Westin Galleria Hotel
Dallas, Texas
Saturday, October 15, 2005

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"Spectacular!" That's the way WIF.D president Shirley Thompson summed up the 2005 Topaz Gala, held Saturday, October 15, in honor of several distinguished Texas women who have made outstanding contributions in the film and television industry. 

The evening was highlighted by film luminary and former Dallas school teacher Irma P. Hall, accepting the Topaz Award for her outstanding achievements as an actor on film and on stage. "I accept this award on behalf of my mother and father, my ancestors, and the women who filled my vase with flowers when I was young," said Ms. Irma. She inspired the Topaz gliterati with heartfelt words about the women who have supported her throughout her long career.

The award was presented to her by Golden Globe winning actress, director and playwright Regina Taylor, an old friend of Ms. Irma's, who spoke glowingly of her as a mentor, poet, artist and friend.

Topaz Chair Carolyn Kynard hosted the evening's events for the second year. "It's the biggest attendance of any Topaz I can remember," said WIF.D president emeritus Joan Murphy Rosenzweig. "Carolyn and Jane (Ketcham, Topaz co-chair) have set a standard for elegance for Topaz and for events in Dallas." Indeed, the room was stunning, with red draped chairs, and a dozen red roses adorning every table. Tall white illuminated columns with the image of the Goddess and red roses adorning every table.

One of the most moving moments of the evening came when WIF.D Vice President Cynthia Salzman Mondell and filmmaker Allen Mondell presented the Gratitude Award to Circle R Media CEO Ed Delaney. Ed passed away a year ago and left a legacy of outstanding television work, along with a wide circle of friends and admirers. Ed's widow, Patty Delaney accepted the award on his behalf to a standing ovation. "Ed loved women, and was a big believer in giving women opportunities to excel," said Patty. She highlighted several successful women in television who got their first break from Ed. Speaking of him, she said, "I am indeed the luckiest woman in the world."

It was also a big night for the Dallas Film Commission, who both gave and received an award. The Women in Film Achievement award was presented to WIF.D member and Director of the Dallas Film Commission, Janis Burlund. The opening line of her tribute video said it best, "One woman, over 500 locations." A longtime location scout in Dallas, Janis has been a tireless advocate for the film industry in Texas. The award was presented by Director of the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Philip Jones, who highlighted Janis' recent work as an advocate for the local film industry, heading up the efforts to garner more tax incentives for the film industry in the state legislature, and making Dallas a more film-friendly city.

In addition, the Dallas Film Commission sponsored Advocacy Award was presented to former City Councilmember Lois Finkelman "The arts are like society's rainforest," she quoted. And indeed Lois has battled to preserve and grow that rainforest, through her efforts to bolster the Dallas film industry and as a champion of Dallas arts and culture, including her earlier efforts to establish the Dallas Arboretum.

The award was presented by Janis Burklund and former City Councilmember and 2004 Advocacy Award winner Veletta Forsythe Lill.

Scholarship Chair Cynthia Salzman Mondell awarded scholarships to this year's award winners UNT Graduate student Jessica Schoenbaechler, UT Arlington animation student Laila Maria Talley, UT Austin Film student Amy Bench and Angela C. Abbott a Texas native now studying in Boston.

Finally, Silent Auction Chair LeeAnne Locken closed the evening's events with a flourish, sending the party goers back out to the Silent Auction tables where friends and colleagues held bidding wars over the fabulous auction items, raising more money for WIF.D Scholarships.

Women in Film.Dallas thanks the entire Dallas film community for their continued support.