This year's Asian American Film Festival "Silk Screen" kicked off May 9 with "Before the Rains," a Merchant Ivory Production, followed by the Red Carpet Gala benefit at 121 Seventh St.

More than 400 guests gathered at the loft-like space for Indian and Asian food, traditional entertainment including the Mongolian Light Dance, belly dancing and the Chinese Lion Dance.

Many guests got into the spirit of the evening wearing saris. sarongs. kimonos and more.

Rohrich Lexus was the lead sponsor for the event, which was founded by Harish Saluja.

Among those circulating were program director John Rice, India Consulate General Neelam Dao, actor Manu Narayan, Dr. Roxana Barad, director Richtie Mehta, director Santush Sivan, Dr. Vijay and Chris Bahl and Pittsburgh City Council president Doug Shields.