It was an honor being asked to present longtime Malibu resident Bob Klein with his 2006 Dolphin Award the other day at Castle Kashan. The setting was spectacular, the hostess a knockout and the botulism-free gala buffet was outstanding unlike other recent award ceremonies I attended highlighting achievement in film. The only regret was that I was the second to last speaker and Karen was asking everyone to “cut to the chase.” I deleted two pages of my tribute to save time knowing, unlike others, that “One Hour Party Rental” of Agoura would be removing my utensils at any minute and I was hungry. I passed the truck in the canyon on my way to the event! I admire this sense of urgency if your house is burning or are in line for a morning non-fat triple latte (who let the baristas off the hook) but I think we all need to savor the moment going forward.
Back to Bob. What I most admire is Bob’s undying spirit for an idea that he believes will do some good for the arts. Malibu Celebration of Film, the best idea since the Internet and Saving the Planet (Thanks Al!) features award winning, compelling films from festivals around the world and is presented to the Malibu community every September (www.mcof.org).
I hope more Malibu residents “step up” and help support this significant event. I donated two years of my time “pro bono” (value, 81 bucks) to co-launch this fest so I want to see it grow. You won’t see much “gratuitous whoopi and violence” at this festival but you will see thought provoking, well-crafted cinematic art that will hopefully both entertain and inspire you as Bob has for me the past few years. He is “Chance the Gardener” who walks on water at the end of my favorite film, “Being There.” and is not only a Dolphin but a Saint!
David Leopold Lyons