Kevin Spacey, celebrities, step out to recognize 1st Annual Stella Artois Short Film Project winner

November 2, 1:45 PMNY Drinks ExaminerRobert Haynes-Peterson

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Actors John Stamos, Gina Gershon, Kevin Spacey and Rob Morrow were among the 
celebrities to attend the soiree for the 1st Stella Artois Short Film Project. 
Image Courtesy Larry Busacca / WireImage 2009

THIS WAS NO ORDINARY indy film debut. Last night the stars came out to socialize and celebrate the launch of the 1st Annual Stella Artois Short Film Project, a collaboration between the Belgian beer company and TriggerStreet.com. Kevin Spacey was the host, and introduced and congratulated the contest's winner, Jason Klein. Walking in on the red carpet, and lounging on the sofas at the Meatpacking District's Abe & Arthur were stars of screen and stage, including Brian Dennehy, Jeff Goldblum, Willem Defoe, Gina Gershon, Grizz Chapman and Piper Perabo. (CHECK OUT THE SLIDESHOW BELOW FOR MANY OF THE CELEBRITY GUESTS)

In addition to Klein's winning film "The Perfect Time," guests enjoyed a succulent pairing menu put together by Abe & Arthur's Executive Chef Franklin Becker, intended to complement the evening's lager of choice (Stella, of course). Though everything was fantastic, the chopped chicken liver on warm country bread and the cajun style Stella Artois battered shrimp were particularly popular.

The Short Film Project was announced back in January at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. 10 minute shorts, exemplifying themes of sacrifice and or perfection ("The Sacrifice" is part of Stella Artois's Nine-Step Pouring Process). The judging panel included actors Kevin Spacey, Laurence Fishburne, Sacha Baron Cohen, Judi Dench and songwriter James Blunt. Klein's film, an elegantly dark piece about escaping into one's favorite memory for all time and our inability to ever truly go home again, was selected over nine other finalists. Klein, a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, won a $50,000 prize during a private reception and the possibility of additional exposure on the independent film festival circuit.

"The Perfect Time demonstrates Mr. Klein's talents, and the story really resonated with our panel of judges," Spacey explained to the crowd. He stressed the importance of opportunities like the Short Film Project, particularly in today's crowded, multi-media environment and recession-strapped times. "We've enjoyed creating an opportunity for independent filmmakers to demonstrate their creative abilities.

The Belgian beer company (which also produces Leffe and Hoegarten) has been busy. On October 29, the 2009 World Draught Master was crowned at a large event at New York's Public Library. (SEE SLIDESHOW BELOW)

You can currently view Klein's winning film at TriggerStreet.com