June in Livermore: a new Filipino film festival and a chef contest

Livermore is set to host two exciting cultural events this weekend, starting with the inaugural Palate: The Art of Cuisine on Saturday, June 6, and the first Arté Film Festival on Sunday, June 7, both taking place at the historic Bankhead Theater in Martinez. These events promise to bring a vibrant mix of culinary and cinematic experiences to the community.

The Palate event, which runs from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, will feature a culinary competition where Tri-Valley chefs will showcase their skills by creating signature small plates centered around a single color. Guests will have the opportunity to taste and vote for their favorite dish, with jazz musician Jeff Bordes providing the musical backdrop. This event is not only a celebration of local talent but also a fundraiser for the Bankhead Theater and the Bothwell Arts Center, supporting arts education and outreach programs.

The Arté Film Festival, which kicks off the following day, is the first of its kind in the Tri-Valley, focusing on the Filipino American diaspora through a series of film screenings and live performances. Organized by Arté, a California production company founded by Joanne Tan and Keesa Ocampo, the festival aims to make cinema accessible and memorable for the community. Ocampo emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, "We wanted to make the experience of cinema accessible to as many people as possible in the most memorable way."

The film festival will feature screenings of Pixar shorts, "Asian Persuasion," "Diamonds in the Sand," and "The Road to Sydney," with doors opening at 10 a.m. and screenings starting at 11:30 a.m. General admission is $20, student tickets are $15, and an all-day pass is $65. Additionally, the event will include live mural art by Venazir Martinez, a fashion show by La Union Filipiniana, and performances by Tropa and Dot Wine. The full program is available on the Arté website.

Residents and visitors can purchase tickets for both events online, at the box office, or by phone at 925-373-6800. The Palate event is part of Visit Tri-Valley's TWIST Weekend, offering a broader cultural experience. For those interested in following updates or participating in future events, the Livermore Valley Arts website and social media channels provide the latest information and opportunities to engage with the community.