and even swallowing glowing neon - all while dropping sly one-liners to the crowd. Of all the great entertainment of the evening, this was the part that held the crowd the most spellbound, as they stared in astonishment at a two foot metal bar swallowed to the hilt. Later in the evening, The Tarantulas (newly reformed) played an excellent set of instrumental surf rock, followed by a high energy performance by Orlando avant gardists Obliterati.
Our thanks to the Enzian, other party sponsors Absolut, Full Sail, and Filmmaker Magazine, and a special thanks to the Sapphire for running the party so smoothly.
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Johnny Meah takes the stage
Johnny swallowing a sword
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