Palm Beach, Florida is more than a place, it is a destination. Synonymous with Florida's exotic beauty as well as a chic resort for the uber-wealthy for more than a century, Palm Beach, the island, and the surrounding county that also bears its name, is a place of wonderment that attracts tourists from all over the U.S. and points beyond. The attraction of being close to (if not a part of) the playground of the super-rich, the area has grown in the past few decades into a destination known for its high standards in architecture, culture, cuisine and community standards. For those who find Miami too cha-cha-cha and Naples too stuffy and proper, Palm Beach has reaped the rewards of its unique culture and the diversity of its ever expanding population.

A little history.....Palm Beach was established as a resort by Henry Morrison Flagler,[3] a founder of Standard Oil, who made the Atlantic coast barrier island accessible via his Florida East Coast Railway. The nucleus of the community was established by Flagler's two luxury resort hotels, the Royal Poinciana Hotel and The Breakers Hotel. West Palm Beach was built across Lake Worth as a service town, and has become a major city in its own right.

Flagler's houselots were bought by the beneficiaries of the Gilded Age, and in 1902 Flagler himself built a Beaux-Arts mansion, Whitehall, designed by the New York-based firm Carrère and Hastings and helped establish the Palm Beach winter "season" by constant entertaining.

A relatively recent and welcome addition to the area is the Palm Beach International Film Festival, a growing regional affair that is attracting attention for its scrupulous programming, efficient administration and a great buzz from past attending filmmakers regarding the enthusiasm of local audiences.

Under the leadership of Randi Emerman, the Festival has expanded its reach to include countries from all over the globe, while reserving a special place in its programming for emerging American talents. With screening held in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter and West Palm Beach, the event is a truly countrywide phenomenon, bringing art films to communities for which they are an exotic import.

This year's slightly shortened event is still brimming with exciting film offerings and special events. The Festival, through its annual Tribute Evenings, does not skimp on the glamour, but the main focus is on reaching out to curious locals with an array of films that engage, provoke and entertain.

This site will bring readers an intimate look at the events of the Palm Beach International Film Festival. Come back and come often.

Sandy Mandelberger, Online Festival Dailies Editor