Miramonte High School's Chamber Choir performed at the Orinda Theater before the White Christmas screenings Photo Ohlen Alexander

Although the snow and sunshine from earlier in the week had turned to rain and overcast skies, locals were able to vicariously experience a "white Christmas" at the Orinda Theater on Saturday, December 12th. Over 300 people attended two packed screenings of the classic movie musical White Christmas, which was sponsored by the California Independent Film Festival (CAIFF). Santa Claus made an appearance in the theater lobby so younger movie-goers could get their requests in early for what they hoped to find under the tree Christmas morning, and the Miramonte Chamber Choir added to the festive atmosphere with their performance of several holiday tunes. "We were thrilled with the response we received for this event," said Beau Behan, Program and Promotions Director for CAIFF.
The White Christmas screening was the second in a series of monthly classic movie events the CAIFF plans to host leading up to the four-day indie film festival in April. "We are very excited about having the film festival in Orinda," stated Behan. "The reception that we have received from the community has been fantastic." Next month, the CAIFF will screen the Academy-award winning 1975 film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Oscar-winner Louise Fletcher, who played the tyrannical Nurse Ratched in the film, will attend the screening and participate in a question and answer session and VIP reception. Tickets for the January 16th show are available at the Orinda and Rheem Theaters and the film festival website, www.caiff.org or call 925-277-1355.