Models and fashionistas hit the buffet! Musicians start touring! It's our turn to take over the city: The first ever independent film week is here! And the big event kicks off tonight with the premiere of Rodrigo Garcia's Nine Lives.

Things really began last night with the No Borders dinner, a surprisingly good meal at Strata - not the usual piece of rubber that most banquets provide. With some of the stars of the independent film world in attendance (no, I’m not one of them) and many filmmakers, the dinner remained pleasant throughout the evening without anyone breaking down into fawning devotion (except yours truly).

One note to the IFP - next year I suggest two sided badges. Half of lower Manhattan probably thinks there's a PBS convention in town.